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Sometimes, when you’re in hurry to get to your work, you drive your car out thinking it’s ready for winter. Sorry, it’s not!

Winter with freezing mornings and slippery roads can damage your car, badly affecting its performance and longevity. The cold weather conditions and small mistakes in maintenance can do a big harm to your car and cost you thousands.

No need to worry! Your precious ride just needs some extra winter care! 

In this blog by Kings Car Towing, we’ve provided a list of common winter car mistakes and simple tips to avoid them. So, let’s get your car ready to beat the winter blues!

13 Biggest Mistakes That Can Damage Your Car in Winter

1. Driving Too Fast / Speeding in Snow

Driving too fast in winter conditions is a common but dangerous mistake. Snowy or icy roads significantly reduce traction, braking efficiency, and visibility. This all makes it harder to control your vehicle.

Experts warn that stopping distances can increase dramatically on slick roads, and speeding only worsens the problem. Excessive speed raises the likelihood of losing control and leads to skidding or collisions at the end. See below, how can you manage this:

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Drive slower than usual.

💡 Follow posted speed limits, but remember they are for ideal weather.

💡 Leave at least 6-8 seconds of space between your car and the vehicle ahead.

💡 Slow down gradually when approaching intersections, traffic lights, or stop signs to avoid sudden braking.

💡 Steer, accelerate, and brake smoothly to maintain control of your vehicle.

💡 Equip your vehicle with winter tyres for better traction and control on icy roads.

2. Ignoring to Clear the Snow from the Car Exterior

No clearing ice and snow from your car’s exterior is a dangerous mistake. Snow-covered windows and mirrors reduce the visibility and endanger them on the road as well. And when you can’t see others clearly, it increases the likelihood of accidents.

Additionally, ice and snow can fly off your car while driving, possibly hitting other vehicles or pedestrians. Let’s see how you can cope-up with it:

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Clear snow and ice with a snow brush or ice scraper, from windows, mirrors, headlights, and the roof before driving.

💡 Turn on the defroster to melt the ice on the windshield and windows.

💡 Warm up the car for a few minutes before driving to make it easier to remove ice and prevent refreezing.

💡 Turn on the air conditioner (even in winter) to act as a dehumidifier and clear foggy windows.

3. Appling Brakes Too Abruptly

One common mistake drivers often make in winter is slamming on the brakes too suddenly. When you hit the brakes too hard, your car might skid off the road, possibly leading to a crash with another car or object.

Try to slow down gradually when you need to stop. Use the brakes gently and try not to use them too much. You can also prepare to stop early by easing off the gas pedal. If your car has a manual transmission, you can also downshift to slow down using the engine.

Additionally, leave enough space between your car and the one ahead. More distance will give you extra time to stop smoothly and avoid accidents.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Apply brakes gently and gradually to avoid skidding.

💡 Ease off the gas early to slow down before braking.

💡 Plan your stops early, especially near intersections or traffic lights.

💡 If you drive a manual car, downshift to help slow down safely.

4. Not Having Winter Tyres / Continuing Winters with Summer or All-Season Tyres:

Using regular tyres and not preparing your car for winter is a big mistake. Some people think all-season tyres work well in snow, but that’s not true. Snow tyres are specially made for winter driving.

They have a different design and material that helps grip the road better in cold weather. If you keep using regular tyres in winter, your car might slide around because they don’t have enough grip.

To stay safe on icy roads, it’s smart to switch to snow tyres. They have deeper treads that grab onto the road better, especially in snowy or icy conditions. When winter ends, you can switch back to your regular tyres.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Switch to winter tyres before the first snowfall for ideal grip and safety.

💡 Look for tyres with the snowflake symbol on the sidewall for verified winter performance.

💡 Check the tyre’s tread depth regularly to ensure it’s effective in snowy conditions.

💡 Remember to switch back to regular tyres after the winter season ends to maintain better fuel efficiency and performance.

5. Using Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive (FWD) on Dry Roadway:

Using part-time four-wheel drive on dry roads can be a mistake. While all-wheel drive (AWD) is fine for any road condition, part-time four-wheel drive should only be used on surfaces with low traction, like roads covered in deep snow.

The problem arises when drivers forget to switch back to two-wheel drive after the snow melts and the roads become clear. This can cause driveline windup, which is when the different parts of the drivetrain get twisted up due to the front and rear axles spinning at different speeds on dry pathways.

Driveline windup is risky because it can damage expensive components like differentials and transfer cases. It happens when the road doesn’t provide enough slip for the axles to spin freely, causing stress on the drivetrain.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Always switch back to two-wheel drive once snow or wet conditions have cleared.

💡 Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations on when to engage and disengage 4WD.

💡 If unsure, consult with a professional to ensure your 4WD system is operating correctly.

6. Filling Up With Regular Water in Place of Windshield Washer Fluid:

Using regular water instead of windshield washer fluid is a mistake many people make. When the washer fluid runs low, some people fill it with water. This can cause the fluid to freeze, which can block the system.

Instead, it’s important to use the right windshield wiper fluid. There’s even a special winter blend that helps prevent freezing.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Check the washer fluid levels before heading out on winter trips and top up regularly.

