Every driver knows that with the onset of winter, a car turns into a source of small but daily trials. Locks freeze, the engine starts sluggishly, the battery dies at the most inopportune moment, and you have to drive around the yard as if on an ice rink. Add to this the dirt, reagents, and a quickly soiled interior - and here it is, the complete picture of the Russian winter.
But it's not all that bad. Modern accessories can save motorists from most of these problems. We have compiled a top 5 of useful things that should be in the arsenal of every car owner in the cold season.
1. Lock De-icer
The most common winter nuisance is frozen locks and doors. It is enough to wash the car in the evening and not have time to dry it, as residual moisture will turn into ice at night. Or, for example, the snow melted during the day, and frost hit at night - and now the doors cannot be opened.
Previously, drivers heated keys with lighters and tried to pour boiling water on the handles, but today there is a more civilized solution - lock de-icers.
These products do everything for you: they turn the ice inside the mechanism into water and work in just a few minutes.
How it works: The product is applied from a spray can, you wait the time according to the instructions - and you can safely open the door.
What are they:
- Glycol-based - soft, safe for plastic and rubber.
- Alcohol-based - work faster, but can damage sensitive parts of the lock.
To avoid freezing altogether, after washing or before expected frosts, treat the seals with silicone grease. It creates a water-repellent layer, reduces friction and prevents doors and windows from freezing.
2. Jump Starter
A dead battery in winter is a classic. The reasons are trivial: the cold thickens the electrolyte, short trips do not have time to recharge the battery, and if it is not insulated, the discharge occurs even faster.
In order not to run around in the morning with wires in search of a "donor", it is worth getting a portable jump starter.
Modern models are no longer bulky "boosters" from the past, but compact gadgets the size of a power bank. You can even store it in the glove compartment.
What to look for when choosing:
- Battery voltage. For cars and crossovers - 12 V, for trucks - 24 V.
- Capacity and charging current. Passenger cars usually have 60 A·h, SUVs - up to 80 A·h. The optimal charging current is 5-10% of the battery capacity.
- Starting current. It's simple to calculate: multiply the battery capacity by 3. For example, at 60 A·h, you need at least 180 A of starting current.
Some models are equipped with a built-in compressor - convenient if you need to inflate flat tires in winter.
3. Car Blanket - Warmth Under the Hood
When the temperature outside is below -20 °C, the engine literally "freezes". Warming up takes forever, and if the car is outside all night, it may simply not start in the morning.
To avoid unnecessary suffering, many drivers use a car blanket - a special heat-insulating mat that is placed under the hood.
Usually it is made of fiberglass with a heat-insulating layer of mineral fiber. There are models for specific cars and universal options.
Why is it needed:
- the engine cools down 2 times slower;
- fuel is saved during warm-up;
- the interior heats up faster;
- ice does not form on the hood.
An insulated engine survives the night easier and reaches operating temperature faster - which means less wear and more comfort.
4. Tire Chains
Ice is a nightmare for any driver. Even in the city, you can get trapped: the yard was not sprinkled with sand, or an icy "rink" formed around the corner. And such situations occur regularly outside the city.
The solution is simple - tire chains.
What are they:
- Metal (steel, titanium) - indispensable on off-road, where dirt is hidden under the snow.
- Elastic (rubber, polyurethane) - ideal for urban conditions and short sections of ice.
Such chains are put on quickly, and removed even faster. They are compactly stored in the trunk and help to get out of the most slippery situations without waiting for help.
5. Protective Cover for Rear Seats
In winter, not only the equipment suffers, but also the interior. Snow, dirt and reagents instantly turn a clean floor and seats into a swamp. Especially if children, passengers in wet clothes or pets ride in the car.
To avoid spending money on dry cleaning, install a protective cover on the rear seats.
It is a cover that completely covers the upholstery. Such covers are made of dense, waterproof and easily washable materials. After the trip, you simply remove it, wash it in the machine - and it's clean again.
This is especially true for cars with fabric or light-colored upholstery: the cover will protect against moisture, dirt and salt, extending the life of the interior.
Winter is a test for a car, but a prepared driver passes it without problems. With these simple accessories, winter will cease to be an enemy of your car - and morning trips will become comfortable and calm again.
