Indian winter is a misnomer. While some areas are pleasant, others are cold and can have a dramatic impact on daily life. You need to be aware of the drastic changes in climate to ensure your vehicle is protected. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and comfortable winter drive.
Winter car care tips
Maintaining your vehicle well is the most fundamental of needs. It is important to have your car serviced on a regular basis and to replace any worn parts. This will lower the chance of your vehicle crashing. Driving school will teach all the guidelines for safe driving in winter season
Give it an extensive cleaning
To ensure visibility, use lukewarm to wash all windows, wing mirrors and all light units (headlights/tail-lights, fog lamp, etc.) Hot water can cause glass cracking, so don’t use it. Clear snow from areas with snowfall.
Check the electrical
It is important that all lights, both inside and outside the car, work properly. The climate control system must be working properly to maintain a comfortable temperature in the cabin. To keep your windscreen clear of snow and debris, it is important to change the wiper blades and service the motor. A full tank with the right mixture of water/washer fluid is essential to keep your wipers running smoothly.
Check out the engine
Cold weather can cause problems when starting your engine and affect battery performance. If the battery is damaged or worn out, replace it and check all cables and leads. Check the engine oil and coolant and change if necessary. Lower temperatures can cause fluid to become gummy.
Brakes need an once-over
In wet or snowy conditions, stopping distances can be affected. Make sure your brakes are serviced and cleaned regularly. If necessary, check and replace brake pads. Clean and grease brake calipers as needed.
Monitor the tires
Make sure your tires have adequate tread, no cuts or bubbles, and that they are properly inflated. A tire that is too high will cause skidding in slippery conditions. An underinflated tire won’t give you enough grips. You might consider upgrading to snow tires and winter tires. Also, you can use snow chains to practice fitting the tires.
Winter driving basics
It can be difficult to drive in slippery conditions, which can be caused either by water, debris, or accidents. It is important to use the brake, accelerator and steering gently so that you don’t lose control.
If your car is unable to stop due to a skid, you should first be calm and focus on where you are going. To straighten the car, you will need to steer in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear ends move towards the left, then turn the steering towards your right.
Start from a standstill and increase the vehicle’s speed slowly. Do not rev the engine in lower gears if the traction is poor. You can start your car in a higher gear if your car has sufficient torque. However, be careful not to damage the clutch. Some automatic gearboxes include a winter/snow mode, which allows the car to start in a higher gear, preventing wheel spin. Some cars also have winter/snow engine modes that reduce torque and gently increase power.
Avoid changing your direction, slowing down, or suddenly accelerating mid-turn. Instead, slow down before you turn the corner and accelerate once you’ve exited it.
Fog can also be caused by cold weather. This means that you need to adjust your driving habits. Use the fog lamps and low beam headlights to reduce speed. Using a high beam can cause a lot reflection and strain your eyes. Keep a wide gap between yourself and the vehicle in front to ensure that you have a buffer in the event of an unexpected stop.
In India, there is also the possibility of “black ice” forming. This thin layer of ice forms due to the melting or re-freezing water. It is difficult to spot shiny or glossy road surfaces.
Driving downhill on a slippery road requires you to maintain a steady speed. Avoid using the brakes. Instead, use engine braking to control speed. This can be done with a manual using a lower gear. Some automatics have manual control. There are other modes that will stop the auto gearbox’s ability to up shift. The mechanism can overheat if it is constantly pressed down on the brake pedal.
Winter driving essentials
Sometimes there’s no way around a mishap. Sometimes, Mother Nature may be in a bad mood and your car might suddenly stop working due to an unforeseeable issue. It is recommended to keep some basic items in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Stay warm, but take some fresh air
In case of an emergency, a full tank of fuel will be helpful. To keep warm while you wait for help, the climate control system could be used to maintain the car’s temperature. You should not leave the car unattended in a garage/shed or basement. The HVAC system can introduce poisonous and harmful gases into your cabin by keeping an engine running. It is an invisible, colourless, and odourless substance that you will not even notice you are poisoned. You should always have warm clothes and blankets in case your climate control system malfunctions.
Food
While you wait for help, snacks and plenty of water are helpful. A little bit of food can keep your head cool and the water will prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
Chargers and battery packs
If your car breaks down or your phone battery dies, you’ll find yourself in a real mess. You should always have a spare battery and a fully charged pack of battery cells. Also, keep a spare charger in your car.
What steps can you take to make
winter driving more enjoyable? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.
