What is the minimum temperature a car can withstand in cold weather?
2 Answers
Cars can withstand temperatures as low as minus forty degrees Celsius. When temperatures consistently drop below minus forty degrees, car components may suffer damage, leading to issues such as failure to start normally. Measures such as adding antifreeze and appropriate engine oil can help reduce the adverse effects of cold weather on car parts. Due to freezing temperatures, the engine may experience cold wear. Generally, in winter or when temperatures are low, it is advisable to preheat the car for about ten minutes before driving. This can minimize engine wear and extend its service life. In cold regions, especially those with extremely low daily temperatures (such as northern cities), engine oil may lose its fluidity and become thicker. If the car is started without preheating, it could cause oil backflow. Without proper lubrication, this may lead to engine wear, potentially damaging car components.
There is no absolute limit to the minimum cold temperature a car can withstand, but based on my experience, ordinary models can generally start at temperatures around minus 20 degrees Celsius. The key lies in winter maintenance. For instance, battery performance declines rapidly in low temperatures, and older models with lead-acid batteries may struggle to start at minus 25 degrees Celsius. I tested my own car on a northern morning at minus 30 degrees Celsius; if you forget to switch to antifreeze engine oil, the engine can freeze and fail to start completely. I recommend checking battery charge and oil viscosity before winter, switching to 0W-grade oil, and avoiding parking outdoors overnight. If temperatures drop below minus 40 degrees Celsius, many cars may suffer permanent damage, especially diesel vehicles which are prone to fuel gelling. It's best to use a garage or install a preheater. Regular maintenance can significantly enhance cold resistance; otherwise, minor issues can escalate in extreme cold, affecting safe travel.
