FAQ
Buying a car
When buying a used car, you should inspect the car carefully for rust. Look under the car and along the wheel arches, door edges, and under the door frames. Use a flashlight to illuminate dark areas. You can also use a magnet to check if a lot of filler has used instead of metal, which may indicate previous rust repairs. It is also a good idea to have a mechanic inspect the car for hidden rust damage.
Car care
When buying a used car, you should inspect the car carefully for rust. Look under the car and along the wheel arches, door edges, and under the door frames. Use a flashlight to illuminate dark areas. You can also use a magnet to check if a lot of filler has used instead of metal, which may indicate previous rust repairs. It is also a good idea to have a mechanic inspect the car for hidden rust damage.
Rust protection and treatment on electric vehicles requires special considerations. Although many electric vehicles have parts made of aluminum and other non-ferrous materials that are less prone to rust, they still have steel parts that can rust. It is important to use rust protection products that are compatible with electrical components and to avoid moisture in areas where the batteries and electronics are located. Regular inspection and maintenance are just as important for electric vehicles as it is for fossil fuel vehicles to ensure longevity and safety.
Properly preparing your car for winter and snowy road conditions is important for both safety and driving comfort. A well-prepared car improves visibility, traction, and reliability in cold and slippery conditions.
Electric car
The battery performs worse in the cold, the air is denser, and the car has to heat the cabin – all of this increases energy consumption.
Rust protection and treatment on electric vehicles requires special considerations. Although many electric vehicles have parts made of aluminum and other non-ferrous materials that are less prone to rust, they still have steel parts that can rust. It is important to use rust protection products that are compatible with electrical components and to avoid moisture in areas where the batteries and electronics are located. Regular inspection and maintenance are just as important for electric vehicles as it is for fossil fuel vehicles to ensure longevity and safety.
In general, an electric car’s range decreases by about 20–40% in sub-zero temperatures, but in very cold conditions the range can be reduced by as much as 50%.
Laws and regulations
As a rule of thumb, short headlights should be switched back on two car lengths away from another car. This will minimise glare from oncoming cars and maintain good visibility once you have passed each other.
If you are travelling with your cat in a car, it is safest to travel in a carrier that is securely fastened to the car, for example with a seat belt.
In Finland, drivers are required by law to ensure that their vehicles and visibility from the vehicle are in such a condition that driving does not cause danger.
Road Safety
As a rule of thumb, short headlights should be switched back on two car lengths away from another car. This will minimise glare from oncoming cars and maintain good visibility once you have passed each other.
When travelling by car, the dog must always be secured in the car with a harness or travel in a transport cage.
When driving in snowy conditions, it is a good idea to carry an ice scraper and a small shovel. If you drive on roads that are rarely plowed, you should consider purchasing snow chains. For longer trips, it is a good idea to pack a bag with warm clothes and food in case of an emergency.
Vehicle technology
“Xenon” is the established name for the entire system, even though the light is produced by the interaction of xenon gas and metal halides. Unlike incandescent bulbs, xenon bulbs do not have a filament; instead, the light is produced by an electric arc inside the bulb.
In recent years, LED lights have become increasingly common in cars. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which produces light in an energy-efficient manner. The color tone is determined by the material used.
Some car manufacturers have begun experimenting with lasers as light sources for their headlights.
Currently, this technology is only available in a few very expensive car models, but lasers may become more common in the coming years.