Winter in in Malawi is always a difficult period for your vehicles. Therefore, it should always be on a daily check, especially the daily oil check-ins. Here are some tips that you should be following to get your vehicle prepared for winter.
1. Battery health: Starting in the cold breeze is the most annoying task. It happens when the distilled water in the battery freezes and inhibits chemical reactions. This issue is most commonly found in old batteries. So, if you observed that your car's battery was weak over the summer, we propose that you replace it or charge the old one during the winter. To be cautious, we recommend purchasing a set of jumper cables if you ever need to jump-start your automobile.
2. Tyre pressure: dew and rain can make roads more slippery and wet, which leads to loss of traction while driving. Things can get worse if your car's tires don't have enough tread depth to offer efficient braking. So, if the tread depth on your tires is less than 1.6 mm, we highly advise you to replace them with new ones.
Aside from maintaining proper tread depth, operating tires with suitable air pressure are also critical. Under-inflated tires have a larger contact patch and can wear out your tires faster. On the other hand, over-inflated tires have a smaller contact patch and give less braking force. If you reside in a mountainous area, you should consider all-terrain tires.
3. Headlight upgrading or repairing: The fog and smog can be dangerous for the people who drive on highways. You should keep your headlights in top-notch condition to avoid any inconvenience. Upgraded headlights are preferred for better illumination.
4. Engine warm-up: The drivers always advise to rev their engines before driving so that the engine can heat up and the oil can lubricate every part of the engine for a better run. Warming up the engine restores their original consistency and guarantees appropriate circulation.
5. Antifreeze: If you reside in a region where temperatures can go below zero degrees, you should consider adding antifreeze to the engine's cooling system. It reduces the freezing point of water, preventing it from freezing. In this manner, you can avoid engine damage caused by the internal expansion of water when it freezes.
