Suddenly, changing tires in winter is not enough: what mistakes should you avoid?

Before winter, pay special attention to the battery.

Since November 10, it is forbidden to operate cars with summer tires in Lithuania, so changing them for winter tires is the first job that the vast majority of drivers pay attention to. Before the cold season, it is also recommended to check the vehicle’s operating fluids and their quantity (cooling, window washing), the quality of work of the wiper, the brake system and the efficiency of the headlights, purchase a scraper and a Window brush, lubricate the door sealing rubber with special means.

One of the most important tasks as winter approaches is checking the battery condition, which can be done at any repair shop. These devices are sensitive enough, especially when driving short distances, and require timely maintenance; they need to be replaced on average every 5 years, and improper maintenance can ruin the mood at the most inopportune moment, without starting the car on the winter morning.

Paulius Repšys, Director of Development at Žalvaris, the country’s largest hazardous and non-hazardous waste management company, says that proper car maintenance helps ensure the safety of the driver, passengers, and passers-by, but one part no less An important part of this process is taking care of unusable car parts, especially old batteries. Due to the harmful substances they contain, car batteries should not be thrown away or left anywhere.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of conscientious drivers and more and more old tires are being delivered to tire dealers or left at collection points. The old battery should also not be disposed of with household waste or in any other way. Car batteries are waste that contains many hazardous chemicals (lead, sulfuric acid, antimony, and others) that should only be collected and recycled by specialized waste handlers. When batteries are released, they release heavy metals and electrolytes into the environment. , so they are highly polluting and extremely dangerous for health and the environment ”, warns P.Repšys.

Discarded batteries can be left at vehicle repair and maintenance companies or disposed of at large municipal waste collection points. In both cases, the waste collector also pays for the old battery delivered, depending on the market situation, on average about 10 euros.

Common mistake

According to P.Repšis, a frequent driver also changes engine or transmission oils, cabin floor mats and headlight bulbs before winter. All these obsolete waste must also be disposed of properly; not even light bulbs can be disposed of in the household waste container due to the dangerous substances they contain.

“It is more convenient for the driver to leave old vehicle parts and spilled fluids at the auto repair shop where the car is handled. For this, it is important to choose reliable services that have signed an agreement with waste management companies. In this way, it will ensure that the car waste is not found in the illegal garbage, but is cleaned and recycled properly, ”says P.Repšys.

The specialist points out that along with household waste, it is not possible to dispose of used containers of various fluids from service vehicles.

“Plastic containers used for glass cleaners, coolants, and other liquids should not be disposed of in sorting or mixed waste containers. This is a common controller mistake and also an environmental hazard. Typically hazardous chemical residues they remain in these tanks, so they should also be unloaded only in specially designated places, for example, at gas stations ”, emphasizes P. Repšys.

Possibility of recovering some money

The specialist recalls that drivers benefit from the use of transparent services for another reason: the possibility of recovering part of the money paid for car repair services and promoting a legal and responsible operating business.

The procedure that came into force last year allows residents who have paid for car repairs and kept a document confirming the payment to recover up to 400 EUR of personal income tax (GPM) paid next year by declaring income and completing form PRC912.

“If during the winterization of the car it turns out that repairs are also needed – mechanical, bodywork, electronics, injection systems or larger ones, drivers can recover part of the GPM paid. For this, it is necessary to obtain and save a document that proves the provision of services: a sales receipt, a scanned or photographed invoice or a VAT invoice. These documents from the previous year must be sent before February 15 of the following year, ”says P.Repšys.

The most important jobs of the driver in winter:

• Change the tires for winter tires;

• Check the condition of the battery or replace the old one with a new one;

• Check the condition of the windscreen wiper blades;

• Check the coolant level;

• Make sure there is no water in the cooling system that can freeze at negative temperatures. Chilled water expands and can break the containers it contains;

• Replace the summer window cleaner with a winter one and make sure there is no water in the window cleaning system;

• Check the quantity and quality of the brake system fluid;

• If the windows are sprayed frequently and abundantly, check the condition of the ventilation system and the cabin air filter;

• Lubricate the door sealing rubber with a special grease that repels moisture and prevents the rubber from hardening;

• Headlight adjustment: It is important that the bulbs work and that the headlights are transparent;

• Diesel car owners are advised to take care of the condition of the glow plugs and diesel filter;

• Gather and pack a “winter tool kit” in the trunk: glass scraper and brush, gloves, reflector, tow cable, ignition cables.