What are the winter car maintenance items?

[KevinLynn]

Winter car maintenance items include: 1. Cooling system maintenance; 2. Replacement of various fluids; 3. Preheating device maintenance; 4. Electrical equipment maintenance. Check the thermostat's working condition to ensure it functions properly, preventing the engine coolant temperature from being too low or too high. If the engine frequently operates at low temperatures, it can lead to increased wear on mechanical components. Car maintenance refers to the regular preventive work of inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car, also known as car servicing. Car maintenance mainly covers the engine system, transmission system, air conditioning system, cooling system, fuel system, power steering system, and more.

[RyleeAnn]

I remember last year when I was taking my kid to school, I saw several cars breaking down on the road. Winter maintenance is all about focusing on the key points: you’ve got to switch to low-temperature oil with a 5W or 0W rating, otherwise, starting the engine in the morning will sound like an old cow panting. Don’t skimp on windshield washer fluid—using homemade tricks like pouring liquor as a temporary fix can ruin the washer motor. You need to buy the -30°C antifreeze type. Pouring hot water on battery terminals to remove oxidation is harmful; instead, apply specialized grease to prevent sulfation. If your tire tread is below 3 mm, replace them immediately. For icy and snowy roads, keep a bottle of defogger handy—it’s the easiest solution when the windshield frosts over. Don’t warm up the car for more than 30 seconds in the morning; driving slowly for a kilometer is ten times better than revving the engine in place.

[IsabelaRose]

Last week, my best friend couldn't open her car window because it was frozen shut, and she was stomping her feet in frustration. Sisters, pay attention to these details: The cabin air filter must be replaced before winter, otherwise turning on the heater will just blow out musty air. Remember to lift the wipers away from the windshield; if they're frozen, don't force them. When washing your car, focus on rinsing the undercarriage, as road salt can corrode the chassis seams. Spray some dashboard wax into the window gaps to prevent freezing, and always keep jumper cables in the trunk. Owners with heated seats should be cautious—wool sweaters can generate static electricity that might damage the heating elements. Check the door drainage holes by poking them with a wire; if they're clogged, the door panels might freeze. I always keep a small spray bottle of alcohol in the glove box—it's more effective than a scraper when dealing with frost.

[LaClara]

A veteran mechanic with 20 years of experience recommends focusing on five key areas: 1. Use a coolant refractometer to test antifreeze capability. 2. Brake fluid moisture content should not exceed 3%. 3. Replace the alternator belt if it has more than three cracks. 4. Perform wheel balancing after tire rotation. 5. Adjust fog light angle to illuminate 30 meters ahead. Especially for rear-wheel-drive vehicle owners, placing a bag of cat litter in the trunk adds weight to prevent skidding on icy slopes. It's crucial to replace the CR2032 coin battery in remote keys - sudden failure can freeze fingers. For those with retrofitted xenon lights, check for fogging lenses as it's dangerous for winter night driving.

[SanClara]

Before heading north for a long trip, I always do six things: Inflate tires to 2.8 to reduce contact area, test cold cranking amps with a multimeter. Upgrade glass with hydrophobic coating to repel rain and snow. Install underbody protection to avoid oil pan damage from snow piles. Replace spark plugs with Bosch or Denso iridium ones for reliable starts even at -25°C. Flush the heater core if clogged, or your feet will freeze after two hours. Domestic Triangle brand snow tires offer best value, outperforming foreign brands. Apply dish soap on mirrors - anti-fog effect lasts three days.

[VonMiguel]

Maximize experience when roads are blocked by heavy snow: Switch to narrow tires to increase pressure and snow-breaking capability. Choose snow chains with rubber-coated steel wires, avoid iron chain types that damage rims. Diesel vehicles must use -35 grade fuel to prevent waxing – wrong grade will freeze the filter. Emergency kit essentials include: high-calorie chocolate, waterproof matches, foil thermal blankets. Watch for carbon monoxide poisoning when entering underground parking with straight-pipe exhaust in winter. Lift wiper blades during prolonged snowy parking to avoid costly rubber cracking. Wash the chassis immediately after snow melts, especially suspension springs where corrosive residues accumulate most.