How Often Should You Start Your Car in Winter?
3 Answers
It is recommended to start your car once a week during winter. The effects of not driving your car for an extended period include: 1. Battery drain; 2. Reduced tire lifespan and accelerated aging; 3. Rust formation on internal engine and transmission components; 4. Brake disc rust; 5. Damage to the transmission system. Solutions for a car that won't start in winter: 1. Push-starting the vehicle; 2. Jump-starting with cables, ensuring positive to positive and negative to negative connections; 3. Timely battery recharge; 4. Replacing with appropriate engine oil; 5. Timely spark plug replacement; 6. Periodic cleaning of the electronic throttle; 7. Adding antifreeze; 8. Parking the car indoors or in an underground parking lot.
Over the years of driving in winter, I've found that to prevent the car from stalling in cold weather, it's best to start it once a week and let it run for about ten to fifteen minutes. This helps maintain the battery charge and prevents it from freezing and failing to start. Once, I was away on a business trip for two weeks without tending to the car, and when I returned, the battery was completely drained. It wouldn't start, and I had to tow it for repairs, which was both costly and time-consuming. In cold weather, engine fluids tend to thicken, and regular starting helps lubricate the system and reduce wear. Especially when temperatures drop below zero, I make it a habit to start the car every couple of days to avoid freezing damage to components. It's also a good idea to keep a thermometer in the car and pay attention to the weather forecast, being more diligent on days with severe freezing conditions. In short, developing this habit saves both hassle and ensures safety.
As someone who frequently deals with cars, engines require regular warm-ups in extreme cold. I recommend starting the car at least once a week and letting it run for at least ten minutes to ensure the battery charges properly and fluids circulate to prevent freezing. If the car sits idle for over a week, the risk increases significantly—the battery may discharge deeply, making it difficult to start. Checking battery health is crucial; monitor voltage stability and use a charger if necessary. During cold seasons, parking in an underground garage is preferable to avoid direct exposure to snow and wind. When starting the engine, listen for unusual noises to detect lubrication issues early. Regular maintenance combined with this routine can extend the vehicle's lifespan and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
