Cold weather: frost on the windshield, tire pressure… how to care for your car

Cars are cold, especially when they are electric. Frozen windshields and headlights corroded by frost make them less reliable. Their less safe trajectories on icy roads. “ During snowy and very cold periods, we typically see a 10% increase in vehicle claims. “, – points out Christophe Dandois, CEO of Leocare, a multi-service non-insurance company. Here checklist necessary checks for safe driving on the road.

Monitor your tire pressure

In winter, under the influence of cold, it tends to decrease. However, on snowy or icy roads, tires that are in good condition and well inflated are more important than ever. In mountainous areas, many motorists choose winter tires; In urban areas, all-season tires are an additional guarantee of safety, which are attracting more and more drivers.

Take the time to ensure maximum visibility

If you plan ahead, protect your windshield and mirrors at night. Specialty brands offer all kinds of special protection, but a simple unrolled piece of cardboard tucked under the windshield wipers can also work quite well. If you haven’t taken any precautions, you may have to “scrape” to remove the frost.

“A good old squeegee gets the job done,” recommends Nicolas Blanchard, aftermarket manager at automotive distribution network LS Group, “because elbow grease is much more environmentally friendly than de-icing spray. » Whatever happens, avoid getting a warm water bottle on your windshield at all costs – the best way to damage the seals or crack the glass and end up at Carglass… whose disappearance of harsh winters has certainly weakened business. Finally, check your windshield wiper blades. The most far-sighted ones pick them up at night. Also add some antifreeze to your window cleaner.

Check the battery, defrosting and heating systems.

For example, don’t hesitate to turn on your headlights to make sure they’re working at full capacity. This will give you an idea of ​​the battery’s viability. And don’t worry if your start and stop, the fuel-saving automatic engine stop-start system does not turn on. For Renault, the device does not activate below 75% battery charge.

Fill the fuel tank to the brim

TotalEnergies’ advice may seem self-serving. But a full tank “effectively prevents the formation of condensation inside, and therefore water, which, when mixed with gasoline or diesel fuel, creates starting difficulties,” explains Nicolas Blanchard. “You don’t have to be at the gas station every morning to keep your fuel levels up,” he says quickly. Refilling only once, if you are not used to it, allows you to clean the tank around. »

Soften the seals on your doors

Frost loves cracks, and plastic torn from breaking open the driver’s door is a winter classic. A simple solution? “A jar of silicone, which sells for about twenty euros in specialist stores and on the Internet, and a tissue for the care of joints,” recommends Nicolas Blanchard. Don’t like aerosols? “Parents of young children can even use talcum powder,” says the expert. Who continues: “But soap will also be very effective. »

Wash the underbody and wheel arches

In severe frosts, road services sprinkle roads with salt to prevent water from freezing on the asphalt. An ally… temporary, because sodium chloride is the main enemy of bodywork and even brake systems. As soon as the temperature rises, clean the car with a high-pressure jet of clean water. Don’t neglect the lower part of the car, which is more sensitive to protrusions. Some wash centers offer packages that include chassis cleaning.