What Needs to Be Replaced for Car Maintenance in Winter?
4 Answers
Car maintenance in winter requires replacing: engine oil, tires, coolant, brake pads, battery, etc. It is essential to warm up the car appropriately in winter, which can provide good maintenance for the entire vehicle. It is also advisable to perform a paint surface maintenance, such as waxing or crystal coating. These maintenance tasks done in winter can keep the car's mirror-like effect for a long time. Car maintenance refers to the preventive work of regularly inspecting, cleaning, supplying, lubricating, adjusting, or replacing certain parts of the car. Its purpose is to keep the car clean, maintain normal technical conditions, eliminate hidden dangers, prevent failures, slow down the deterioration process, and extend the service life.
When doing winter maintenance for my car, I mainly replace these items: The engine oil should be switched to a low-temperature fluid type, such as 0W or 5W grades, for smoother cold starts. Windshield washer fluid must be antifreeze type, as regular water will freeze and fail to spray. After checking tire pressure, if you often drive on snowy roads, consider switching to winter tires for significantly better traction. The braking system also requires attention, especially the brake fluid which tends to absorb moisture and affect braking performance. Finally, check the battery condition as winter brings higher chances of battery failure. Have the mechanic inspect the heating system too, since a warm cabin makes driving more comfortable. If the antifreeze hasn't been changed in two years, it's recommended to replace it to prevent radiator freeze damage.
From my personal experience, winter maintenance focuses on fluids and vulnerable parts. Engine oil must be replaced with a winter-specific formula to reduce cold start wear. The antifreeze's freezing point should be lower than the local temperature, or you risk a cracked radiator. Windshield washer fluid should be switched to a formula rated for -25°C or below. If tire tread depth is less than 4mm, replace them—safety comes first in rain and snow. If the battery voltage tests below 12 volts, replace it promptly to avoid the frustration of a no-start on freezing mornings. Wiper blades should be replaced in advance, as frozen blades scraping the windshield can damage the rubber. A quick note: road salt is highly corrosive, so applying a protective undercoating helps. Finally, check the cabin air filter—clean filters make winter recirculation more comfortable.
The three most crucial items to change are winter engine oil, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid. Choose 0W-grade engine oil for faster cold starts and better fuel efficiency. Ensure the antifreeze has a low enough freezing point to prevent pipe bursts. Avoid cheap, off-brand antifreeze windshield washer fluid. Winter-specific tires are recommended, as they can reduce braking distance on ice by several meters. Car batteries typically last about three years—test them before winter and replace if they can't hold a charge. It's best to replace wiper blades too, as rubber tends to become brittle in cold temperatures. Check that brake fluid moisture content isn't excessive, as frozen brake failure is extremely dangerous. Run the AC and heating system for ten minutes—if it doesn't produce heat, inspect the heating components.
