- queue to your specialist;
- The price tag has at least doubled.
Changes in air temperature, high humidity, etc. also affect the appearance of the vehicle coating.
Bodywork, paintwork preparation. The amount of chemicals and salts that are sprinkled on our streets simply obliges us to protect the “skin” of our car:
- there are many types of chemical treatment in the form of various kinds of mixtures that are applied to the paintwork of our machine;
- bottom anti-corrosion treatment.
Glass. Any chip on the glass can turn into a crack, making it impossible to use it:
- if it has chips or cracks, it is better to solve this problem before the onset of frost;
- washing agents should be exactly washing, and not vodka diluted with water;
- any washing agents tend to leave a film on the glass, which will not allow water, salts and dirt to stagnate on it for the first time.
car windshield How to prepare a diesel car for winter
After all, it is not always possible to fill in winter diesel fuel or special additives in time. So why does a diesel engine start poorly in winter or does not react at all to turning the key in the ignition? Diesel fuel contains a large amount of petroleum paraffins, which begin to crystallize at low temperatures, the fuel thickens, the efficiency of the fuel filter is reduced or completely blocked. As a result, fuel passes through the filter in limited quantities, respectively, the engine does not work at full power in such conditions. That's why:
- use fuel filter heating;
- fill with winter fuel.
Additive in the tank Fuel system preparation:
- clean all fuel lines and the pump from dirt;
- pour a dehumidifier into the tank, which will prevent water and all kinds of debris from entering the system, threatening a huge amount of trouble.
Locks need to be treated with products that will not allow moisture to accumulate and freeze, this will save you from problems with opening in any weather.
Expansion tank
If you have ordinary water in the tank, tomorrow it will become a stake in the nozzles and it will be impossible to drive, you need to drain it and fill it with a new one. It's time to fill in the "anti-freeze":
- firstly, it will not petrify;
- secondly, when used, it will leave a thin layer on the glass, which will prevent dirt and salts from accumulating.
Pouring anti-freeze into the windshield washer reservoir Battery. Cold is an increased load on the battery, and you need to pay special attention to the condition of the battery, its cleanliness in order to prevent self-discharge. If he fails, you will at least not get turned on, be sure to check his resource in the service:
- it is better to lubricate the terminals with special oil to prevent them from oxidizing;
- It is recommended to recharge the battery twice a year, before winter and after winter.
Seals. Be sure to lubricate the door and trunk seals with special sprays, otherwise there is a high probability of gluing the doors to them. Use wax sprays.
Silicone grease for seals and more Starting the engine in cold weather. Now there are many devices, the so-called heaters. You can and should use them, because it's nice to wake up after a cold winter night and get into a warm car that will take you to your place of work or somewhere else.
Instead of warming up the car, banging plastic on the frozen glass:
- use engine heaters. The system works from the remote control, in addition, the service life of the motor increases;
- it is best to start the engine with the clutch depressed, this will allow it to scroll the engine itself without a gearbox, this will make it easier to start. Winter is a difficult period for the engine, and good fuel affects the cold start of the engine;
- refuel only at proven gas stations;
- after starting the engine, it is better to start moving in a gentle mode, this will allow the engine, suspension and interior to warm up faster;
- change the oil annually. The fresher the oil in the engine, the easier it is for the engine to start, if you change the oil once a year, then it is recommended to change it just before the winter season, synthetics are best, because it is less thick and more suitable for the motor for winter operation.
Timely replacement of oil, fluids in the engine and units of your car will extend its service life and save you from large expenses. Damaged brushes play an important role, especially in winter, when visibility is much worse than in summer, because it is more comfortable to drive with full visibility, and not look at the snow strips that obstruct the view. The brushes are worn out, replace them with new ones.
The fundamental difference between summer and winter tires And of course, rubber, as soon as the temperature went down, it's time to "change shoes" regardless of whether you have spikes or not spikes.
If you use the car, as a rule, in urban conditions, the use of studded tires will not be entirely correct:
- studded tires on dry pavement have a longer braking distance and with a sharp use of the steering wheel, the likelihood of skidding or rotation of the car is higher;
- For the city it is better to use non-studded tires.
