The key to ignition: how to handle a car in winter
Snow and frost are among the most difficult tests for a car, experts interviewed by Izvestia emphasized. The correct actions of the owner not only preserve the appearance, but also affect the cost of future repairs, as well as the resource of key components. About how to properly care for the paintwork in winter and not harm the engine and other parts of the car — in the material "Izvestia".
How to secure the paintwork
Winter is a real test of strength for a car, experts recalled. Reagents, temperature changes, humidity and cold simultaneously affect the body and internal systems and machine parts.
— Winter preventive maintenance of the paintwork is especially important, — said Nikita Rodionov, Technical director of the international franchise network of car service Fit Service. — The main enemy of the exterior gloss of the car is a chemical mixture of reagents, salt and sand, which is abundantly sprinkled on roads in megacities. The more it is, the faster the aggressive abrasive layer accumulates on the machine.
To save the coating, it is important to visit the car wash regularly, the expert emphasized. You need to wash your car in winter at least, and even more often than in summer.
"The best schedule is once a week," he pointed out. — It is useful to carry out water procedures after a thaw, when the concentration of reagents on the roads is maximum, and the risk of freezing cars is minimal.
Special attention should be paid to hidden cavities when washing: thresholds, arches, doorways, where moisture and salt accumulate, causing corrosion.
— If possible, use a compressor to dry the door joints, trunk lid and hood, — said Nikita Rodionov. — This is the prevention of freezing of seals and freezing of parts. A useful final stage after washing is the application of special protective agents.
The most effective way to preserve the coating is to create a solid barrier between the body and the environment, confirmed Konstantin Ershov, technical specialist at Rossko.
"Hard wax and ceramic coating are used for this," he said. — Wax is a budget solution, its resource is one to two months. Ceramics are a more wear—resistant option, forming a dense hydrophobic layer that repels moisture, dirt and chemicals.
Graphene protective coatings for bodywork are becoming increasingly common in Russia, said Alexey Ivanov, owner of the Alliance Trucks commercial vehicle dealership network.
— Such compositions, unlike the usual ceramics, cope better with winter challenges, — the expert shared. — The molecular structure of graphene allows the coating to be thinner, stronger and more elastic at the same time, which is critical in case of sudden temperature changes.
The main advantage is that the coating reduces the heating of the body surface, due to which water does not evaporate instantly and does not leave the same water spots that eat into ordinary ceramics after contact with reagents.
"The car stays clean longer, and the road chemicals slide off before they can damage the paintwork," says Alexey Ivanov. — The application takes several hours, taking into account the preparation, but it protects for up to two years, even in aggressive conditions. For those who are not ready to bother with surface preparation, graphene sprays exist — they can be applied on top of an existing coating to update the protective properties.
What are the risks for the engine
Cold is harmful to all technical fluids, batteries and rubber products, Nikita Rodionov recalled. It is important to follow the simple rules of operation in winter, which differ from summer habits.
— Remember that even modern injection engines with high—quality engine oil need a short warm—up in place, and then in motion, - he pointed out. — Start the engine, wait for the revs to drop, and start moving smoothly at low revs. This way, the oil will warm up faster and flow to all nodes, and the catalyst will reach operating temperature.
At sub-zero temperatures, the oil becomes more viscous and the pump has to "push" it through the channels more strongly, Konstantin Ershov added.
—Friction is increasing, and the electronic control unit is increasing the fuel supply to compensate for losses," the expert reminded. — Until the engine reaches operating mode, the combustion efficiency remains low. An easy way to reduce the effects of cold is to use low—viscosity synthetic oil, if the manufacturer allows it. It retains its fluidity even at -30 °C and reduces mechanical losses.
It is important to buy goods from trusted major suppliers or to change them in combination with the service at certified service stations, Nikita Rodionov emphasized.
"This way, the driver minimizes the risk of running into a low—grade fake, on which the health of the engine depends," he pointed out.
In addition, a long warm—up of the engine and starting it "cold" are equally harmful to the engine, only for different reasons, Konstantin Ershov warned. When the engine is idling for a long time, the fuel partially fails to burn and settles on the cylinders, washing away the oil film. As a result, the wear of the piston group and fuel consumption increase.
— On the other hand, a sudden start on an unheated engine is also a blow to the mechanics, — the expert added. — Cold oil is thick and does not immediately enter all the lubrication channels, especially in the upper part of the engine. The first minutes after launch are the most critical, and if you immediately give the load, the parts rub "dry".
