Preparing your car for winter is just as important as changing your own wardrobe. When the cold months approach, it is not only important to take care of a warm jacket or heating at home, but it is also worth thinking about your private means of transport. If it is to serve you for months to come without unexpected situations, it is good to keep a few points in mind in your plan for a properly prepared driver. If you take the right precautions, winter will not surprise you!
A common cause of car breakdowns is the battery. A lack of regular maintenance, but also of basic tools with which minor faults can be easily repaired, can end up with the need to call for help. You never know under what circumstances you will be surprised by a breakdown, so it is good to be prepared for any eventuality.
Do whatever common sense tells you to do to avoid uncomfortable situations. Start with an inspection, replace your tyres with winter tyres and always carry a car essential. A good torch, a set of basic keys, a windscreen scraper, suitable gloves and even a reflective waistcoat can save lives.
Take care of your battery
Winter is a particularly demanding time for the battery. In addition to checking its condition in the workshop, it is also good to check, for example, the voltage value at the clamps. With the engine switched off, the battery voltage should agree with the standards specified in the operating manual. If this is not the case, it may help to tighten them properly with dedicated tools.
Do not forget to clean the battery casing and terminals with an anti-static cloth, thus preventing unfavourable electrical discharges.
However, in the event of a fault, it is a good idea to have starter cables and a suitable jump starter. In the event of a battery that will not jump-start, it is a good idea to use an NEO automatic charger. However, it is best to avoid such a scenario with the help of a battery tester; a basic tool for checking the state of charge and service life of a battery.
Changing tyres
Before you set off on a long journey - remember to check your tyres. Even when the weather forecast doesn't predict snow or frost, you never know if it will work out in the end. When changing tyres, check their treads. You can measure them simply by using a ruler or a matchstick. Insert it between the tread blocks and read off the value in millimetres. By law, passenger car and light truck tyres must have a tread depth of more than 1.6 mm.
Make sure you have a spare wheel and a jack - and know how to use them. The NEO brand offers a number of jacks that you can use without having to put too much effort into replacing them. Wheel spanners can also come in handy, making it easy to undo even baked-on bolts.
And don't forget to check your tyre pressure regularly. A useful tool for compressed air will include the Energy+ series battery compressor from GRAPHITE.
Check before winter!
Before winter sets in - have your car thoroughly checked. Ask your mechanic or check the condition of the battery, exhaust system, heating and defrosting system, all fluids and hoses yourself.
Periodically try to verify fluid levels with a refractometer. In winter, windscreen wiper fluid wears off much faster than during other seasons. It's a good idea to have a funnel with which to conveniently top up your fluids.
Be prepared for the unexpected
If you are travelling, especially to unfamiliar areas or going on an exciting trip to the mountains - it is worth equipping yourself with extra tools. The inconspicuous shovel, which will certainly not take up much space in the boot, will help to dig a blocked tyre out of a snowdrift. With the help of zip ties, it is possible to fix a torn part, e.g. hubcaps, and a canister with extra petrol will come in handy when there is no petrol station nearby.
No one needs to be convinced to have a sturdy tow rope, glass scraper or repair tape. A tool bag with contents, on the other hand, will come in handy wherever you get to and do not have the equipment of your own workshop at hand.
Don't let the cold get to you
In the event of a car breakdown, the safest thing to do is to get out of the vehicle. In a snowstorm, trying to find the reason for the immobilisation of the means of transport, we may not always have the right clothing on hand. By putting high-quality insulated gloves or a hat with a built-in torch in the boot in autumn, we not only think about safety, but we can also verify the condition of the vehicle in clothing that is suitable for this purpose.
It is also a good idea to have a thermos of hot tea or coffee with you when you go on a long journey. Such a drink will improve your mood and boost your morale in an emergency situation!
Be visible
When a vehicle breakdown occurs and you have to stay on or near the roadway - it is essential to have the right reflectors. The most optimal solution will be a work sleeveless jacket that is visible from a distance and can even be worn comfortably over a down jacket. However, if you want to save space in the car, a compact brace will prove to be a good solution, whose reflectors will also signal to other drivers of our presence by the roadside.
Work comfortably after dark
Nights in winter, especially in areas without road lighting, can be particularly impenetrable. In situations where two hands are needed to repair a minor defect or verify the condition of a vehicle - a head torch or workshop lamp that can be conveniently attached to almost any surface will prove indispensable. The NEO brand offers a number of accessories whose bright beam of light will be invaluable during a night-time intervention.
Przy naprawach przydadzą się ubrania robocze NEO z serii zimowej
