What do you know about winches?

**Ropes for Winches**

As we know, a winch rope should be regularly inspected and properly maintained. Depending on usage, it is advisable to have the rope checked by a mechanic every few years or even annually. They likely have more experience, which can help us prevent premature wear of the winch, especially if water instead of grease has entered the device. If we plan to purchase an electric winch for off-road use, it’s a good idea to pay attention to whether it has additional sealing of the drum to prevent water ingress. This consideration is crucial for any other applications where the winch is frequently exposed to water. One more thing... surely someone has thought of sealing the winch. Forget that idea. Even if you seal it with silicone, water will still get in. Moreover, you will create ideal conditions within your winch for water to accumulate, which will never be able to escape.

Synthetic rope and its outer fibers tend to wear slightly over time. However, this does not affect its lifespan, but if the fibers become melted, the rope should be replaced. When inspecting the rope, it is important to check whether it has been exposed to any chemicals, and whether its diameter has decreased by 25%.

**Drum, Brake, and Relay Box**

If we notice that the relay is not functioning correctly, it should be replaced immediately (it is not a replaceable part). It is important to remember to mount the relay box in a location away from water. In this case, the best solution is to relocate the box high under the hood.

Car winches, and not only, can incorporate various types of brakes with friction rolls or clutches on the gearbox or with friction linings. This device ensures that the drum does not rotate on its own in the opposite direction to the pulling motion. Its operation relies on the fact that the collector either releases the brake or tightens it, depending on the direction of operation. If the drum is functioning in the correct direction, it releases the brake; if not, it tightens it.

One of the most important components of a winch is, of course, the motor, which is usually powered by a 12V battery. Some designs, however, utilize a 24V voltage. We are, of course, referring to electric winches. Another essential component is the cylindrical drum, whose task is to wind the rope evenly. This is crucial for ensuring proper winding; otherwise, it may lead to blocking or overheating. Such actions can cause the winch to fail faster or shorten its lifespan. Additionally, it is important to maintain the rope under a slight load of at least 5% of the winch's rated pulling capacity. To guide the rope properly onto the drum, rollers or slides are necessary in the construction of winches.

**What about the Block and Gearbox?**

Unlike synthetic rope, the block works better with steel rope. The role of the block is to achieve a straight pulling line while doubling the force and simultaneously reducing the speed. A winch also has a gearbox. The purpose of the gearbox is to achieve a high pulling torque. Its release allows for free unwinding of the rope. It is important to operate the electric or hydraulic winch at least once a month. Why? Because this ensures that the gearbox is properly lubricated, as the motor heats up — this, in turn, will help any potential water vapor to evaporate.