Winter tires If the temperature is below 0, summer tires harden and therefore grip deteriorates.
- a car on winter tires behaves completely differently, so get used to the different behavior of your car for the first few kilometers. Winter tires are softer, which makes the car roll more.
Now about the tire pressure, because everyone knows that the air is compressed in winter, and accordingly, the tire pressure decreases:
- do not forget to call on a tire fitting and pump up the wheels;
- if suddenly you are stuck and the car does not want to move forward, you need to reduce the pressure in the tires, which will increase the contact patch with the road, this will help you get out without help.
Tips for motorists on choosing winter tires In general, in winter, the average speed of the car decreases, the braking distance increases, therefore:
- you need to keep more distance;
- prepare for maneuvers in advance;
- don't forget the turn signals.
Following these precautions will ensure the safety of you and other road users.
conclusions
With the onset of cold weather, even if you have prepared your vehicle for the season, you should not forget that you are just one of the road users, and not all drivers are so scrupulous in this matter, because you will not drive in, so into you. In winter, you need to drive with extreme caution, because the car behaves differently than in summer, even on a sprinkled section of the roadway there may be a frozen puddle that is invisible to the eye. Be careful on the road. You should not make sudden maneuvers, unjustified accelerations and braking, it is in winter that a car can behave differently on the same section of the road. We move smoothly and melancholy. As the saying goes: "Slower you go, you will continue."
Knowing how to properly prepare your car for winter, you will extend its trouble-free operation and protect yourself as much as possible when driving. Do not neglect the rules of the road.
And if you plan to use your car in winter and you know that for some reason it is not ready for proper operation, think twice, because this trip can cost you your life, and not only you, but also other road users. It's better to call a taxi.
Almost all drivers remember the saying "Prepare the sleigh in the summer" as this old Russian proverb is more relevant than ever for car owners when the first snowflakes begin to fly. At the factory, during manufacture, the car is prepared for operation at temperatures below -25 °C.
Therefore, if in your region the temperature level drops below this mark, then the car must be prepared for such weather conditions, and this is done as follows:
First of all, start with, namely the electrolyte level in the battery, and if necessary, add distilled water to the “MAX” mark.
Fully charge the battery and check (for all regions except the north, the electrolyte density is 1.28-1.29 g / cm²; for the north - 1.29-1.30 g / cm²);
Let's start in order:
Battery
When it is relatively young (up to 3 years old), then in anticipation of winter it is enough from oxidation and fully charged.
When the battery is old and does not charge to the nominal capacity, then you need to change it even without hesitation, it will surely let you down in winter, since the capacity is weak, it will drop even more with decreasing temperature. In addition, the load will increase - the heater, seat heating, light, wipers, glass heater ... and much more.
With all its advantages, a diesel engine is much more capricious in conditions of negative temperatures. If new cars that have barely left the assembly line rarely create problems for their owners, then an engine that has worked 100,000 km or more will have difficulty starting in winter. To make life easier in the cold season, every owner of a diesel car must prepare his car in advance for operation in winter conditions.
Why does a diesel engine start badly in winter?
The main reason lies in the features of the internal structure and the principle of operation of the diesel unit. Unlike a gasoline engine, in a diesel engine, fuel is not ignited by force with a spark, but only due to the implementation of the basic law of physics: compressing the air-fuel mixture in a limited volume leads to an increase in its temperature to a point at which self-ignition occurs.
But in order for self-ignition to become possible, it is important to take into account the initial temperature of the fuel. If the fuel mixture is initially too cold, there will be insufficient temperature gain from compression and the autoignition point will not be reached. In modern diesel vehicles, including those equipped with engines of the company Cummins, this problem is practically solved by using a swirl injection chamber and a common-rail system. However, radically low temperatures still create certain difficulties during cold starts.
The above is far from the only reason for the problems of winter operation of diesel engines. It is also important to remember that diesel fuel thickens in the cold, which makes it difficult to move through the fuel system and especially injection. For this reason, in winter, gas stations sell winter grades of diesel fuel with special additives that prevent thickening. But if you have your own supplies of conventional diesel, do not try to use them in winter.