The optimal mode is to start, idle for three to five minutes, and then drive smoothly at low RPM until the engine reaches operating temperature. This approach prolongs the life of the engine, reduces fuel consumption and protects the lubrication system.
— The peculiarities of car operation in winter are that in the cold the parts become more fragile, both metal and rubber-plastic, so great care is needed in operation, — he noted. — The oil becomes thicker and cannot provide the necessary lubrication from the first seconds of operation, so warming up of all components is required: engine idling, smooth, slow and preferably straight-line movement to warm up the gearbox, gearboxes, rails, shock absorbers.
The rubber elements in the car system also experience special loads in winter, Nikita Rodionov said. Low temperatures make rubber stiff and brittle, losing elasticity, and reagents accelerate its aging.
"All components require attention: from the cooling system pipes to the suspension silent blocks," the expert said. — Before severe frosts, visually inspect all rubber pipes in the engine compartment for cracks, delaminations and drips. Cold will reveal weak points, and outdated rubber may burst when heated under pressure. The same applies to the timing belt and the belts of the attachments — their tension and condition are critically important.
What you need to carry with you
The battery should also be the focus of attention for drivers in winter, Nikita Rodionov noted. In the cold, its capacity drops, and energy consumption increases. Before winter, you should check its charge and electrolyte density. It is important to avoid deep battery discharge.
— Do not take risks using the funds "from the forums" to defrost the radiator of the stove, — said the expert. — They can aggressively affect aluminum parts and pipes. The best solution is to replace the antifreeze in a timely manner with high—quality antifreeze, with a margin for freezing temperature.
Another important element to keep an eye on in winter is the wheels, Konstantin Ershov noted. Even the most durable winter tires will not withstand "drifting on asphalt."
—Skidding, sudden starts and braking lead to spikes flying out: the stronger the grip on the asphalt, the higher the load on the landing nests," the expert explained. — In addition, when driving actively, the tire quickly overheats — the temperature of the contact layer can exceed +30 °C, and the glue holding the spikes simply loses its strength. In winter, it's worth driving smoothly. This not only prolongs the life of the rubber, but also makes driving safer.
In addition, it should be remembered that winter tires are heavier than summer tires, as they contain more soft components. In addition, in cold weather, tire pressure drops by about 0.1 bar every 10 °C. Under-inflated wheels increase rolling resistance, and the engine has to work harder.
— In winter, the car loses its roll, and in some yards the wheels literally "break through" the loose snow, — he added. — The engine has to develop higher revs, and the driver has to put more pressure on the gas. You can help with simple actions: before driving, clean not only the body, but also the wheel arches. Ice growths make the car heavier and increase the resistance to rotation.
Konstantin Ershov reminded that in winter, the trunk of a car should be equipped not only with a standard set of tools, but also with things that will help to cope with typical seasonal problems — from an icy lock to an unexpected skid.
— First of all, you should put a snow scraper, a folding shovel, as well as fleece gloves and a flashlight, - the expert advised. — These simple things often turn out to be indispensable, especially if the car is covered in snow or you find yourself on an unlit road. It is definitely worth carrying the starting wires (cigarette lighter) or the starting device (jump starter).
It is also useful to have a tow rope: the longer it is, the better, the optimal is 8-10 m.
"Don't forget the reflective vest,— he added. — Check your jack, whether it is in good working order and whether it is able to lift the car, to replace the wheel, if in any doubt, buy a new one. Of course, a pump or compressor for pumping tires. In the trunk in winter, there should also be a supply of antifreeze, a low-freezing detergent (-25 ° C and below), as well as an aerosol for defrosting locks and doors. These little things can literally save a trip.
If a person often travels outside the city or along the highway, then a warm blanket or blanket, a thermos of water, and a charged powerbank should be added to the trunk. If there are long delays in the cold, this may become a safety issue, Konstantin Yershov emphasized. Do not forget about the first-aid kit.
"Put some chemical warmers in the first—aid kit: they will allow you to quickly warm your hands after forced work outside," he said. — The latest is a tool. An emergency kit is enough: screwdrivers, keys for 10-12-14, pliers and a cylinder wrench. A properly assembled winter kit in the trunk is not just a matter of convenience, but a guarantee that in any situation you can continue driving or wait for help in a comfortable and safe environment.
The key to the well—being of a car in winter is the regularity of technical inspections and preventive checks, experts emphasized.
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