Things to Keep in Mind While Driving Cars in Winter

Posted on: Jan 10, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Things to Keep in Mind While Driving Cars in Winter

Driving in winter can be challenging even for an experienced driver. Visibility is significantly reduced due to dense fog in the winter season, and low visibility on greasy or snowy roads makes it extremely difficult to drive. If there is a crash, it becomes difficult to stop the car on a slippery road. The drop in temperature also affects your car and not just road conditions, you will notice a drop in your tyre inflation pressure and battery performance. Hence, preparing yourself and your car with the following car care tips for winters is the only way to ensure road safety during cold weather.

Important Car Care Tips for Winter

Proper winter maintenance of your car will not only improve road safety but will also help in increasing the longevity of your car. Here are some tips to make your car winter-ready.

1. Check your car battery

Low temperature affects your battery’s performance. The engine needs more power to start. Check if your battery is in good condition. If it takes longer to start get it inspected and replace it if it is old to avoid breakdowns during winter.

2. Check coolant and engine oil

Ensure that the coolant level is suitable for the winter condition. If required you can use a lighter engine oil suitable for cold weather.

3. Check the tyres

When the temperature drops the tyre pressure also drops affecting the traction. Hence, see to it that the tyres are appropriately inflated as recommended by the manufacturer. If you inflate the tyre to its maximum limit it can lead to skidding. If your tyres are old replace them with new tyres. If you are driving in a region with snowfall, it is recommended to use a snow chain over regular tyres for better traction over slippery roads.

4. Check the lights

During winters as days are shorter and there is lesser natural light, ensure that all the car lights are working properly. Check headlights, brake lights and indicators. Replace them if they are dim or not working.

5. Check wiper blades and fluids

Ensure that your wipers are in good condition and the level of washer fluid is sufficient because you will use these more during cold weather.

6. Check the brakes

Brakes should be in good condition to drive on slippery roads. Check the brake pads and disc for any wear and tear. If required get them replaced.

7. Check your car’s heating system

Make sure that your car’s heater and defroster are working properly and keeping it warm in the car. Check for any odd smells while using the heater, if there is any smell stop using it and get it checked first.

8. Keep your fuel tank full

Keeping the fuel tank full helps in the smooth running of the engine. It prevents the accumulation of moisture in the tank, which can damage the vehicle.

9. Renew your car insurance

If your car insurance is about to expire, renew it on time. In the winter season, the chances of accidents or breakdowns increase so it is better to be covered. Get comprehensive car insurance online and protect yourself from expensive car repairs.

Tips for a Safe Drive in Winters

To avoid any mishaps during winter, it is advisable to adjust your driving style to cold weather. Follow the traffic rules, avoid rash driving and stay alert while driving. Following are some tips for safe driving in winter.

1. Drive slowly so that you do not lose control and have enough time to react and stop. Be gentle while steering, braking and accelerating. Avoid using emergency brakes on a slippery road.

2. Carry emergency essentials in your car when driving in winter such as spare tyres, toolbox, battery jumpstart kit, first aid kit, power banks and mobile chargers.

3. Keep your windows and windshield clean for best visibility. Keep lowering windows for fresh air circulation during fogs.

4. Maintain distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you so that you have enough time and distance to avoid any accident.

5. Always stick to your lane. Suddenly changing lanes can lead to collisions during low visibility.

6. Keep your indicators on while driving in low visibility. This helps the car behind you maintain an appropriate distance.

7. Use fog lamps and keep your headlights on low beam. A high beam light reduces visibility.

8. Always check weather and traffic updates when going out. Avoid unnecessary travelling. If going for a road trip plan your route and follow car care tips for winter mentioned above.

9. Always carry important documents such as driving license, RC, and a car insurance papers.

10. In case your car is skidding move the steering in the direction of the skid. This will straighten your car.

Conclusion

Winter season is harsh not only for you but also for your car. Preparing your car using our car care tips for winters will ensure you have a smooth drive during the cold weather. Remember that driving safely is important for your well-being and also for the well-being of other drivers around you on the road. In addition to following the above-mentioned tips, also update your car insurance to include roadside assistance. This can be helpful in case of unexpected breakdowns or any emergency on the road.

FAQs

1. Why my car is not starting in winter?

During winter the engine oil thickens which increases friction in the starter making it work harder and putting strain on the battery. To start your car turn off all electrical systems. Turn and hold the key for at least 10 seconds so that engine oil moves throughout the engine. Try this a few times to see if the engine starts.

2. Is it necessary to start my car daily during the winter season, if it is not being driven?

It is not required to start the car daily during the winter season but doing it regularly helps in keeping the engine lubricated. It warms up the engine and reduces its wear and tear due to the cold.

3. How to take care of my car battery during winter?

Examine your battery for any damages or corrosion. If there is any damage, get it replaced. Also, make sure that your battery is charged.

4. How do I find the right engine oil for the winter season?

Lighter engine oil is recommended for the winter season. Check the manufacturer’s recommendation for engine oil according to the temperature.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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