If you are preparing your vehicle for extreme winter conditions in India, where temperatures can drop significantly, it's crucial to take additional precautions to ensure your safety and the performance of your vehicle. Here are some specific steps to consider:
Install winter tires: Winter tires provide better traction on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. Consider equipping your vehicle with winter tires designed for extreme winter conditions. Ensure that the tires have sufficient tread depth and are properly inflated.
Check the battery: Cold temperatures can significantly affect battery performance. Have your battery tested to ensure it's in good condition and able to withstand extreme cold. Consider using a battery with higher cold-cranking amps (CCA) rating, suitable for harsh winter conditions.
Use low-temperature fluids: Switch to low-viscosity engine oil designed for cold weather, as it flows more easily in low temperatures. Replace other fluids in your vehicle, such as transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid, with ones that are suitable for extreme winter conditions.
Inspect the cooling system: Ensure that the coolant/antifreeze mixture in your radiator has the appropriate ratio to prevent freezing. Consider using a coolant with a lower freezing point suitable for extreme cold temperatures. Check for any leaks or issues with the cooling system.
Test the heating system: Ensure that your vehicle's heating system is working correctly. It should provide sufficient warmth to keep you comfortable in extreme cold. Check the functionality of the heater, defroster, and windshield vents.
Carry emergency supplies: In extreme winter conditions, it's essential to carry a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. Include items such as a first aid kit, extra warm clothing, blankets, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, extra batteries, a shovel, an ice scraper, tire chains, and a portable jump starter.
Maintain fuel levels: Keep your fuel tank at least half full during extreme winter conditions. This helps prevent fuel lines from freezing and ensures you have enough fuel in case of unexpected delays or emergencies.
Check the lights and visibility: Verify that all your vehicle's lights are working correctly, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Keep the windshield, windows, and mirrors clean for optimal visibility. Consider using winter-grade windshield wiper fluid to prevent it from freezing.
Drive cautiously: Extreme winter conditions can result in slippery roads and reduced visibility. Drive at a safe speed, maintain a longer following distance, and avoid sudden maneuvers. Be cautious when braking and accelerating to prevent skidding.
Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and road conditions regularly, especially when planning long trips. Be aware of any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities. Adjust your travel plans accordingly to avoid hazardous conditions.
Remember, extreme winter conditions can be challenging, so it's crucial to prioritize your safety and be prepared for unexpected situations.
Tips
Since you will be traveling in extremely cold climate, it is best to keep yourself warm, as much as possible and avoid taking off gloves while outside (change camera settings before getting out) and if you have to take off your gloves, make sure to put them back on again, as soon as possible.
Avoid moving from hot places eg. heated room/restaurant to outdoor immediately, spend a few minutes between both the places eg. door and let your body get used to the cold temperature, before proceeding further.
Avoid going out with wet hair or cloths, since that can lead to headache or worse, hypothermia.
Make sure to eat regularly and consume plenty of protein and fats, in order to keep yourself warm and energy level up. Regularly munching on dry fruits is a good way to get essential fatty acids and protein.
Make sure to stay hydrated by regularly drinking water and make sure the water you are drinking is hot. Carry couple of thermoses per person and get them filled regularly at your hotel and restaurants.
Also make sure heater isn’t running inside vehicle, unless you really need to warm up fast. Because if the heater is running, then stepping outside the vehicle can cause headache.