GPWizard F1 Forum
Everything Else => General Automotive => Topic started by: Wizzo on November 09, 2014, 03:48:39 PM
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Its getting cold out there, here are a few tips to keep you moving this winter.
1. Clearing screen
Don’t pour boiling water on a frozen windscreen to clear it; the extreme temperatures are likely to cause the glass to crack. Instead, fit a frost cover the night before.
2. Tyre pressures
Reducing air pressure in tyres won’t increase traction when driving on snow and ice. In fact, it could make things worse. Keep on top of your tyre pressures by using a footpump or 12V tyre inflator.
3. Opening frozen windows
You can damage electric window motors, surrounding trim and even the glass by trying to open frozen side windows. And even spraying de-icer on the glass doesn’t guarantee they’ll open immediately. So continue to use a de-icer.
4. Replace blades
If your wiper blades are worn, trying to extend their life by coating them in vinegar, for example, won’t work. In winter especially, just replace them.
5. Clear snow
It's no myth that the police can fine you if your car’s roof and windscreen are full of snow, as this contravenes the Highway Code. So clear your car before setting off – and not just enough to barely see.
6. Winter tyres
They're not just for snow and ice – winter tyres hold an advantage over summer or all-season tyres in any weather once the temperature is below seven degrees Celsius. The rubber they’re made of is better adapted to work in the cold and the tread pattern helps shift water quickly, so the tyre can grip the road.
7. Rear-wheel drive
Don't rule out driving your rear-wheel-drive car in snow and ice. By fitting snow belts, chains or socks to the powered wheels, you should boost traction considerably – and this also applies to front-wheel-drive vehicles and 4x4s.
8. Don’t dazzle
Driving with more lights on than you need won’t always help during periods of snowfall. Foglamps can be used when visibility is reduced, but in normal circumstances you’ll only need to use a dipped beam to see and be seen. In using extra lighting, you’re only likely to dazzle other drivers.
9. Disconnecting battery
Many drivers might consider disconnecting the battery if their car is left standing in the cold, but it won’t necessarily conserve power. If anything, it could do more damage than good as alarm power and important computer memory can be lost. There’s no easy way to stop a battery losing charge in freezing temperatures, but you can keep it topped up with a charger.
10. Avoid back roads
Sticking to busier roads makes sense in the worst winter weather. They’re more likely to be gritted and there should be other motorists around to help you if you break down.
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Many truck stops over here sell 12V, folding hair driers. They fit in the glove box & are great for thawing frozen window & clearing frosted glass. I think I paid $10 or $12 for mine.
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Ok, pay attention.
In Canada, a place that knows about winter, we use one thing. It's called a remote starter. Drive down any suburban street early in the am and you will see half a dozen cars idling in their driveways while their owners shower or have breakfast. 10 minutes later, car is toasty warm, all windows are clear.
The other thing we use is salt (ok, not technically salt, but all the properties of salt). By the ton. The roads are only dangerous during or immediately after a storm. An hour or so later it is little more than liquid salt that will eat away at everything from your fenders, your exhaust system to your nice leather shoes. You can always tell a Canadian at an airport in the winter, it's the person with the white stained shoes with all the dried salt.
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These tips will come in very handy on frigid 60' winter days.
:tease:
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:DD :DD :DD
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tip 11-move to Flordia