Murad Ali Baig

When the season changes and the roads are wet you have to be ready for slippery roads, fog ahead and a fogged up windscreen. You also need to take a few steps to make sure your car does not let you down.

First look at steps to keep your windscreen clear. When it is cold outside the moisture inside a warm car will quickly fog up the inside of your windscreen. You can wipe it every few minutes but it will keep fogging up. The best way to keep it clear is to put on your air-conditioner at a high temperature and with the vents turned towards the windscreen. This warm air will make the moisture evaporate quite quickly. If you press the compressor button when the AC is on heat mode it will also suck out the moisture and keep the entire inside of your car dry. If you don’t have an AC you can try an old trick. Cut a slice of raw potato or apple and rub it on the windscreen. It will leave a thin clear film that stops the windscreen from fogging up. Spit can also be used but is not very hygienic.

Your headlights may also seem dim. It is a major job to change them but a simple trick can help. Rub the headlight lenses with a little toothpaste and you will be surprised how quickly it makes them much cleaner and brighter. It is also a good idea to carry a powerful torch in case of need.

You must also get your tyre pressure checked because the cold makes rubber harder and lowers the air pressure. Do not over inflate because it will make the tire footprint smaller and more prone to skidding. A slightly low tire pressure is recommended as it will provide a better grip on a slippery road. Also remember to put your best tires on your front wheels because these are the most important for steering and braking. Roads covered with water or snow also splash mud so when you get your car serviced make sure it gets a coat of hard wax to protect it and to save your expensive paint underneath.

One of your worst fears is that your engine will not start. As the cold affects the batteries and makes the engine oil thicker you should get your car serviced and change the lube and filters and the battery acid levels before it gets cold. Modern cars need full battery power so this check up is important because unless there is enough charge the fuel pump will not be able to push fuel to the engine to enable you to do a push start. Your mechanic or a mechanical friend can also help `jump start’ the engine by connecting the wires from his batteries to yours so that your engine can fire. Once it starts, it will take just a few minutes for the engine to warm up. You must then go immediately to get your battery checked.

If your car has a diesel engine make sure that you only fill it with winter grade diesel. There is a summer grade that forms tiny waxy platelets when it is cold and these can choke your fuel injection system and fuel filters. If your fuel tank is full of summer grade diesel get it drained out and store for use next summer.

(The author is the region’s most celebrated automobile columnist)