The recent sudden drop in temperature has made many people feel that winter is drawing ever closer. A chilly breeze naturally prompts us to bundle up, and when the weather turns cold, it’s important to stay warm—both ourselves and our vehicles. Cars, too, require winter maintenance. Next, we’ll share some handy tips for taking good care of your car during the colder months.

Storage battery

Before the onset of cold weather, replenish the battery electrolyte, clean the battery terminals, and apply a specialized grease to protect them, ensuring reliable starting and extending the battery’s service life. If the vehicle will be parked outdoors or in a cold storage facility for several weeks without use, remove the battery and store it in a warmer room to prevent freezing and damage.

Vehicle heating

The proper functioning of the heating system is undoubtedly crucial in winter. Although the heating system has a simpler structure than the air-conditioning system, it can still develop malfunctions after being left idle throughout the summer.

Before the onset of winter, it’s best to check whether the heater is producing warm air, listen for any unusual noises from the blower, and ensure that the air ducts are unobstructed. Occasionally, antifreeze in the heater’s coolant lines can remain stagnant for an extended period, leading to condensation and blockages in the circulation system. While this may not affect driving, it can be extremely difficult and time-consuming to repair. If you encounter such a problem, be sure to have it addressed promptly at an authorized service center.

Diesel engine oil

Diesel engines can be somewhat difficult to start in winter, placing a heavier load on the starter and requiring it to operate for longer periods and more frequently to crank the engine. Prolonged operation and repeated use of the starter can cause its internal temperature to rise excessively, leading to burnout. To protect the starter by ensuring proper heat dissipation and to allow the battery sufficient time to recharge between starts, each starter engagement should not exceed 3–5 seconds, with an interval of at least 10 seconds between attempts. If, after three consecutive attempts, the engine still fails to start, the underlying cause must be identified.

Brake air circuit

High-pressure gas is used in braking systems, power take-off units, and power-assist devices, among others. The gas source is atmospheric air, which contains a certain level of moisture; upon exposure to high pressure and low temperature, this moisture condenses into water droplets that can freeze, leading to blockage and jamming of the pneumatic circuit components.

(1) Regularly inspect the wiring connections of the drying tank to ensure that the heating function is operating properly and effectively.

(2) Regularly replace the desiccant canister.

(3) After each daily use of the vehicle, drain the air system (there is a drain valve beneath the air reservoir) to prevent ice formation.

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