Top 5 Winter Car Care Myths Debunked

Winter is harsh on vehicles. The more the temperature goes down, the more there are rumors about car care. Most of these are a waste of money, hurt your car, or can even place you in harm's way. Let's dig into the most common myths and see what's fact and what's fiction.

Myth 1: You Need to Warm Up Your Car for 10 Minutes

It is often said that a car should be allowed to idle for 10 minutes or more on cold mornings before driving. This was a notion that started in the carburetor days of old cars, which needed some extra time to warm up before smooth operation.

Fact: Modern cars do not have carburetors. They use fuel injection systems that adjust automatically to cold weather. Your car indeed takes some time to warm up the engine oil. However, waiting for long is not necessary because driving gently would warm it up sooner than idling. It wastes gas, causes damage to the environment, and builds carbon in the engine. Turn on the car and gently drive at a moderate speed for 30 seconds or more.

Myth 2: All-Season Tyres are Good Enough for Winter

Many have erred into thinking that the term "all-season" meant that all types of conditions exist, which even include roads covered by ice or snow.

Fact: The all-season tyres are a compromise. Though they may have done pretty well in mild climates, they freeze under subzero temperatures and bring down the grip on any surface covered by ice or snow. This enables your wheels to remain soft even at freeze-up temperatures. Hence winter tyres are made from soft rubber which does not become hard at freezing temperatures. 

Myth 3: Tapping Hot Water on Frozen Windows Defrosts Them Fast

The frozen windshield is infuriating and you will try tapping hot water on it as a temporary solution.

Fact: Temperature shock can cause glass to crack or shatter. Windshields are not designed to handle extreme shock temperatures. Instead, use an ice scraper, de-icing spray, or your car's defroster. To prevent it from turning into ice in the first place, cover your windshield overnight with a frost guard or a towel.

Myths 4: Your Battery is Fine Until it Dies

The car battery will somehow give some indications before becoming dead, Yes there is some notion that it may give a sort of weakness that it was going to go dead according to motorists.

Fact: Winter weather can drain a battery without much warning. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, making it harder to start your car. If your battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested before winter begins. Many auto shops or battery suppliers offer free battery tests. If your battery shows signs of weakness, replace it before you’re stranded in the cold.

Myth 5: Sandbags in the Trunk Improve Traction

Place sandbags in the trunk to get better traction on snowy or icy roads.

Fact: This only works in rear-wheel-drive vehicles as more weight pushes the driving wheels down for a good grip. In front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive cars, added weight on the back makes the vehicle unstable and difficult to manage. To have a good grip, maintain your tyres at their best. Make sure that your tyres have the proper pressure, and fit winter tyres to ensure a good grip.

Winter Car Care Tips That Work

• Check Your Tyres: You want to have proper inflation and tread depth.
• Check Fluids: Ensure you have enough antifreeze and use winter-grade windshield washer fluid.
• Pack an Emergency Kit: This should include a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, and snacks.
• Check Your Wipers: If they are worn out, change them to ensure good visibility during snow and rain.

Don't believe these myths about your car. Instead, follow these facts to keep your car in excellent condition all winter long.

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