Page 10:65 Wintertime and before a long-distance trip |
WintertimeIf you yourself wish to check your car in order to avoid unnecessarytrouble before the approach of the cold season, the following advice is worth noting: 1. Make sure that the Glycol additve in the engine cooling system is approx. 50 %. This provides protection against freezing down to about -35°C (-31°F). See page 48 with regard to changing the coolant. 2. Always try to keep the fuel tank well-filled in order to prevent con- densation water forming in the fuel tank. Also use (appropriate for your car engine) a suitable carburettor de- icer, which should be added before filling with petrol. 3. Use more viscous oils for the engine lubricating systems in order to avoid starting difficulties. See oil recommendations on page 46. 4. The Battery has to stand up to greater stresses during winter than during summer, since lighting, etc., is used more often. In addition, the capacity of the battey drops with the temperature. Check the battery and grease the battery terminals. 5. During the wintertime, never park with the parking brake applied but engage first gear or reverse instead and preferably block the wheels. 6. In order to prevent the headlamp/windscreen washer fluid from freezing up during the wintertime, the water in the reservoir should be mixed with anti-freeze (use Volvo washer fluid). This is important since dirt and water are often splashed up on to the windscreen during winter driving, this requiring frequent use of the washers and wipers. Suitable mixing ratio (water/washer fluid) is: Between ± 0° and -5°C: 15 % washer fluid Between - 5° and -10°C: 25 % washer fluid Between - 10° and -15°C: 35 % washer fluid |
7. To avoid being confronted with frozen door locks, "lubricate" them in good time with some graphite. Before a long distance tripIf you are thinking of taking your car on a fairly long journey, have itfully checked. It is always a good idea to ensure that you have, at least on a small scale, the most essential spare parts. Many workshops have special kits for this purpose (bulbs, fuses, etc.). If you prefer to look over you vehicle yourself, the following hints are worth nothing: tion is normal. and fuel leakage. necessary A warning triangle is necessary when traveling in certain countries (In great Britain left-assymetrical headlamps). If you intend travelling to countries where it is diificult to obtain fuel with the recommended octane rating, the engine can be adapted ac- cordingly to a certain extent. |