Most winter "life hacks" turn out to be harmful habits that only accelerate the wear and tear of the car. Raised wipers, abrupt movements in the cold, unchecked blades, and parking in the snow all create additional risks.
Raised Wipers: Harm Under the Guise of Care
Many drivers believe that raising the wipers at night helps protect them from freezing. However, in reality, this method does more harm than good.
Firstly, when the car warms up, the windshield gradually heats up, and the ice under the blades thaws naturally. If the driver cleans the windshield manually, the difference between raised and lowered wipers is virtually non-existent.
Secondly, raised wipers become an easy target for passers-by — a careless movement is enough to bend the leash or break it altogether.
But the main harm lies in the mechanism's springs. When the wipers are in the raised position for a long time, the springs lose their elasticity. As a result, the blades no longer press tightly against the glass and begin to clean it poorly.
In addition, during nighttime snowfalls or thaws, moisture can get inside the mechanism. Once frozen, it blocks the movement of the blades, and trying to lower them in the morning can end in breakage.
Caution in the Cold: Why You Shouldn't Rush
At temperatures below -20 °C, car parts become especially brittle — metal, plastic, and rubber lose their elasticity. Any sudden movement in such weather conditions can lead to cracks and breakages.
To avoid trouble, it is important to warm up the engine before starting to drive and avoid sudden braking or turning. Even a short stop before the trip allows the car's components to warm up and work without unnecessary stress.
Warming Up the Gearbox: A Forgotten Necessity
The automatic transmission also needs to be warmed up. If the engine is already running smoothly, simply press the brake, move the selector to the "D" position, and hold for about a minute. During this time, the transmission oil will heat up, and the gearbox will start to work smoothly.
If you leave the lever in "P", the oil in the torque converter remains cold, and the parts work virtually "dry". This accelerates the wear of internal elements and reduces the transmission's lifespan.
Frozen Wipers: Haste Turns into Breakage
Turning on the wipers without making sure they are free is one of the most common winter mistakes. Frozen blades will not move, and the motor trying to turn them may burn out or damage the mechanism.
Before starting the wipers, you should check them by hand, and in severe frosts, first turn on the windshield heating or wait until the engine warms up.
In addition, if the car is equipped with a rain sensor, it is better to turn it off for the night. Otherwise, in the morning when the engine is started, the system will automatically activate the blades, which may start moving on the icy glass and get damaged.
Parking in the Snow: A Hidden Threat to the Suspension
The winter habit of leaving the car "nose" in a snowdrift seems harmless, but it can lead to serious consequences. When driving after such parking, steering wheel vibration and wheel wobble are often felt. The reason is simple: ice and compacted snow remain on the discs, creating an imbalance during rotation.
This not only reduces driving comfort but also negatively affects the suspension and steering components. To avoid such problems, it is worth parking so that there is a little free space in front of the car. If you have to drive out through the snow, you should first clean the wheels and discs.
In winter, a car requires not special tricks, but attention and care. A leisurely warm-up, checking all systems, and careful handling of the equipment will help extend the life of the car and save you from unpleasant breakdowns at the most inopportune moment.