Winter is over: how hidden car damage is revealed in spring and how much it costs to fix it
The article discusses the common car issues that arise after winter in Latvia and the costs associated with repairs.
With the end of winter, preparing one's car for the warmer driving season requires more than just a tire change. Various maintenance tasks must be performed, which can help prevent unpleasant repairs and ensure safe driving despite the harsh Latvian winter. Ints Purmalis, the head of service equipment and accessories at 'Inter Cars' Latvia, provides insights into the common problems faced by vehicles after winter, including wear and damage to chassis and brake system elements like shock absorbers, brake parts, and suspension components.
The article emphasizes that after the winter months, issues such as disc defects and damaged tires often become apparent. Additionally, vehicle batteries may suffer from decreased capacity due to low temperatures and the practice of short-distance driving during the winter, which prevents the battery from fully charging. This often results in vehicles being unable to start reliably in spring, as their batteries can lose up to 20-30% of their power during colder months.
Overall, the article highlights the importance of a thorough inspection and maintenance of vehicles as winter ends, emphasizing that these seasonal checks can save drivers from significant repair costs and ensure safer driving conditions as the weather improves.