Finally, the engine is prevented from starting normally, which thickens at a negative temperature and prevents other nodes from moving normally.
Preparing your car for winter
The above reasons are partial and cannot tightly “freeze” the engine for the winter if all other components and systems are in good order. Starting problems begin when the machine as a whole is in poor condition.
First of all, you need to pay attention to the battery. In order for the starter to be able to overcome the resistance of thickened grease and create compression in the cylinders at the level of 20-25 units, it needs a lot of energy. And he can take it only from the battery. That is why it is so important to check the battery on the eve of winter and make sure that it produces enough power. An old battery is quite capable of coping with its tasks in the warm season, but for the winter it is better to replace it with a new one. It will also be useful to check the condition of all terminals and the starter for oxidation.
It is very important on the eve of winter to drain all sediment from the fuel filter and tank. Further, during winter operation, this procedure must be repeated at least every thousand kilometers.
It is highly advisable to visit a car service to adjust the injection advance angle. Very often, problems with starting a diesel engine are connected precisely with the fact that this parameter has deviated from the optimal one. In the summer it is not so important, but in the winter ...
It has already been said above that thickened engine oil prevents the engine from starting. At mid-latitudes, where severe frosts rarely occur, in principle, ordinary all-weather oil can be dispensed with. But if in your region frosts of -25 degrees and below are most of the winter, then it is better to replace all the lubricant with a less viscous brand.
Finally, on the eve of winter, be sure to check the condition of the glow plugs. A malfunction in one of them will not allow the engine to be started under any circumstances.
(function(w, d, n, s, t) ( w[n] = w[n] || ; w[n].push(function() ( Ya.Context.AdvManager.render(( blockId: "R-A -227463-10", renderTo: "yandex_rtb_R-A-227463-10", async: true )); )); t = d.getElementsByTagName("script"); s = d.createElement("script"); s .type = "text/javascript"; s.src = "//an.yandex.ru/system/context.js"; s.async = true; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); ))(this , this.document, "yandexContextAsyncCallbacks");
Any modern car is able to work in any weather. But doing a few manipulations on the eve of frost does not hurt at all. Otherwise, troubles may appear at the most inopportune moment. A few tips shared by experienced auto mechanics will be useful here.
Most motorists prepare the car for the winter period as follows: pour anti-freeze fluid into the washer reservoir and change tires. Unfortunately, these measures are not enough, but the direction is generally correct. Consider the main stages of the preparatory procedures.
Tire change
If this is not the first time we are preparing a car for winter, then we will probably immediately think about changing tires. And rightly so - they “change shoes” after the average temperature drops below + 5 ° C. There are several reasons for this:
- Summer tires lose their elasticity at low temperatures, which is not conducive to safety, especially when driving at night on an icy track.
- The grip coefficient of a summer tire at negative temperatures decreases up to 10 times.
- The tread pattern of a summer tire is not able to cope with the snow on the road.
It is recommended to wash both sets of rubber, both the one that will be installed and the one that is removed for storage. It is advisable to rebalance the wheels. True, this is not always possible, because the cord can be deformed due to improper storage. In this case, the only way out can be to buy a new set of tires.
For areas where you will not see clean asphalt in winter, it is better to buy , the choice of which is very wide. If you plan to drive on non-snowy roads, then preparing the car for winter should include the installation of friction rubber. New wheels need to be run in, that is, drive about 200-300 km on them in a calm manner, in addition, this will help to evaluate the behavior of the car.
Revision of electrical equipment
Low temperatures affect the load of the power system, it increases. Of course, first of all, an audit of the battery and generator is carried out. To do this, use a voltmeter, in some models of cars it is built into the dashboard. Voltage in the car network:
- With the engine off, it should be within 12 V.
- Drops down to 10V when starting.
- With the engine running - from 13.9 to 14.5 V.
If the battery is serviced, then it does not hurt to measure the density of the electrolyte - in cold weather it should be at the level of 1.27-1.28. There is a need to add distilled water and charge. Do not forget to inspect the terminals - are there any oxides, are the nuts securely tightened. In frosty weather, even nominal leaks create problems when starting the engine.
