What Are the Car-Damaging Behaviors in Winter?
2 Answers
In the cold winter, behaviors such as prolonged engine warming, not changing the engine oil, failing to check tire pressure or not replacing tires can all damage the car. During a cold start, the engine oil flows back to the bottom of the engine, and without effective lubrication, the mechanical parts will experience increased wear. Therefore, warming up the engine before driving is essential. However, prolonged warming can lead to fuel waste and increased carbon deposits. In winter, warming the engine for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the RPM drops to the normal idle speed is sufficient. Lower temperatures in winter affect the fluidity of engine oil, reducing its lubrication effectiveness and accelerating wear. Thus, it is recommended to switch to winter-grade engine oils like 0W-40 or 5W-40. The smaller the number before the 'W' in the oil grade, the better the oil's fluidity. The higher the number after, the higher the oil's viscosity at high temperatures, making it more suitable for high-temperature engine conditions. Tire pressure changes with environmental temperature. In winter, tire pressure decreases, and excessively low pressure increases the risk of tire blowouts and fuel consumption. Therefore, regular checks and timely adjustments to the appropriate tire pressure range are necessary.
I've seen many cars develop issues in winter, mainly due to habitual problems. For example, rushing out early in the morning without warming up the engine can cause increased internal engine wear as the oil hasn't fully lubricated when starting cold. Also, failing to check tire pressure promptly can be dangerous on slippery winter roads, as underinflated tires are prone to blowouts or skidding, leading to accidents. If wiper blades freeze to the windshield overnight and are forced to operate, the wiper motor can burn out, and replacements aren't cheap. Not drying the car body after washing and parking it outside can freeze door seams and locks; forcing them open may damage seals, causing leaks. Additionally, car batteries lose charge quickly in cold temperatures—neglecting regular charging or electrode checks might leave you needing a tow truck on a chilly morning. Using improper antifreeze can lead to freezing or corrosion in the cooling system. Road salt corrodes the car body, and long-term neglect can cause rust. That's why I always warm up my car for a few minutes, regularly check tire pressure, and switch to winter tires for safety.
