How to Maintain Your Car in Winter?
4 Answers
Winter car maintenance methods are introduced as follows: 1. Wiper Blades and Windshield: Due to weather conditions, wiper blades often freeze to the windshield in winter. Do not force them off; instead, turn on the car's air conditioning, set it to blow air towards the windshield to raise its temperature. This also helps check if the heating system is functioning properly. Regularly clean the heating system to ensure good air quality inside the car. 2. Body and Chassis: The car's exterior inevitably gets damaged while driving, or even when parked. In winter, with rain and snow, the car's exterior is prone to corrosion. Roads are often salted to quickly melt snow, and the tires can splash saltwater onto the chassis, causing rust. Therefore, before winter arrives, thoroughly inspect the car's body, promptly repair any scratches, and apply wax in early winter to protect the paint. A waxed body is less likely to get damp, and ice formation on the car's surface will be significantly reduced. Also, perform rust-proof maintenance on the vehicle's chassis to extend its lifespan.
Winter car condition checks before driving are crucial. I spend time preparing every winter—safety first. Start by checking tire wear; if the tread is shallow, switch to snow tires for better grip and to avoid skidding. Ensure the antifreeze level is sufficient, preferably with a 50% concentrate to prevent freezing and pipe cracks. Batteries tend to lose charge in cold weather, so test the voltage in advance to ensure it's above 12V, and clean any corroded terminals. Replace wiper blades with winter-specific ones and fill the washer fluid with antifreeze solution to ensure clear snow removal. Inspect brake pads for wear—don't wait until an emergency to find they're unresponsive. Warm up the engine for 5 minutes to circulate oil before hitting the road. Keep an emergency kit in the trunk with a shovel, rope, blanket, and a backup power source for self-rescue if stranded. These small steps add up to protect you and your family.
As someone who prefers DIY maintenance, most winter projects can be done affordably. Check tire pressure weekly and inflate to the manual's standards—underinflation wastes fuel and risks blowouts. Purchase winter antifreeze to top up and prevent radiator freeze damage from low concentration. Battery issues are common—keep a multimeter at home to check voltage; if it drops below 11V, recharge or replace. Wiper blades can be upgraded affordably for around ten bucks, and use freeze-resistant windshield fluid instead of water to avoid trouble. Limit engine warm-up to 2-3 minutes for modern cars—saves fuel and is eco-friendly. Keep an old blanket and ice scraper in the car for emergencies. Overall, spending under a hundred on supplies and paying attention to small details can prevent costly dealership repair bills.
New drivers don't be intimidated by winter maintenance, it's actually quite simple. First check if the battery terminals are loose - struggling startup sounds are a warning sign that needs prompt attention. Check the coolant reservoir level and top up to the full line. Inspect tire tread depth, replace if below 3mm for better safety. It's best to replace wiper blades in late autumn to avoid poor visibility. Warm up the engine for about 1 minute before driving for smoother operation. These basics cover entry-level maintenance - time-saving, worry-free and easy to master.
