What Should Be Replaced in a Car for Winter?

[OscarDella]

In winter, cars need to replace coolant, engine oil, and tires, and also promptly check the braking system. Here are the relevant precautions for cars in winter: 1. Check the shutters: Install additional insulation devices for the engine. 2. Adjust the carburetor: Set the preheating valve to the "Winter" position. 3. Adjust the specific gravity of the battery electrolyte: And adjust the engine regulator. 4. Take measures for cold protection, antifreeze, and anti-skid: In places with conditions, antifreeze can be added to the cooling system. When adding antifreeze, note that if the antifreeze in the cooling system is insufficient, do not use water as a substitute to add, to avoid increasing the freezing point of the antifreeze; in addition, antifreeze is toxic, so never use your mouth to siphon it.

[MacLorenzo]

Recently, I helped my dad with winter maintenance on his SUV and found these essential replacements. The engine oil should be a 0W grade with good low-temperature fluidity, as older cars using high-viscosity oil may suffer cylinder scuffing during cold starts. The windshield washer fluid must be switched to an antifreeze type—I've seen cases where regular fluid froze and cracked the entire reservoir. Also, check the antifreeze's freezing point; it should be at least 15 degrees below the local minimum temperature for safety. Tire pressure should be slightly reduced by 5% to improve traction, and friends in the north should remember to switch to snow tires. Lastly, don’t forget to prepare an emergency kit with a snow shovel and jumper cables. Last year, my colleague’s battery suddenly died, nearly stranding him in the suburbs.

[OZoe]

I adhere to three principles for winter car maintenance. Upgrade fluids: Conventional oil thickens in low temperatures, increasing engine wear; using 5W-30 or 0W-20 full synthetic oil ensures smoother starts. Maintain rubber components: After experiencing frozen and cracked wiper blades, I learned the importance of switching to winter-specific blades in advance. Update safety equipment: Replace brake fluid with antifreeze-containing formulas to prevent brake failure. Before each temperature drop, I use a coin to check tire tread depth—replace tires immediately if below 3mm, as this can reduce braking distance by 30% in snowy conditions.

[VonGianna]

Driving in Northeast China over the years, these experiences can be life-saving. Snow tires are a must, as all-season tires harden in sub-zero temperatures—I've personally seen a Mercedes spin on ice. Never mix antifreeze of different colors; last year, I had to repair my radiator due to scaling caused by mixing them. Switching to -30°C windshield washer fluid in advance is crucial—once on the highway, my windshield froze, and regular fluid sprayed only to freeze instantly. In the north, it's advisable to have your battery tested, as low temperatures can reduce its capacity by 40%.

[DeMarcus]

As a southerner experiencing my first winter in the north, the mechanic taught me several key points. Focus on checking the battery condition - an old battery retains only half its capacity in sub-zero temperatures. Replace wiper blades with frost-resistant rubber strips, as regular ones become brittle and crack at -10°C. Keep de-icing spray handy to save time, since scraping ice can damage paintwork. Remember to inspect the heating system - once my friend drove wearing gloves because his heater core was clogged. Always test brake fluid moisture content, replacing it if exceeding 3%.

[CassandraFitz]

Having worked in auto repair for fifteen years, I recommend four essential tasks for winter. Switch to lower viscosity engine oil; 5W-XX starts three seconds faster than 10W. Use winter-formula tires, as all-season tires harden above 7°C. Apply petroleum jelly to battery terminals to prevent oxidation, and recharge if voltage drops below 12.4V. Ensure antifreeze has a freezing point below -25°C to avoid radiator cracks. Lastly, prepare an emergency kit with a tow rope—it can help others and save you in snowy conditions.