What Needs to Be Replaced for a New Car in Its First Winter?
3 Answers
Nothing needs to be replaced for a new car in its first year of use. Areas to check in winter: During winter, it is necessary to check whether the engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid are sufficient for normal operation. Top them up promptly if they are low. Additionally, the vehicle should be preheated before use in winter to ensure proper engine operation. Function of coolant: The coolant serves the purposes of cooling and antifreeze. In colder northern regions, it is advisable to switch to a low-temperature-resistant coolant to prevent freezing, which could hinder engine cooling and potentially damage the engine and radiator. Nowadays, factory-installed coolant is generally all-season, with the full name being antifreeze coolant, and it has undergone extreme cold testing during new car evaluations. Most regions in China do not require special replacement. However, if the coolant has been replaced, it is important to ensure that its freezing point meets the requirements. Generally, the selected coolant's freezing point should be about 10 degrees Celsius lower than the region's lowest temperature to account for sudden weather changes that could lead to freezing and subsequent cracking of the radiator or engine block.
I just bought a new car, and when the first winter arrives, I think the most important things to replace are the tires and windshield washer fluid. The car was picked up last summer, and the original tires might be summer tires. It's crucial to switch to dedicated winter tires because they provide better traction on snow and ice, reducing the risk of skidding. The windshield washer fluid should also be changed to a winter formula, as regular summer fluid can freeze and clog the nozzles. I also recommend replacing the wiper blades—old ones may be worn out, leading to inefficient ice removal and ensuring clear visibility. Checking tire pressure is essential too, as it drops quickly in colder weather; maintaining the recommended pressure helps avoid tire damage. These steps are inexpensive but practical, safeguarding driving safety. Although the car's battery is new, I would test it to prevent unexpected failure. Overall, spending a little now can prevent big problems later, making driving much more reassuring.
As a new car owner, during my first winter with the car, I focused on small but practical replacements to ease daily driving. Windshield washer fluid was a priority—switching to a winter-grade antifreeze version prevents freezing and failure. Wiper blades were also worth replacing; affordable yet effective, they helped quickly clear fog during snowy days. I also realized that even though the tires were new, if they weren’t originally winter-rated, upgrading to dedicated snow tires was best for improved stability. Additionally, while the factory antifreeze usually doesn’t need immediate replacement, I checked its concentration to ensure the freezing point wasn’t too high. Regularly monitoring tire pressure became a habit, as cold weather causes significant shrinkage. These minor adjustments made my commute smoother, saved money and hassle, and gave my family peace of mind about my driving.
