User Sign Up   |   Welcome Guest  |  Login  
Home » Articles


Everything you want to know about cars at a glance. Articles that cover what is hot and what is not! Read exciting happening in the Indian and Global Car industry, tips to help you and more...

Latest Articles
More Old Articles
Rate This Page

Prepare Your Car for Winter Driving


Everybody eagerly wait for the winter season in India. As we all take special care of our skin and hair, cars also need attention during this season. Winter driving conditions can be hard, affecting performance and operation of the car. Winter is not far so let’s get prepared for safe and peaceful driving. Winterizing the car helps to increase the vehicle’s life and also save the repair expenses.

Here is a checklist of things to prepare the car for the winter season:
Check the car tyres and make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition


Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition


Always carry chains and ensure that they fit well on tyres and give good grip on the snowy roads


Be more observant as visibility is often limited in winter due to the weather conditions


Refill antifreeze solvent to prevent from icing


Carry an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off the car, a shovel to free the car if it's `snowed in’, sand or burlap for traction if the wheels are mired in snow and most importantly a first aid kit


Engine oil should always be changed according to manufacturer’s recommended interval. If the car is driven in extremely cold climates, dusty areas or operates a towing trailer, then consider to change the car oil every 3,000 miles. Oil that does not have multiple weights in its viscosity rating (e.g. 5W-30) might make the engine slow to start. Check owner’s manual for the recommended viscosity and type of oil for the cold temperature expected in a particular region. For the ultimate protection, consider synthetic oil and a premium filter


Trips to the mountains can take longer time during winter, especially if car encounter storms or icy roads. Get an early start to get enough time to reach the destination


Keep windshield and windows clear for the easy use of ice scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog


Highway speed of 55 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather - but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep seat belt buckled. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction change


When delayed, stay in the vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth and be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems


Keep inside window surfaces clean. This reduces surface fog formation and speeds up the defogging process. The car air conditioning system typically works with defroster and heater to dehumidify the cars cabin for quicker defogging of all windows


Inspect the exhaust system before the arrival of winter as the exhaust system leak can be lethal if stuck on ice or snow and when the engine is running.


Brakes should be inspected at least twice a year. The best time is just before winter and summer to prevent problems in extreme temperatures


Car batteries should be tested before winter sets in. If the battery is more than four years old then they can also be replaced


Tune up the engine periodically, particularly if it is not running perfectly. Otherwise, it will be harder to start during the winter.
» Read more Articles On Windshield Wipers