Latvian winters, which are mostly full of snow, ice and salt-strewn roads, can negatively affect the technical condition of the car. With the onset of spring, vehicle owners are invited to check how certain car parts function after the cold weather, as well as to prepare them for the spring and summer season.
Jānis Vīndedzis, the sales manager of Longo Group, the largest used car dealer in the Baltics, has prepared tips on what to pay attention to after the winter season.
Check the battery
The car battery is one of those parts whose functionality can be affected by cold weather. If the battery is damaged or discharged, there is a risk that the vehicle will no longer start. To avoid this, with the arrival of warm weather, this part so important to the car should be checked. And you don’t always have to go to a car service to do it. Here are some pointers on how to do it. The first thing you should do is check the battery case for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks. If damage is noticed, do not test with an ammeter or attempt to charge. Such a battery must be replaced immediately! If the battery looks fine, the terminals and cables should be checked for corrosion or damage. Corrosion can prevent the battery from charging properly, so the battery should be cleaned with a wire brush before charging.
The next step is to check the battery voltage with a voltmeter. A fully charged battery should read approximately 12.6 volts or higher. If the voltage is below 12.6 volts, the battery must either be charged or replaced. For newer car models, a message about a low battery level will light up on the instrument panel, which should not be ignored under any circumstances. On the other hand, if the battery is older than three years and there were difficulties with starting the car in the winter, it is probably time to replace it.
Pay attention to the brakes
Snow, frost and cold temperatures can also have a negative effect on the braking system, especially the brake pads, so after the cold season is over it is important to check them and make sure they are still in good condition. This can be done in several steps. First, check the brake pads and discs visually, that is, whether there are any visible signs of wear on them. If the brake pads are worn or the discs are worn, they should be replaced, because how well the car can brake depends on them. Second, it is necessary to check whether the brake pedal vibrates when applying the brakes, as this may indicate deformed brake discs. In this case, they may need to be replaced. Thirdly, various noises during their use, such as sharp and cutting sounds, can indicate damage to the brake system. This is one of the signs that the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. Fourth, when driving a car, special attention should be paid to the braking time. If it is longer than usual, then most likely you will not be able to do without a service visit this time. As with batteries, a message will light up on the dashboard of a newer model car to indicate that the brake pads are so worn that they need to be replaced.
Add fluids
One of the most important fluids in a car is engine oil. Low temperatures and winter driving conditions can cause the engine oil in the engine to thicken and become less effective at lubricating its moving parts. This can lead to increased friction, wear and tear, and ultimately engine damage. By checking and changing the oil after the winter season, car owners can prevent these damages and ensure longer engine performance.
In addition to checking the oil level, you should also pay attention to the color and consistency of the oil. If it is dark and dirty, it may indicate problems with the engine or the oil itself. In such cases, a specialist should be consulted to determine the cause of the problem.
Wash off the winter salts
Finally, you should clean your car properly after the winter season. During the winter, the car can be covered with salt and dirt, which can damage the paint and bodywork. After washing the car thoroughly, it is recommended to cover it with wax.
In summary, it should be added that preparing the car for spring after winter is important for its longevity and safety.
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