💡 Always use windshield washer fluid, especially a winter-specific blend that prevents freezing.

💡 Use washer fluid with a deicer to prevent the fluid from freezing in the reservoir and on the windshield.

💡 Keep an extra bottle of winter windshield washer fluid in your car during the colder months.

7. Driving with an Old or Bad Car Battery:

When it’s cold, your car’s battery has to work extra hard. If your battery is old or not in good condition, it might not start your car in the morning.

Replace car battery with a new one if needed to prevent problems in the winter.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Test your battery before winter to check its health and replace it if necessary.

💡 Make sure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion to ensure proper connection.

💡 If your battery is more than 3-4 years old, consider replacing it before winter to avoid surprises.

8. Using Hot Water for Melting Ice from the Windshield:

Pouring boiling water on your frozen windshield might seem like a quick fix, but it can lead to bigger problems.

The drastic difference in temperature between the scalding water and the icy glass can cause the windshield to crack. When the hot water seeps into the cracks, it expands, potentially worsening the damage.

To avoid this headache, stick to the tried-and-true method, using an ice scraper to clear the ice from your windshield safely and effectively.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Use an ice scraper to carefully remove ice from your windshield instead of hot water.

💡 Invest in a windshield cover to prevent ice from forming overnight.

💡 Turn on your car’s defroster to help melt the ice gradually and avoid damaging the glass.

9. Warming up Your Car Excessively/ Warming the Car By Idling:

Spending too much time warming up your car by idling can cause problems. It might seem nice to get into a warm car on a cold morning, but letting your car idle for too long isn’t good. Engines aren’t meant to just sit and run without moving.

If you leave your car idling for too long, it can make the spark plugs dirty, which makes your car use more gas and can cost you more money.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Only let your car idle for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm up before driving.

💡 Consider using a remote starter if you want to warm the car for a short period before entering.

💡 Keep your car well-maintained to prevent engine issues, such as keeping spark plugs clean.

10. Neglecting to Defrost the Locks and Handles:

When your door locks and handles are frozen, pouring hot water on them can break the parts inside. Instead, use a special spray you can buy at stores to melt the ice.

Just remember not to keep the spray inside your car. If you do, you’ll end up rushing to defrost your locks and handles, which might cause more damage.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Use a lock deicer spray to safely melt the ice on your locks and handles.

💡 Keep the deicer spray in a warm place, but not inside the car, so it’s ready when needed.

💡 Before leaving, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the keyhole to prevent freezing.

11. Forgetting to Check Tire Pressure:

When the tyres aren’t filled properly, it’s harder to control your car. Over time, tyres naturally lose air, about 1 pound per square inch (psi) each month.

Additionally, for every 10 degrees the temperature drops, tyres lose another 1 psi. If you see that orange pressure warning light on your dashboard, don’t ignore it. It means your tyres might not safely support your car’s weight anymore. Ignoring it could lead to a flat tyre, which is dangerous for you and your family.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Check your tyre pressure regularly, especially in cold weather.

💡 Inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure levels as listed in the vehicle manual or door jamb.

💡 If you notice the pressure warning light, stop and check your tyre pressure immediately.

💡 Consider getting a portable air compressor to adjust tyre pressure on the go.

12. Driving with Low Fuel Tank:

When your tank is low on fuel, it can lead to problems, especially when it’s cold outside.

Know that, water is the enemy when it comes to your fuel tank in winter. If there’s too much water in your tank, it can freeze and cause trouble.

But when you keep your tank at least half full, it helps to prevent water from building up inside (condensation), which can freeze and block the fuel from reaching your engine. So, by keeping your tank half full, you reduce the chance of this happening and help your car run smoothly during the chilly weather.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Keep your fuel tank at least half full, especially during winter months.

💡 Regularly check the fuel gauge and refill when it reaches a quarter tank.

💡 Plan ahead, particularly during long drives in colder temperatures, to prevent running low on fuel.

13. Excessive Water Level in the Cooling System:

Your car’s cooling system needs a balanced mix of antifreeze and water, usually a 1:1. Putting in too much water can be a problem, especially when it gets cold.

It’s because excessive water can freeze inside the engine and the cooling system, leading to serious issues like a cracked engine block, which can be expensive to fix.

Tips for Winterising Your Car

💡 Check the coolant mixture and ensure it is a 50/50 blend of antifreeze and water.

💡 Use a coolant tester to ensure the antifreeze has the right protection against freezing temperatures.

💡 Regularly top up your coolant levels to maintain proper engine temperature regulation.

Lastly…

If you don’t need to drive, please don’t! Because, even if you drive carefully, you’re only adding more traffic to the roads. Additionally, if there’s an accident, it might depend on the other drivers that’s something you can’t control.

Addressing all these common vehicle problems during winter can help you handle the worst weather conditions with greater confidence and peace of mind.

And if, unfortunately, you come across an accident or you’ve got your car stuck in snow somewhere, no need to worry at all…

Call Kings Car Towing | Get Instant Towing Service!

In winter with icy roads, we help transport your car, anywhere according to its condition and needs.