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Car in winter - what to avoid to avoid damaging your car at low temperatures?

Car in winter - frozen car
Artur Owczarek
Artur Owczarek

Brand Product Manager Moje AutoHe has been involved in the automotive industry for years. He is passionate about cars and detailing. On his blog, he shares his knowledge and experience, offering tips on how to effectively care for your car and extend its life.

Cars don't have it easy in the winter. After all, low temperatures are a big challenge for all machines - including cars. In severe frosts, you should avoid activities that can damage your vehicle. What should you not do on extremely cold winter days? What will happen if you don't follow these rules?

  • Cars are not easy in the winter. It is therefore worth avoiding behaviors that may have a negative impact on the car.
  • What to avoid? A car in winter does not like a weak battery or rapid acceleration.
  • It is also worth remembering that some elements may freeze, such as the brake or doors.
  • Find out, how to prepare your car for winter!

 

Frosts are fast approaching Poland. Before they arrive, check what activities are worth avoiding so as not to expose your car to failure.

Car in winter - don't neglect the battery condition

Snow-covered car

Let's start from the beginning, with the battery. Unfortunately car in winter may not start. This is because low temperatures can significantly reduce battery performance. To avoid starting problems, it is worth checking the battery charge level regularly and keeping it in good condition. Sometimes it is worth recharging battery rectifier before winter arrives, to prevent it from discharging during severe frosts. This will prevent you from being unable to start your car in the morning without the help of another driver.

Do not reach high speeds until the engine is warmed up.

A car driving on the road in winter

You have to remember that driving in winter requires following a few rules. One of them concerns acceleration. What to avoid when driving in winter? First of all, do not reach high speeds immediately after starting the car, when the engine is still cold. It should reach the right temperature before reaching higher revolutions. Warming up the drive unit ensures better lubrication and reduces the risk of damaging expensive components.

Car in winter? Don't use summer coolant or windshield washer fluids

 

Driving in winter

In winter, it is very important to use a coolant and windshield washer fluid with the right antifreeze protection. A product that is not properly matched to the weather conditions can freeze, which can damage important components – including the engine (in the case of coolant).

It is also very important to ensure the quality of the products used. Which winter windshield washer fluid? For cleaning windows in winter, the following are perfect: Winter windshield washer fluid alone. -20°C 5L. It contains ingredients that are safe for wipers, headlights, paint and windows, while also preventing freezing.

The windshield washer fluid removes dirt from the windshield, which negatively affects visibility while driving. At the same time, it does not freeze in the pipes, tank or on the windows, which could be very dangerous for the car itself, the driver and passengers. This is very important. After all, driving car in winter, windshield washer fluid is especially important, and if it freezes, we may not notice the obstacle, which could lead to an accident.

Don't neglect seasonal tire changes

Car in winter - winter tires

Although using summer tires in the winter won't cause the same problems with your car as using the wrong coolant, it can be extremely dangerous. Summer tires will slip on icy roads. This will extend your braking distance and even prevent you from slowing down. Driving cars in winter will also be difficult when driving in snow.

Tyres need to be replaced when the average daily temperature is below 7°C. Make an appointment at the workshop well in advance so as not to miss this moment.

Of course, you can also bet on good multigrade tires. However, it is worth checking the condition of such tires to drive smoothly on difficult roads.

Don't force a frozen door open

Car in winter - frozen car doors

Time for another thing that is common when using car in winter, i.e. frozen doors. After all, frozen seals during low temperatures are not uncommon. This phenomenon occurs not only after washing the car at a car wash, but also when moisture accumulates in the cracks. Frozen seals should not be torn off by force. This can lead to their damage and leaks.

Before winter arrives, it is better to protect the seals with a special preparation, namely silicone for seals. It will prevent them from freezing and cracking.

Do not leave the handbrake on in very cold weather.

Car in winter - frozen car

You have to go by car in winter to work or somewhere else? Don't leave the handbrake on! Why? The issue of leaving a parked car without the handbrake on can be problematic. Sometimes it's not possible - especially when you park on a hill. However, if there is such an option, avoid applying the brake in very cold weather. This is because the brake cable can freeze, preventing it from returning to its previous position. This can be quite problematic, because the car may simply not start, and if it does start, driving with

What are the consequences of not following these rules?

Car in the snow

the use of car in winter is definitely more difficult than in the summer. Neglecting the above rules can lead to expensive failures, longer braking distances or problems with starting the car. It is worth preparing for winter in the fall so as not to lose the ability to safely use the vehicle during the first frosts. It is therefore worth purchasing appropriate winter car accessories. Thanks to this, the driver can sleep soundly and not worry that the car will not start due to low temperatures or that driving in winter conditions will be difficult.

See what's worth stocking up on before winter!

We hope that our advice on using your car in winter has been useful. Unfortunately, road conditions are more difficult in winter, so it is worth preparing your car accordingly. This way, snow and ice will not be a problem for you.

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