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Driving safely in winter

A harsh winter will test your physical ability and the car's mechanical prowess. Following these simple steps will make winter driving easier.


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Winter is here and going by the reports so far, it's going to be a cold one. Delhi recently recorded temperatures as low as 4.2 degree Celsius (that's colder than London and Shimla) and most of the northern parts of the country are going to see similar weather.
Now while you prepare to shield against the harsh weather, what about your car? Not only does it need some prep to deal with the conditions but also, you need to take some precautions and keep certain things in mind in order to drive safely in winter.


PREP UP YOUR CAR
The first step is to get your vehicle ready for the harsh conditions. Get it checked and serviced and replace parts which show above average levels of wear and tear. Do not skimp on this as it will reduce the chances of your vehicle breaking down in cold, icy conditions.
Clean the car: Clean all windows and the wing mirrors with lukewarm water to get rid of ice or snow and ensure good visibility. Do not pour hot water directly as the sudden temperature difference can cause them to crack. Clean the headlamps and tail-lamps too. If there’s snow on the roof, then remove to prevent it from rolling down the front windscreen under hard braking.
Electricals: Check if all lights including indicators and the rear windscreen demister are working fine. During the hot summer months, we rely on the car’s AC to keep us comfortable while during winter the heater keeps the cabin warm. So ensure it’s functioning properly before you drive off. In case you get stranded, the heater will turn out to be a lifesaver.
Windscreen washer and wipers: In snowy conditions, visibility drops. If the roads are covered with wet ice, then the windshield could get cluttered from the tyre spray of other vehicles. So, keep the windscreen washer fluid topped up. Mix water and concentrated screenwash in the right proportion to ensure it doesn’t freeze. Replace the wiper blades if they are over six months old and get the motor serviced too. 
Battery and engine oil: On cold days, one could experience difficulty in starting the engine. The battery performance decreases with a drop in temperature. If your battery is old, replace it and get the charging system and cables checked. Use an engine oil and coolant that can withstand lower temperatures.
Brakes: On wet, icy or snowy roads, the stopping distance will increase. Check with the service advisor if the brake pads need to be replaced. Also get the brake calliper cleaning and greasing done to ensure smooth operation. 
Tyres: Ensure all tyres, including the spare, are in good condition, have more than adequate tread, devoid of any cuts or damage and properly inflated. Upgrade to winter tyres if you drive on roads that get covered in snow. Always stick to the manufacturer recommended tyre pressure. An overinflated tyre increases the chances of a skid when driving in slippery conditions. If you stay or are going to drive through a region which experiences moderate to heavy snowfall then keep a pair of snow chains in the boot. Practise fitting these on the tyres so that you aren’t left guessing when the need to use them arises.  


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