A maintenance-free battery is recommended to be checked with a load plug for its capacity. If this indicator decreases by more than 30% of the nominal figure, you need to replace the battery, and do not delay this matter. A decrease in capacitance indicates that the process of sulfation of lead plates has begun, which threatens with an unexpected failure of the energy source.
Spark plugs and alternator belt
In winter, it gets dark late, so the load on the car's electric generator increases. And about low temperatures, when the heating is turned on, there is nothing to say. If we are preparing our car for winter, then do not forget to check the condition of the drive belt - it should be free of scuffs and cracks. If such defects are present, the part must be replaced. Also be sure to check the belt tension.
Do not wait for the next maintenance, but in advance of frost and filters. With faulty spark plugs, the engine starts so badly that it's already cold weather. Even if you recently changed them, there is still a reason to buy a new set and carry them in the car - anything can happen.
Competently preparing a personal car for winter: fluids and brake system
Seasonal maintenance not only saves time and money, but also saves your health. It is enough to imagine a situation when a car flew into a ditch on a suburban highway in a wild frost - the consequences are unpredictable.
Brake control
Some experienced motorists start preparing for the cold with the brake system, but we will check its performance after the revision of the electrical equipment. They begin the procedure by changing the pads, regardless of their level of wear.
Important! Remember that the difference in braking torques is often the cause of skidding.
The second stage is to inspect the brake cylinders for brake fluid leaks. If any are found, then, most likely, the cuffs are worn out and in the cold they can burst completely. Therefore, at the first sign, immediately replace the defective parts.
Important! You need to change the brake fluid every two years, saving is inappropriate here. Be sure to check the brake discs for cracks and wear.
Cooling system
There is no need to remind you that control of the coolant level in the system is necessary not only when preparing a private car for winter, but also at any time of the year. But, motorists with experience recommend generally changing antifreeze with a complete flush of the system every two years. If you did not do this operation before the summer season, now will be just right.
Do not forget to check the liquid level in additional containers:
(function(w, d, n, s, t) ( w[n] = w[n] || ; w[n].push(function() ( Ya.Context.AdvManager.render(( blockId: "R-A -227463-2", renderTo: "yandex_rtb_R-A-227463-2", async: true )); )); t = d.getElementsByTagName("script"); s = d.createElement("script"); s .type = "text/javascript"; s.src = "//an.yandex.ru/system/context.js"; s.async = true; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); ))(this , this.document, "yandexContextAsyncCallbacks");
- In the expansion tank - if necessary, add antifreeze, because the heater will work regularly, and it takes part of the coolant from the system. In turn, the design of heat removal is such that it is designed for the circulation of a certain volume of liquid.
- In the windshield washer reservoir - if water or summer "fly fly" is filled in the container, then it must be changed to a non-freezing liquid. Who prefers make your own frosting , and who - only branded products, here the choice is yours. Otherwise, the water will turn into ice and the tank will have to be heated at home or in a warm parking lot.
Buying anti-freeze liquid from illegal sellers is more expensive for yourself. They usually use technical alcohol in the production, which is a poison. Its vapors, penetrating into the interior of a car, can cause severe poisoning.
Engine oil
According to weather forecasts, the winter season will be cold. Therefore, it is better to change the engine oil in advance. Lubricants with a reduced viscosity index are usually used - 10W40 or 5W40. This is enough to ensure a confident start of the internal combustion engine to a temperature of -25 ° C. If this indicator is even lower, then there is a reason to use products with an index of 0W40 or 0W50.
(function(w, d, n, s, t) ( w[n] = w[n] || ; w[n].push(function() ( Ya.Context.AdvManager.render(( blockId: "R-A -227463-4", renderTo: "yandex_rtb_R-A-227463-4", horizontalAlign: false, async: true )); )); t = d.getElementsByTagName("script"); s = d.createElement("script "); s.type = "text/javascript"; s.src = "//an.yandex.ru/system/context.js"; s.async = true; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); ))(this, this.document, "yandexContextAsyncCallbacks");
Don't Forget the Important Little Things
Many doubt that by evaluating the condition of the wipers, we reduce the likelihood of an accident. But already in the autumn we use windshield wipers much more often. Therefore, when we prepare the car for a harsh winter, do not forget to change worn out brushes. A cracked windshield also does not contribute to safety, because visibility drops significantly at dusk.
