It is no secret that winter catches most drivers by surprise, so not everyone has time to prepare for it. The unexpected onset of cold weather complicates driving in several ways, making this period a real headache for drivers. Volkswagen cars are no exception, so owners of this brand’s vehicles should also pay attention to certain maintenance just before the real cold of the year begins. https://www.lllparts.co.uk/ experts, who face similar driver problems every year, tell us more about this.
Heating systems in a car
Many drivers think that a car that is difficult to start on cold, early winter mornings is the only trouble they can encounter as the coldest season approaches. Unfortunately, there are a few more problems caused by cold weather. First of all, it should be noted that winter precipitation is one of the most common factors that can cause unsafe driving. Constantly falling wet snow and rain often make the driver’s visibility poor, so it is necessary to take preventive measures. LLLParts specialists say that every driver should independently check the operation of the rear window and mirror heating, as frozen windows can become a dangerous hazard while driving. If the window heating components do not work correctly, they should be replaced urgently. This is not expensive, but it will undoubtedly enhance safety when driving, even on the coldest days.
Windshield washer fluid
At first glance, this may seem like a minor problem, but on cold days, it can become another discomfort-causing phenomenon. Some drivers forget that summer windshield washer fluid is not suitable for winter use. This is because it does not contain substances that would prevent it from freezing. This means that temperatures below zero degrees cause the fluid to freeze, which can lead to malfunctions of the entire system. In some Volkswagen models, the window washer system is particularly susceptible to such cases. LLLParts experts say that frozen window fluid inevitably expands, leading to cracks in the fluid tank or in thin tubes. If such a failure occurs, the system components must inevitably be replaced, which can be very expensive. Therefore, drivers should start using winter windshield fluid before winter begins. It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent additional problems from happening once winter begins.
Battery problems
The most common problem in winter is battery weakening as cold weather sets in. LLLParts specialists say that this affects absolutely every car driver, so everyone should be aware of it. First of all, while the car is new, battery problems are rare, but after a few years, Volkswagen drivers may have difficulty starting their vehicle on cold winter mornings. The battery faces the same fate as most other VW parts, as they usually wear out. Replacing the battery when necessary is a relatively common cost of operating a car. Although replacing the battery is not avoidable in most cases, it is definitely required to do so to avoid such problems.
