Can a Car Be Left Outside During Heavy Snow?

[VonDante]

During heavy snow, a car can be left outside as long as the outdoor temperature does not exceed the coolant's specified value. Here are some precautions for parking a car in snowy conditions: Maintain Windshield and Headlights: It's best to cover the car with a car cover during prolonged parking. If a car cover is not available, a dry towel can be used to cover the windshield and headlights. Avoid Using the Parking Brake: In extremely cold conditions, engaging the parking brake can cause the brake pads to stick to the braking system, potentially damaging it when the car is used the next day. Replace with Antifreeze: It's essential to use automotive-specific antifreeze. Otherwise, components like the engine oil pan, cylinder head, and radiator may crack due to expansion. In northern cities, using pure water as a coolant is not recommended as it can freeze easily.

[LeLeonardo]

I just went through this last winter. Short-term parking outside isn't a big deal, but leaving it for several days can be troublesome. The windshield gets covered with snow and becomes hard to see through, and the wipers freeze to the glass—forcing them can cause damage. If snow on the roof isn't cleared promptly, it can freeze the doors shut, and the frozen seals make opening and closing them creaky. Most importantly, after the snow stops, ice forms, making it dangerous if the tires freeze to the ground. Avoid parking under trees—snow-laden branches can snap and damage the roof. Also, don't leave items like insulated cups with liquid inside, as sub-zero temperatures can cause them to crack and leak. If you must park outdoors, covering the windshield with an old blanket is the most practical solution.

[Eugenia]

As someone who parks outdoors every day, let me share some practical experience. The biggest risk of parking outside is difficulty starting the car, especially for vehicles over five years old - the battery drains extremely fast at -10°C. I remember last year my neighbor's car battery got completely frozen dead. Frozen locks are another headache - you'd have to use a lighter to heat the keyhole (definitely don't try this!). Later I developed some habits: lifting wiper blades in advance to prevent freezing, and inflating tires 0.2 bar higher than usual. Avoid using car covers during snow/rain as wet covers freeze into icy shells that are harder to remove. Now before snowfall, I spray some anti-rust lubricant on door seams - makes opening/closing doors much smoother.

[GavinMarie]

It all depends on how you handle it. Here in Harbin, we park outdoors in winter, but it's essential to clear the snow from the engine hood; otherwise, when it melts, it can seep into the wiring and cause trouble. Once, I was lazy and didn't clear the snow, and the next day when I started the car, the dashboard displayed a bunch of fault codes. It's best to buy antifreeze windshield washer fluid, as regular tap water can freeze in the pipes and burst the reservoir. If the chassis gets splashed with snowmelt agents and isn't rinsed off, you're sure to see rust spots come spring. When parking outdoors, remember to set the wipers to maintenance mode and lift them up, so the wiper motor won't freeze. Keeping a bottle of de-icing spray in the glove box is very useful.