Probably every motorist has come across frozen locks and doors. Agree, the feeling is very unpleasant. Not to think how to unlock a lock
in such a situation, it is enough to treat the rubber seals with silicone spray, and spray the universal compound WD-40 into the locks. 
Finish the locks with a few drops of engine oil. Experienced motorists prefer not to use a spray when working with seals, risking spraying the inner lining. They resort to using regular silicone hand cream.
All of the above activities should be performed by any self-respecting motorist. Moreover, there are a few more details that do not hurt to pay attention:
- It makes sense for owners of carbureted machines to clean and adjust this assembly.
- Injection systems must be flushed at least once a year, it is especially important to do this before the onset of cold weather.
- It makes sense to add anti-gel to diesel fuel.
- Make sure that the lighting devices - headlights, brake lights and reverse signaling device are working.
- To quickly clean the windshield from frost, you should buy a convenient scraper with a telescopic handle.
- Put the cigarette lighter wires and a shovel in the trunk.
- The presence of a vest with reflective stripes will not hurt, it will make you more visible on the track and protect your clothes from pollution.
- When preparing a personal car for the winter, it does not hurt to put rubber mats with sides in the cabin. With their help, the floor will be less wet.
- Auto chemistry products such as Anti-Ice, WD-40, silicone grease and ether-based starting fluids will not interfere in the arsenal.
And the last recommendation from experienced drivers - in unstable weather, try not to leave the car in a puddle. In the morning it can freeze, and although the first ice is not able to hold the vehicle, but that will complicate the start, that's for sure. This situation will increase the load on the transmission and motor, and most importantly, ice can cause wheel imbalance.
(function(w, d, n, s, t) ( w[n] = w[n] || ; w[n].push(function() ( Ya.Context.AdvManager.render(( blockId: "R-A -227463-7", renderTo: "yandex_rtb_R-A-227463-7", async: true )); )); t = d.getElementsByTagName("script"); s = d.createElement("script"); s .type = "text/javascript"; s.src = "//an.yandex.ru/system/context.js"; s.async = true; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); ))(this , this.document, "yandexContextAsyncCallbacks");
(function(w, d, n, s, t) ( w[n] = w[n] || ; w[n].push(function() ( Ya.Context.AdvManager.render(( blockId: "R-A -227463-11", renderTo: "yandex_rtb_R-A-227463-11", async: true )); )); t = d.getElementsByTagName("script"); s = d.createElement("script"); s .type = "text/javascript"; s.src = "//an.yandex.ru/system/context.js"; s.async = true; t.parentNode.insertBefore(s, t); ))(this , this.document, "yandexContextAsyncCallbacks");
The climate of central Russia is unique: it is practically the only place on our planet where bitter frosts, when the temperature drops below 30 degrees Celsius, are accompanied by very high air humidity, reaching 60%. This makes our winter the most beautiful in the world. But at the same time, the Russian winter can easily ruin any vehicle, provided that the car owner does not care about his “steel horse”. Diesel vehicles are particularly affected.
Motorists in Siberia and the Far North have accumulated vast experience in operating diesel engines in the harsh Russian winter. Many residents of these extreme regions do not turn off the engines of their cars at night or put coils in the fuel tanks, through which hot water and sometimes exhaust gases constantly circulate. But these are extreme measures for hopeless situations. Basically, recommendations for the operation of a diesel engine in winter are quite real and easy to implement. The main thing is to do everything based on the advice of professionals and automakers.
Which is better: not to know grief or guessing - will we winter / not winter?
