Winter Car Care Tips: In summer, it’s advised not to keep too many things inside your car. The same rules apply in winter. That is, there are certain things you shouldn’t keep inside your car. Today, let’s talk about what you shouldn’t keep in your car during the harsh winter months.
Recently, a news story came from Nainital, Uttarakhand. A cab driver died after sleeping in his car with the heater on. It was reported that he turned on the heater inside the car and closed the windows to protect himself from the cold, which led to his death by suffocation. This is just one example of the mistakes we make during the winter season. To prevent this from happening to you, learn what not to do while driving in winter.
Don’t keep these things in your car during winter:
Drinks: In freezing temperatures, especially in snowy areas, keeping soft drinks or beer inside the car can be dangerous. Water-based liquids expand when they freeze, causing them to burst. If someone is inside the car at that time, they could get injured.
Eyeglasses: In summer, it’s advised not to keep eyeglasses on the dashboard because high temperatures can cause them to break. The same can happen in winter. Leaving eyeglasses in a cold car can also cause the lenses to crack.
Medicines: There is no restriction on keeping medicines inside the car. However, several reports claim that many medicines can lose their effectiveness in extreme heat and cold. Therefore, they should be kept in a room where the temperature is stable.
Electronics: You shouldn’t make the mistake of leaving electronic items like phones or tablets in the car for hours in freezing temperatures. This is because the lithium-ion batteries in them are at risk of malfunctioning.
Eggs: If eggs are left in a car for an extended period in freezing temperatures (in icy areas), they can freeze and expand. This can cause their shells to crack. Thawing can introduce contaminants. If frozen eggs crack, they should be discarded, as their taste and freshness will be compromised. If the egg is not frozen, refrigerate it before use.
So these are some things you shouldn’t leave in your car. Now let’s talk about some things that will help your car run smoothly in the cold. Battery: Battery efficiency can decrease in cold weather. Therefore, have your battery checked before the cold weather sets in. Keep its terminals clean, securely fastened, and free of corrosion. If you don’t use your car daily and it sits for extended periods, you can use a trickle charger to prevent the battery from discharging. If possible, park your car indoors or in an underground garage to protect it from the cold.
Engine Oil: Whatever oil you use, try to use the viscosity grade of engine oil recommended in your owner’s manual for the winter season. Engine oil thickens in cold weather, which can cause difficulty with cold starts. Lubrication to the engine may be slower. If the engine oil looks dark or gritty, it’s time to change it.
Wipers: The rubber on the wipers hardens in cold weather. This can cause streaks on the windshield when using the wipers. If you live in an area where it snows, lift the wipers off the windshield when parking your car. This will prevent the blades from sticking to the glass. Also, make sure the washer fluid nozzles are not clogged or frozen.
Exterior: Periodically check your car’s exterior and undercarriage for rust. If rust is detected early, primer or special sprays can prevent major damage. If you live in a very humid area, you can also get an anti-rust coating applied to the underside of your car. Airflow: Check the heater and defroster. These use engine heat and the AC compressor of the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) to clear the windows. Also, make sure that a steady stream of warm air is coming from the defrost vents. In defrost mode, the AC automatically turns on to remove moisture. Check if the AC compressor is activating when you select defrost mode. If the refrigerant is low or the compressor is faulty, moisture can persist in the cabin.
With these tips, you can keep your car in good condition even in the biting cold of Delhi and the freezing snow of Himachal Pradesh.
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