Anyone who has to go to the track on Sunday morning to get fresh rolls from the bakery or to take the children to the football match must take into account temperatures that fluctuate around freezing point. This can cause problems for some cars. We give five tips that can prevent difficulties.
To start smoothly, your battery must be at least 70% charged. And that is often the problem. After all, frost has a negative impact on your car’s battery. Good battery management in the weekend before night frost is therefore crucial. We have listed some tips.
Make as few short journeys as possible
Your car’s battery is charged while you drive. But during short journeys he doesn’t have the time to do that. The battery does not reach operating temperature and comfort functions such as air conditioning require a lot of energy. A few short trips on the weekend often result in a lower battery level, with major consequences.
Consider the lifespan of your battery
A car battery lasts an average of 5 to 6 years. Having it checked by a specialist just before the winter of that fifth or sixth year is therefore not an unnecessary luxury. After all, a warned man is worth two.
Watch your fuel
Diesels in particular suffer from the cold. The latest generation of diesel engines is virtually insensitive to frost, but only on the condition that they are regularly checked and maintained by experts. Please note that petrol stations will switch to ‘winter diesel’ from November. This is a generation of fuel with additives that remain active down to -25 to -30° C. Filling up your tank at the beginning of November is certainly not a bad idea.
Don’t use your handbrake
Being able to start your car, but not being able to get away due to a frozen handbrake, that can also happen. It is best not to use your handbrake on the eve of a frosty night. Put your car in gear (the P position for an automatic) and use wheel chocks if necessary.
…and when you do start
Then limit it to a short “start attempt”. If you try for a long time, your battery will quickly be exhausted. You can also “activate” the battery by briefly activating the headlights, but it is best to switch off all other comfort functions so that all energy can go to the starter motor. If you can, it is best to press the clutch pedal, so that the engine has the least resistance and the battery is put under the least strain.
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2023-11-11 17:30:02
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