What to Pay Attention to in Winter for Vehicles?
3 Answers
Winter vehicle precautions: 1. Warm up the car before starting in winter: After starting the vehicle, let it idle for 1 to 2 minutes, then start driving slowly. Accelerate only after the water temperature indicator rises. During the warm-up process while driving, apply the throttle smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration. 2. Use lights correctly in foggy weather: In heavy fog, turn on both front and rear fog lights. If visibility is low, activate the hazard warning lights. 3. Maintain a safe distance when driving in fog: Avoid changing lanes or overtaking randomly. If the vehicle ahead encounters an accident or malfunction, following too closely may not give the rear vehicle enough time to react. 4. Avoid setting the in-car heater temperature too high.
I've been driving for over a decade and always pay extra attention to road conditions in winter. On snowy or icy roads, you must slow down and maintain at least twice the usual following distance to avoid skidding from sudden braking. The car itself needs tire tread depth checks – if snow is heavy, it's best to carry snow chains, safety first. After starting the engine, 30 seconds to one minute of warm-up is sufficient; longer just wastes fuel and causes pollution. Test the heating system too, ensuring defogging works properly, otherwise visibility becomes dangerously compromised. Spray some antifreeze windshield fluid before heading out to prevent frozen wipers or windshield. Personally, I keep a small shovel and thermal blanket in the car for emergencies. Winter driving safety can't be overlooked – spend a few minutes checking before every trip.
I have some insights into car maintenance, and the most important thing in winter is to ensure all parts of the vehicle are in good condition. The antifreeze should be replaced with a low-temperature-specific type, and the concentration should be sufficient; otherwise, water pipes and radiators may freeze and crack, leading to troublesome repairs. The battery is prone to losing charge in cold weather, so check the terminals for corrosion or looseness, and clean and tighten them promptly. Don’t forget to regularly measure tire pressure, as it tends to drop in cold weather, and low tire pressure increases fuel consumption and affects handling. Don’t overlook the heating and air conditioning systems—test the airflow when turning them on to ensure quick defogging for safe driving. It’s advisable to switch to winter wiper blades, which are durable and resistant to freezing. It’s best to have a comprehensive inspection at a professional shop before winter arrives—spending a little money now can prevent major problems later.
