6 mistakes to avoid when caring for your car in winter.

(Baonghean.vn) - In winter, cars need careful and regular maintenance because the harsh weather and low temperatures can cause more problems. However, not all maintenance is good; some methods can even reduce the lifespan of your car. Below are 6 things you should avoid when caring for your car in cold weather.

1. Run the engine continuously to warm up the car.

Repeatedly starting the engine to warm up the car in winter is not recommended. Besides the high failure rate of starting, performing this process too many times is very harmful to the car battery.

According to some anecdotal advice on car usage, you should pull the throttle valve to reduce the amount of air entering the engine. Additionally, using a spare battery to jump-start the engine is the best option.

2. Start the engine or let it idle to warm it up.

Similarly, many car owners have a habit of starting their cars prematurely or idling for extended periods to warm up the engine before driving. This can cause the engine and spark plugs to age prematurely, significantly reducing the car's lifespan.

Most vehicles and engines are intelligently designed, and manufacturers also take into account the fact that vehicles will have to go through winter with sufficient lubrication, so preheating the vehicle before use is not really necessary.

3. Neglecting tire care in winter.

It's not just in hot weather that high temperatures affect car tires; even in winter, low temperatures and dry air damage the rubber in the tires.

Furthermore, many people believe that underinflating tires increases traction, but this reduces tire lifespan and consumes more fuel. In addition, tires still need regular maintenance in winter because the moisture inside the tires can lead to various problems.

4. Neglecting interior cleaning.

In winter, whether the weather is drizzly or dry, it creates ideal conditions for dust and bacteria to grow rapidly on car interiors, especially on materials like leather and fabric.

Furthermore, the gaps around the doors are also places where dust accumulates. This dust causes musty odors, detracts from the aesthetics and durability of the interior, and is harmful to both the car and its occupants. Therefore, in winter, people should clean their cars more frequently and keep them dry and well-ventilated.

5. Ignoring the battery condition.

In winter, low temperatures always pose a challenge for batteries. Therefore, you need to check your batteries regularly. Even better, you should also regularly check the alternator and wiring to ensure the system is always in good condition.

6. Not regularly changing the oil and coolant.

Low ambient temperatures significantly impact car engines. Common effects include difficulty starting the battery, or fuel not vaporizing properly, along with oil thickening and reduced lubrication, increasing resistance and making diesel engines difficult to operate.

At this point, if users do not properly and regularly maintain and care for their cars, such as not frequently changing the engine oil and coolant, the vehicle will operate unreliably.

Besides the fact that engine oil tends to thicken in cold weather, after a period of use, the oil also accumulates deposits and loses its effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to check the oil regularly and replace it promptly to ensure the longevity of your vehicle. The recommended oil change interval is every 8,000 km.

Ngoc Anh

(Synthetic)