A FREE check and a simple cleaning job could be the secret to making your car run better in the winter, according to an expert mechanic.
Scotty Kilmer, who has over 50 years of experience fixing cars, explained how to get the best out of your motor in cold weather.
YouTube / @scottykilmerScotty Kilmer shared some handy tips for keeping your motor running in the cold[/caption]
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Scotty shared some handy hacks for proper winter car maintenance.
He said: “The colder it is outside, the harder it is for your battery to start your car.
“A cold engine is harder to crank over…the oil’s heavier and it’s harder to spin.
“When it’s 0C outside, you lose 35% of the cranking power in your battery.
“And of course, dirty, corroded connections makes it even harder.”
This is largely due to how car batteries generate their electricity.
A current is created by two metal plates submerged in an electrolyte solution.
When the battery is charged, these plates react with the solution to produce electrons, which are passed into a circuit as electrical current.
In freezing temperatures, this process is less efficient as the reaction is slowed down by the cold, making it harder for the battery to produce, retain and discharge power.
Thankfully, Scotty outlined a couple of quick fixes which can help solve the issue.
First of all, make sure to clean your battery terminals (the metal connections on top of the battery) regularly, especially if you see any rust or corrosion on them.
Always make sure the engine is off and that the battery has been disconnected, starting with the negative terminal.
An easy way to clean them is to sprinkle on a little baking soda and then a few drops of lemon juice before wiping them down with moist cotton swabs or a spare toothbrush.
Once that’s done, apply a little petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, to each terminal and reconnect them, this time beginning with the positive.
The second piece of advice Scotty gave was to have your battery checked by a local mechanic regularly, especially if it is over three years old.
Battery health checks are available for free from many major garage franchises, including Kwik Fit and Halfords.
They can then advise you as to whether you need to replace your battery.
This will usually cost around £20 on top of the cost of the battery, likely around £50, or you can fit it for free at home if you are confident doing so.
Always make sure to take precautions when working with electricity to avoid shocks or potential electrocution and get the job done by a professional if you are unsure on how to go about it.