Even the most experienced drivers can find their nerves and skills tested during the harsh winters. The long hours of darkness coupled with chilly winds, fog and snow in some parts of India making driving difficult. Here are some tips to warm up your winter worries.
Warming up the engine: It is extremely important not to start driving before your engine is warmed up. Do not warm it up too long by idling - 60 to 100 seconds is usually enough time to allow your engine to idle. A cold engine will warm faster when the vehicle is being driven than when left to idle for long periods of time. When the weather is unusually cold, remember to drive at slower speeds for a few km to give your car time to warm up.
Vehicle Maintenance: Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. Here are a few things that need to be given a check-
Tyres: Tread pattern and tyre wear become critical once it starts snowing and slush is formed. Also a chilly morning is probably a good time to check tyre inflation pressures.
Lights: Make sure the headlights and tail-lights are at their functional best. Fog lights are boon in misty and foggy conditions. But to maximize their effect make sure the fog lights are mounted at the lower portion of the bumper. Also Yellow foglights offer a better contrast and hence more visibility than white light.
Windscreen and wipers: Dark misty conditions demand better visibility. Make sure the windscreen is devoid of multiple scratches and the wiper blades are in good condition.
Radiator and Coolant: In case of extremely low temperatures, a radiator blind can also be used to make the engine operate at optimum temperatures. Even a simple thing such as a cardboard can be used as a blind in front of the radiator also make sure the coolant concentrate is right before winter sets in or it might end up in a frozen radiator.
Battery: Check the battery. It takes more power to start a car in the cold. Ensure clean, tight connections and proper fluid levels. Clean corrosion from battery terminals regularly.
