What Are the Winter Car Maintenance Items?
3 Answers
Winter car maintenance items are as follows: 1. Check tires: In winter, rubber becomes hard and brittle, which not only reduces the friction coefficient but also makes tires more prone to leaks and punctures compared to other seasons. Regularly clean debris from tire treads, avoid using heavily worn tires, and ensure all four tires are of the same brand, tread pattern, and specification. Winter air pressure tends to be lower, so ensure tires are properly inflated to prevent blowouts. 2. Clean the heating and cooling air ducts: During winter, windows are usually closed while driving, making the heating and cooling ducts the only passage for air exchange between the interior and exterior. Cleaning these ducts not only maintains hygiene but also reduces odors from volatile interior materials. On milder days, it's advisable to open windows for ventilation. 3. Prevent paint scratches: Frost and snow can accumulate on the car's surface in winter, containing corrosive chemicals that can damage the paint. Therefore, timely car washing is essential. Choose a sunny day with a light breeze for washing to prevent water from freezing on the car. Also, avoid using cloths that may carry grit to prevent scratches. 4. Eliminate fogging: A common issue during winter driving is fogging on the interior glass, which can blur the driver's vision and pose a safety hazard. To address this, set the temperature control to the heating position, which helps clear fog while providing warmth. 5. Replace antifreeze every two years: Antifreeze typically has a two-year lifespan. Expired antifreeze can cause cylinder corrosion and severe engine damage. Additionally, antifreeze usually has a freezing point around -25°C. If traveling to colder regions, switch to antifreeze with a lower freezing point. 6. Replenish battery electrolyte promptly: In cold temperatures, a battery's capacity is significantly lower than in normal conditions. Therefore, replenish the battery's electrolyte in winter, clean the terminals, and apply specialized grease for protection to extend battery life. If the car is left unused outdoors for weeks, remove the battery to prevent freezing damage.
Last winter, my car almost broke down in the snow, which made me realize how important winter maintenance is. The checklist includes checking the antifreeze's freezing point—if it's too low, it can freeze and damage the engine; tires need proper inflation, and it's recommended to switch to snow tires for better traction on icy surfaces, otherwise, braking can be dangerously slippery; windshield wipers should be replaced with cold-resistant models or use winter windshield fluid to prevent them from failing to clear snow and frost; batteries discharge faster in cold temperatures, so it's best to test their charge state and replace them if they're aging; the heating system must function properly to keep the cabin warm and comfortable while driving; lights should be adjusted to ensure visibility in foggy conditions. I also prepared an emergency kit with a snow shovel, blankets, and snacks in case I get stranded on the road. Every year before winter, I take my car to the shop for a full inspection, making sure the oil and brakes are in good condition. These maintenance habits have saved me a lot of worry, money, and kept me safe.
Over the years of handling vehicle maintenance, I've found that winter projects require attention to several key points. The antifreeze must be tested for its freezing point to ensure it doesn't freeze; tires should be checked for wear and pressure, as low pressure can cause skidding, and snow tires are ideal; the wiper system needs antifreeze to clean the windshield; battery performance drops in the cold, so replace aging batteries promptly; the brake system is prone to corrosion, so ensure short braking distances; the heater fan and ducts must not be blocked for comfortable warm air. I also remind owners to check the brightness of their lights, essential for driving in dim conditions, and to use engine oil with the right viscosity for smooth cold starts. A quick check before winter, taking just twenty minutes, can prevent breakdowns on the road. Developing this habit can significantly extend the vehicle's lifespan.
