What to Pay Attention to When Entering Winter for Vehicles
2 Answers
Entering winter, the following precautions should be taken for vehicles: Change to winter tires: As temperatures drop, the surface of tires becomes stiff, which affects their grip performance. In some cases, this can easily lead to skidding, especially in northeastern regions where rain and snow are frequent, making road conditions worse. Additionally, due to thermal contraction, tire pressure will also decrease. Add or replace antifreeze: Antifreeze has two main functions: in summer, when temperatures are high, it ensures the normal operation of the vehicle's cooling system, preventing the engine from overheating; in winter, it prevents excessively low temperatures from freezing and damaging engine components like cylinders. Choose the appropriate engine oil: Similarly, due to lower temperatures, if cold-start engine oil is too thick in winter, it can affect vehicle startup and increase engine wear. Conversely, if hot engine oil is too thin, it can reduce lubrication and sealing performance.
When driving in winter, I always take extra precautions to ensure safety and comfort. Check if the tire pressure meets the standard, and it's best to switch to winter tires if the tread wear is severe to enhance snow traction. It's crucial to replace the coolant with an antifreeze formula; otherwise, it may freeze and affect the engine. The battery is prone to failure in low temperatures, so test the voltage to ensure it's normal. Replace the wiper blades with new frost-resistant versions to quickly clear snow and ice from the windshield in snowy conditions. When parking, choose an indoor garage or use a car cover, and apply a dedicated de-icer to prevent windows from freezing. While driving, start slowly and warm up the car for half a minute, maintain a steady speed, and avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding on snowy or icy roads. Prepare an emergency kit including a small shovel, blankets, and a power bank in case you get stranded on the road. These habits help me navigate the cold season smoothly.
