10 vital winter car care tips — A checklist to keep your car in top-notch condition

Harsh weather conditions can take a toll on your car. Whether it is the monsoon, summer or winter season, your car needs good care to ensure it stays in top-notch condition. This article provides in-depth winter car care tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly during cold conditions.

Important winter car care tips

Winters can be brutal in certain parts of India. Thus, taking proper steps to prepare your car for the winter is essential. This can increase the lifespan of your vehicle. The right car care can potentially reduce the cost of maintenance or repairs. And here’s how you can do so.

1. Check your car lights

During the winter season, the sun sets early in the day, which means there is less daylight. Therefore, you’ll want to ensure your car’s lights are working at their optimum level. If the car lights (headlights, tail lights, turn indicators, and reverse headlights) are not working, get them checked and replace them.

2. Maintenance of your car battery

Your car battery may find it more challenging to operate in cold weather than hot weather. A weak battery may operate during warm weather, but it is likely to die during the winter season. Before a long journey, get the battery checked to make sure it is in working condition. If it needs to be replaced, ensure you do so immediately, so you don’t end up being stranded on the road.

3. Empty and fill engine oil/coolant

Just topping up the engine oil or the coolant may not be the solution if you have been using it for too long without changing it. It is suggested that you consider using a lighter engine oil that is right for the cold weather conditions. Go through the owner’s manual to find out the manufacturer's recommended temperature ranges and fill the engine oil and coolant accordingly. 

4. Check the condition of windshield wipers

Windshield wipers play an important role in cold conditions, and they do not have a long lifespan. If there are visible cracks or damages, it is better to replace them with new wiper blades.

5. Inspect the windshield for cracks

The car’s windshield is an integral part of the vehicle. It helps avoid wind, rain, fog or snow from entering the cabin. Hence, perform a thorough check to identify cracks or seepage of water. During cold weather, fog, mist, or frost could accumulate on the car’s windshield, hampering your vision of the path ahead. You can solve this issue by balancing the temperature inside and outside the vehicle using the climate control system or the defroster.

Also, read:Winter Driving Safety Tips

6. Test the defroster and climate control

The defroster keeps your car windows from getting icy or foggy, and the climate control system works to keep you warm. Ensure both are in working condition and make suitable repairs or replacements if required.

7. Check the tyre pressure and tread depth

Tyres are the first contact point between the car and the surface. They need regular maintenance, especially during the winter season. Check the tyre pressure and ensure it is up to the prescribed limits. Also, check the tyre depth for wear and tear, and replace them if necessary.

8. Warm up your car engine

Among the simplest methods of winter care for your car during cold conditions is warming your car engine. It helps the engine oil cover every engine's nook and corner. Revving the engine for a few minutes should help the engine warm-up and perform to its optimum levels. It also helps decrease the wear and tear of the engine.

9. Examine the brakes

In wet conditions, the roads can be slippery; hence, you need good brakes to help you avoid mishaps. Examine the brake pads and the disc for wear and tear, and get them replaced if required.

10. Renew car insurance

Repairing the damages to your car due to cold conditions can be expensive. It is prudent to keep your car insured at all times to mitigate financial losses during such instances. You can renew car insurance instantly through our online platforms such as our website or mobile app. Simply scroll up to the top of this page, complete the online car insurance renewal process, and get the policy document instantly.

Also, read: Engine Protection Cover

Be prepared!

Nothing can be more helpful than doing your homework before driving your car in cold conditions. Here are some guidelines about travelling during winter.

• Check the current weather conditions and forecast on the internet and plan your schedule accordingly.

• Carry warm clothes in your car. These can include gloves, scarves, hats, thick socks, hand and foot warmers, and blankets.

• Ensure you have the medications you might need during long journeys and a first-aid kit.

• Adding jumper cables to your necessities can help you during a dead battery situation.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions about winter car care.

Should I start my car every day in cold weather?

You can periodically start your car to keep the engine lubricated. It is not necessary to start the car every day in cold weather. However, ensure you warm up the car engine before setting out for your journey.

Can I pour cold water on my frozen windshield?

It is recommended not to pour hot or cold water on your car’s frozen windshield, as this may cause the windshield to crack. You can remove the frost on the windscreen once the ice melts.

How to take care of the car battery in winter?

There is no set protocol for the maintenance of the car’s battery. Inspect the battery for any corrosion around the terminals and ensure that the battery is charged at all times.

How long does the car need to run to charge the battery?

It depends on the life of the car’s battery. Ideally, it takes about 30 minutes for the battery to charge; however, the battery should be in good condition or it should be relatively new for it to charge within such a short span of time. If the battery gets severely discharged, it may take a whileto recharge it.

Should I put my windshield wipers up when it snows?

It is good to keep your car’s windshield wipers up during snow since it makes it easier to scrape snow or ice from the windshield. It also helps prevent the rubber wiper blades from getting frozen and damaged.

How can I keep my car warm without heat?

Here are a few easier ways to keep your car warm during winters when there is no external heat source.

• Park your car in a closed garage.

• Use a car cover to avoid snow or fog.

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