Common cold weather mistakes costing you on car maintenance

Driving in cold weather can be a challenge and snow and ice-covered roads are not the only dangers facing drivers this winter. Car journeys are unavoidable for many commuters, no matter the weather, but a number of common maintenance mistakes could scupper your trip before it has even begun.

For decades, the common wisdom has been to start your car and let it idle for a few minutes to “warm up” the engine in freezing temperatures. While this might have been necessary for older vehicles with carburettor engines, modern cars with fuel injection systems don’t need this step – and prolonged idling can cause more harm than good.

Engine wear, fuel waste and carbon build-up are all problems that can occur when letting your car idle for too long, mechanics from Locking Wheelnuts Removed said. Excessive idling can strip oil from the cylinder walls of the engine, increasing wear and tear. An idling engine can also burn up to half a gallon of fuel per hour damaging both the environment and your wallet.

READ MORE: Live amber snow warning weather updates and latest forecasts

READ MORE: How much doing Dry January could save you this month

However, starting your car and immediately hitting the road can also have serious consequences. Cold oil thickens, meaning it takes time to properly circulate through your engine. Therefore, specialists advise driving gently for the first 10 minutes of a journey, allowing the engine and transmission to reach optimal operating temperatures without unnecessary strain or wasted fuel.

Understanding how cold weather impacts your car isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns – it’s about saving money, reducing emissions, and improving safety. As temperatures plummet across the UK this weekend, drivers can help prevent engine freeze-ups by avoiding the re-circulation button which stops fresh air from entering your car.

This can lead to trapped moisture, which condenses on surfaces like windows and the ventilation system, creating ice overnight. Over time, this can disrupt the engine’s air intake, leading to starting problems or reduced efficiency.

A spokesman from Locking Wheelnuts Removed said: ““The condensation build-up from improper use of the recirculation system can cause avoidable issues. Knowing how and when to use this feature is key to protecting your car in winter.”

Drivers are advised to turn off their recirculation button for long drives and use the fresh air setting during extended journeys to ensure proper ventilation. Use your car’s defrost setting to clear condensation quickly and prevent internal moisture from affecting your system.

Ignoring simple precautions can leave drivers vulnerable to costly repairs and dangerous situations, especially if you’re stranded on an icy road during a breakdown. Here are some other winter driving tips to help you avoid trouble on the roads.

Check Your Antifreeze Levels: Ensure your coolant contains the right mix of antifreeze to protect your engine from freezing temperatures.

Inspect Your Battery: Cold weather reduces battery efficiency, so test its strength before winter sets in.

Examine Tyres and Brakes: Icy roads demand optimal tyre tread and responsive brakes.

Pack an Emergency Kit: Keep essentials like a torch, blankets, water, and a portable phone charger in your car in case of breakdowns.

Invest in a Good Battery: Cold temperatures can drain your car’s battery. Regularly check its condition and replace it if it’s more than three years old.

Use the Right Engine Oil: Ensure your car’s oil is suitable for cold weather. Some oils are designed to perform better at lower temperatures.

Clear Snow and Ice Properly: Use a scraper or de-icer to remove frost from windows instead of pouring hot water which could crack the glass.

Warm Up While Driving: Start your car, let it idle for about 30 seconds, and then drive gently to allow all systems to warm up naturally.

Check Tyre Pressure: Cold weather can cause tyres to lose pressure, so keep an eye on them to maintain safety and efficiency.