Expert gives advice on car care before frosts

Maxim Sokolov, an expert from VseInstrumenty.ru, told Izvestia on November 24 that it is worth checking in advance how the windshield wiper blades work. He gave some more tips on car care.

According to him, it is important to check the wipers. If after the passage they leave behind them dirty streaks and divorces, it is likely that the rubbers have worn out. Such wipers will not withstand intensive use in extreme conditions of snowfall and ice. In addition, they will squeak unpleasantly when working, said the expert.

In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to automotive fluids.

"If the mileage after the last TO (maintenance service. - Ed.) is 8 thousand kilometers or more, it is necessary to pour new engine oil. The old fluid thickens in the frost and loses its properties, which reduces the life of the engine and transmission parts," - explained the expert

In addition, it is necessary to check antifreeze, there are special test strips for this purpose. Traditionally, it is changed once every two years. You should not forget to pour winter washer fluid in time - otherwise the water in the tank and on the nozzles will freeze.

The expert reminded that motorists should keep an eye on seals and door locks. As he explained, the rubbers on the doors, windows, trunk and hood poorly tolerate sudden temperature changes from frost to thaw. Silicone grease displaces water and makes the rubber more elastic, so the seals don't freeze to the body and tear. Door locks can also freeze up, so it is worth treating them with a water-repellent spray. The procedures should be repeated after each car wash, Sokolov advised.

At the same time, the expert said that snow mixed with reagents leads to corrosion of metal, if there are chips and scratches on the paintwork. According to him, missteps can be eliminated in a car service or independently with a special marker.

"The bottom of the car, sills and wheel arches are the most vulnerable parts of the car. If there is damage on the protection, it is worth treating it with an anti-corrosion compound," the expert recommended.

In addition, barely visible chips on the windows can turn into cracks in the frost. The reason is the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car. Such chips should be treated with a compound based on epoxy resin.

At the same time, it is worth not forgetting to check the battery.

"Low temperatures dramatically increase electricity consumption and reduce the life of the battery (battery acid battery. - Ed.). In addition, battery capacity is used to heat the interior, seats and steering wheel. Check the battery voltage: when the ignition is off, it should be at least 12 V, and when the engine is running - at least 14 V," Sokolov recommended.

The expert also explained that driving in icy conditions requires careful driving, and the car should have perfect suspension. If the brake pads are worn out, there are backlashes in the cardan shaft, shock absorbers allow rocking and roll of the car, it is necessary to eliminate the faults in the car service, he emphasized.

To use the car in the winter season, according to the expert, it is necessary to buy a snow brush with a soft long pile, "dynamic" rope, folding shovel, "crocodile" terminals, rubber mats, various chemicals - means from fogging windows, liquid for defrosting locks, WD-40 grease.

Earlier, November 8, it was reported that Lada, Kia and Hyundai became the leaders of sales for the three quarters of 2024. This was reported by SberAuto and SberStrakhovanie. According to their statistics, 90% of sales were for used cars. The median check for cars with mileage in 2024 amounted to 1.1 million rubles, for new ones - 1.4 million rubles.