Can Cars Be Left Outside in Winter?
2 Answers
No Hazards of leaving cars outside in winter: 1. Difficulty in engine starting Generally, when the temperature ranges from -10°C to -15°C, cold starting of a car becomes somewhat difficult. When the temperature drops below -40°C, it is impossible to start without preheating. The main reasons for the difficulty in starting an engine under low-temperature conditions are: increased crankshaft rotation resistance torque, poor fuel volatility, and reduced battery working capacity. 2. Increased crankshaft rotation resistance torque As the external temperature decreases, the crankshaft rotation resistance of the engine increases. With the drop in external temperature, the viscosity of the engine lubricating oil also increases, thereby raising the crankshaft rotation resistance torque. This results in a reduced engine starting speed, leading to poorer fuel vaporization quality in gasoline engines and difficulty in ignition. Diesel engines also face challenges in starting due to insufficient compression force and temperature in the cylinder caused by the reduced speed.
Having lived in the north for so many years, it's common to park the car outside in winter. However, if you're not careful, the battery might be drained and refuse to start in the morning. It's best to start the engine once a week to keep the battery active. Snow covering the windshield can be a nuisance, so it's good to have a snow scraper or consider a remote start function to warm up the car in advance. The car body exposed to ice and snow is prone to corrosion, as salt and freezing rain can cause the paint to rust. Using a car cover or finding a sheltered parking spot can reduce the risk. Tire pressure tends to drop in low temperatures, so regular checks are necessary to ensure safe driving. Parking outside saves money and space, but be mindful of theft—choose spots with lighting and cameras. Overall, as long as you maintain your car diligently, parking outside in winter is completely feasible. Just don’t be lazy, and you’ll get through the winter safely.