Why are there so many in our country? There are well-founded reasons for this. First, there is no carbon monoxide in diesel exhaust. Secondly, diesel, unlike gasoline, is not as flammable as a fuel, which makes the car much safer. Thirdly, a diesel engine feels like a fish in water, but spark plugs and high-voltage wires of gasoline cars will definitely fail in a humid environment. Fourth, diesels have more traction at low revs, which is important when it comes to off-road conditions. And finally, diesel engines have a longer range and lower fuel consumption. Looking at all of the above, one cannot but agree that diesel is good. But for the time being. When winter begins to lay its feather bed, diesel cars become a real headache for their owners. And it's all about diesel fuel, which can not stand the cold.
When paraffin is not a friend
One of the components of diesel fuel is paraffin, which does not make itself felt until the thermometers frolic above 0 ° C. But diesel fuel begins to become cloudy and filled with "threads" of paraffin, which thickens in the cold and clogs fuel filters. That is why there are summer, winter and Arctic fuels, each of which has its own cloud point (-5°C, -25°C and -35°C, respectively).
Diesel fuel modifiers
The only way to deal with rebellious paraffin is to add special depressant additives to diesel fuel. In extreme cases, you can dilute diesel with ordinary kerosene in a ratio of 15% kerosene and 85% diesel fuel. In hopeless situations, you can “drink” a diesel car and gasoline by adding it to diesel fuel, but in this case you will only bring the death of your “steel horse” closer.
It is important not to forget that any additive can only be poured into the tank of a well-heated car. Otherwise, all attempts to resuscitate the thickened fuel will be in vain.
Waxed filters
Photo kazfilter.kz
The use of additives, also called "anti-gels", is not recommended by any of the well-known car manufacturers. Moreover, they are strictly prohibited for use. The main means of struggle that will not deprive you of warranty service is high-quality Euro-4 diesel fuel that matches the season. But you and I know perfectly well what high-quality fuel our tankers “spoil” us with. In other words, we do not have high-quality diesel fuel in our country, and even if there is, then filling a car with it is the same as filling domestic pasta with White Truffle Marinara sauce.
In winter, diesel fuel turns into jelly
Photo youtube.com
But if you have made a firm decision to "sit down" the fuel in your car's tank with the help of a depressant "gravy", then try to choose "anti-gels" from well-known manufacturers, including BP, Shell, Total, Wynn's and others.
The transition period can be considered critical in terms of diesel engine operation. When autumn has not yet resigned, and winter lurks somewhere around the corner, gas stations continue to sell summer diesel fuel. You can refuel in the evening, and in the morning weep over the jelly in the car tank in the middle of the frost. If this happened, then it is better to call a tow truck or ask a colleague to take you in tow and go in search of a warm box where the diesel fuel can “depart”.
Starter candles: serviceability is the key to a successful wintering
It often happens that a cold car in the morning does not want to start. In diesel engines, the combustion chamber is heated by spark plugs before the engine starts. Electronics controls the air temperature and adjusts the duration of the candles. The starter can only be turned on after the candle indicator on the dashboard goes out. In the event that hellish cold reigned on the street, then you can start several warm-up cycles manually using the ignition key. This ensures that the motor will start for sure.
Sometimes it takes a lot of effort to start a diesel engine in winter
Photo azbucabezopasnosti.ru
But such a focus is only possible on older cars, in which the electronics are represented by a minimal set of functions. But in modern models, the electronics independently decides when to turn on the starter - that is, immediately after the candles turn off. That is why it is very important that all candles are viable.
Essential sprays to the rescue
In order to start a diesel power unit in winter, you can use ethereal air filter sprays. Sprays with propane or just propane are effective - pure ether makes starting the engine harder and more destructive.
Oils with viscosity parameters 10W-40 and 15W-40 replace materials with an extended temperature range 5W-30 and 5W-40
But make sure you don't end up with an overdose - the flammable compound can ignite too early and all the pistons will be broken.
On a note
A lot depends on the health of the battery in the cold season. Already at minus 25, the ability of the battery to deliver the required charge drops by about 3 times. If the battery is “running up”, then even the use of special means of starting the engine, as well as warming up, may not work for one simple reason - the crankshaft will not turn fast enough for your diesel friend to please you.
