Winter brings plenty of car care advice, but not all of it is accurate. Over time, certain myths have taken hold, leading many drivers to make maintenance mistakes that could actually harm their vehicles. In this post, we’ll separate fact from fiction and give you science-backed winter car care tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly in freezing temperatures.
Myth #1: You Should Let Your Car Idle for 10+ Minutes to Warm Up
Reality: While it’s true that your engine needs to warm up before driving in cold weather, excessive idling isn’t necessary. In fact, it can do more harm than good.
Modern fuel-injected engines don’t require long warm-ups like carbureted engines from decades past. Letting your car idle for 30 seconds to a minute is enough to circulate oil through the engine. The best way to warm up your vehicle is to start driving gently—this gets the engine and transmission up to optimal temperature much faster than idling in your driveway.
What to do instead:
- Start your car and let it idle for no more than a minute.
- Drive gently for the first few minutes, avoiding high speeds and aggressive acceleration.
Myth #2: All-Season Tires Are Fine for Winter Driving
Reality: All-season tires are designed for moderate conditions, but they don’t offer the same grip and cold-weather performance as winter tires.
Winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in freezing temperatures, providing better traction on snow and ice. The deep tread patterns and specialized siping help prevent skidding and hydroplaning.
What to do instead:
- If you drive in an area with heavy snowfall or freezing temperatures, switch to winter tires for optimal safety.
- Check your tire pressure regularly—cold air can cause it to drop, reducing grip on icy roads.
🚗 Tip: MyRide901’s service tracking feature helps you log tire changes, making it easy to track when it’s time to swap out your all-seasons.
Myth #3: You Only Need to Change Your Oil in Warmer Months
Reality: Cold weather thickens oil, making it harder to circulate through your engine.
Using the wrong type of oil in winter can lead to poor lubrication, increased engine wear, and even startup failure. Many modern vehicles require synthetic oil, which maintains its viscosity in low temperatures.
What to do instead:
- Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil viscosity for winter driving.
- Stick to your regular oil change schedule, even in colder months.
🚗 Tip: MyRide901 helps you set maintenance reminders to ensure you never miss an oil change, no matter the season.
Myth #4: Hot Water Will Quickly Defrost Your Windshield
Reality: Pouring hot water on a frozen windshield can cause it to crack due to sudden temperature changes.
Instead, use a proper ice scraper and de-icing spray. If you frequently deal with frozen windshields, consider using a windshield cover overnight to prevent ice buildup.
What to do instead:
- Use a commercial de-icer or make your own by mixing three parts vinegar with one part water.
- Turn on your car’s defroster and let it gradually warm up the glass before scraping.
🚗 Tip: Keep track of winter prep tasks in MyRide901 so you never forget to stock up on essential supplies.
Myth #5: You Don’t Need to Check Your Battery Until It Dies
Reality: Car batteries work harder in winter, and freezing temperatures can significantly reduce their efficiency.
A weak battery that seemed fine in fall may struggle to start your car in cold weather.
What to do instead:
- Get your battery tested before winter hits to ensure it has enough charge.
- Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion, which can drain power.
- If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it before winter.
🚗 Tip: MyRide901 helps you track battery replacements and schedule periodic tests, so you’re never caught off guard.
Stay Ahead of Winter Car Care with MyRide901
Winter can be tough on your vehicle, but staying on top of maintenance makes all the difference. With MyRide901, you can:
✔ Create essential winter maintenance tasks
✔ Set reminders for oil changes, tire swaps, and battery checks
✔ Store digital service records for quick reference
Download MyRide901 today and keep your car winter-ready!
