What are the winter car maintenance items?
2 Answers
Winter car maintenance items include: 1. Maintain the cooling system and add antifreeze. When temperatures are extremely low and conditions permit, antifreeze can be used. Before use, thoroughly clean the cooling system and select high-quality, low-corrosive antifreeze to prevent damage to engine components due to poor-quality antifreeze. 2. Replace various fluids. Choose engine oil with lower viscosity. In low-temperature conditions, engine oil viscosity increases as temperature drops, reducing fluidity. Therefore, timely replacement with lower-viscosity oil can compensate for or eliminate this adverse effect. 3. Maintain preheating devices. For engines equipped with preheating devices (mostly diesel engines), inspect and maintain the preheating equipment before winter to ensure it is in good technical condition. Focus on checking circuits and fuel lines during maintenance to prevent poor preheating device performance from affecting engine startability. 4. Maintain electrical equipment and adjust electrolyte density. Appropriately increase the electrolyte density to prevent the battery case from cracking due to excessively low electrolyte density.
Winter brings significant changes to driving, so I perform some maintenance tasks on my car every year. Starting with the tires, checking tire pressure is crucial—too low pressure increases fuel consumption and raises the risk of skidding. It's recommended to use a tire pressure gauge to measure and adjust to the recommended value. Switch to winter-specific antifreeze and conduct a concentration test to ensure it prevents freezing, avoiding engine damage from ice. Batteries are prone to failure in cold temperatures, so test the starting current or clean the terminals, and address any starting difficulties promptly. Replace windshield washer fluid with a winter-grade version to prevent clogging and nozzle damage from freezing. Replace worn-out wiper blades to ensure clear visibility during rain or snow. Brake system adjustments are also critical, as slippery roads require strong braking to avoid rear-end collisions. Additionally, clean and adjust headlights for optimal nighttime driving safety. Clean the air conditioning system's filter to ensure smooth warm airflow for comfort. Keep a bottle of de-icer in the car for emergency window defrosting. Develop a habit of warming up the car—wait a minute after starting before driving to save fuel and protect the engine. In short, regular checks ensure a smooth and safe driving experience throughout winter.
