While winter is already here, it is not too late to pamper your car with the extra care that it needs this season. And although Indian winters are not always extreme, your car can still take a beating if not looked after well.

Here are a few suggestions to keep your precious automobile in top-notch condition.

1. First and foremost, it would do your car a world of good if you could just give it a few moments to “
   “warm up” and get ready after you’ve turned the ignition on. During this time the computers in the car do a quick self -check to tell you if the critical components of the car and engine are working as expected. Rushing through this process can lead to failures of these components and sensors. Just a couple of minutes will help your car be at its best behaviour and do you no harm either, right?

2. The battery is one of the most important components of a car. Batteries have a tendency to expire without notice at the worst possible moments. All the more so in extremely cold weather, when your battery power can be reduced to half its output. So it would be a good idea to make sure that they have enough juice in them to last you the season, or at least the long drive home.

3. Take a look at the exteriors of the car, because we often forget to take a look at the windshield with a critical eye. In winters, the windshield of your car is subjected to warm temperature inside the car’s cabin and the cold temperature outside, and could take a major battering (also called the “thermal shock”). Make sure that any cracks in your windshield are treated in time, so that they don’t shatter while you are driving.

4. Fogged up windshields can be even the best driver’s worst nightmare. And when that happens, wiping the glass with a cloth while driving is not exactly a comfortable task. This can be taken care of by ensuring that the car’s heater, air conditioner and defogger are in a working condition. While the heater and air conditioner will regulate the temperature in the car, the defogger will help clear condensation. Alternately, wiping the windshield inside out with a soft cloth dampened with glycerine also works.

5. In the cold, the barely visible spots and scratches on your car can turn into permanent blemishes if not taken care of in time. As a result of the cold weather, condensation droplets often accumulate in the paint-cuts, turning a slight peel into a rusty, corroded patch. It is advisable to get the paint work treated before it turns into an assortment of rusty patches on your automobile.

Bonus tip:

It’s always good to carry an emergency kit with you that includes essentials like torch and batteries, jumper cables, flares and a first aid kit. Keep some warm clothes such as a jacket or pullover too in case you get stuck in an adverse situation.

So just a little bit of attention to your car can make sure it stays trouble-free through winter, and you have a smooth ride in cold weather. Enjoy the winter!