Winter Car Care Tips — Save Your Fuel, Protect Engine (and Cats!)
As Pakistan heads into another foggy and chilly winter, car owners are already facing familiar troubles — weak batteries, poor visibility, and rough, cold starts.
But there’s more to winter car care than keeping warm: from saving fuel to protecting street cats hiding under your hood, seasonal maintenance can literally save lives — both human and feline.
Here’s your reader-friendly 2025 winter checklist, tailored for Pakistani drivers navigating cold mornings, heavy fog, and unpredictable weather.
1. Check Your Battery Before It Dies in the Cold
Car batteries are the first to suffer in low temperatures. In cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Abbottabad, chilly nights can quickly drain weak or old batteries.
What to do:
- Get a battery load test before winter starts.
- Clean and tighten terminals; apply a bit of petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
- If it’s more than 2–3 years old or cranking slowly, replace it.
- Keep jumper cables or a portable jump starter in your trunk — especially for highway or northern trips.
2. Engine Oil and Coolant — Smooth Starts and Safe Temperatures
Cold mornings thicken oil, making your engine struggle.
Check your car’s manual for a winter-appropriate grade — most vehicles in Pakistan perform well on 5W-30 or 10W-40 during colder months.
Never skip coolant — even if you think “winters are mild here.”
Your fluid checklist:
- Maintain a 50:50 coolant-to-water mix to prevent freezing or overheating.
- You should check car’s owner manual for changing coolant after recommended time interval. However, it should be replaced after 30,000 to 50,000 miles ( 48,000-80,000 km) or after every 5 years for modern cars with reliable coolant life.
- Inspect hoses and radiator caps for cracks.
- Always check the oil level before long trips.
Pro Tip: Using only tap water in radiators is a usual Pakistani mistake — it causes rust, sludge, and early engine wear.
3. Tyres and Brakes — Traction Can Save Your Life
Even without snow, fog and dew make roads dangerously slick.
Cold air also lowers tyre pressure by about 1 PSI per 10°F drop, affecting grip and mileage.
Checklist:
- Check tyre pressure at least once a month (when tyres are cold) and before a long journey.
- Keep tread depth above 3 mm for safety.
- Replace worn-out tyres — they lose grip faster on cold, moist roads.
- Get brake pads, discs, and brake fluid inspected before December.
If you’re heading to Murree, Swat, or Gilgit, carry snow chains or switch to all-season tyres.
4. Visibility and Lights — See and Be Seen
Fog can reduce visibility below 50 meters in Punjab and KPK, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
That’s why clean windshields, functional lights, and proper ventilation make all the difference.
Visibility upgrades:
- Replace wiper blades if they streak or squeak.
- Use anti-freeze washer fluid, not plain water.
- Turn on fog lamps on low beam — never high beams in fog.
- Keep interior glass clean to prevent condensation.
To clear fog inside your car, turn on the AC with heater mode — it quickly dehumidifies the cabin.
5. Cat in the Engine — The Hidden Winter Hazard
Yes, really.
Every winter, dozens of car owners in Lahore and Karachi report that cats hide in engine bays to escape the cold.
Unfortunately, when engines start, these animals can get seriously injured or killed — an easily preventable tragedy.
Before you start your car on a cold morning:
- Tap your hood a few times or honk briefly to alert any sleeping cats.
- Check under the car and around the tyres.
- If you often park outdoors, cover your engine bay with a light cloth or mat at night.
- Park in well-lit, covered areas when possible.
It’s a small act of kindness that can save a life — and prevent distressing accidents.
6. Rust, Seals, and Body Protection — The Silent Damage
Moisture, fog, and pollution erode your car’s paint and metal.
Unprotected underbodies and door seams are especially prone to rust in humid winter air.
Preventive care:
- Wash your car weekly to remove smog residue.
- Apply a wax coat or ceramic sealant for protection.
- Clean door seals and apply silicone spray to prevent cracking.
- Consider underbody coating — most workshops in Pakistan offer it for under Rs 5,000.
7. Cabin Air and Heating — Comfort Meets Safety
A working heater and defroster aren’t luxuries — they’re crucial for visibility and health.
Do this:
- Test your heater, blower, and defogger vents early.
- Replace cabin filters every 15,000 miles ( 24,000 km).
- Use AC intermittently in winter to keep the compressor lubricated and air dry.
8. Emergency Kit — Always Be Prepared
Winter breakdowns are more common due to fog, battery drain, and traffic delays.
Keep these essentials handy:
- Jumper cables or a power bank jump starter
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Blanket, snacks, and water
- Spare tyre and inflator
- Tow rope and basic toolkit
- Extra washer fluid and microfiber cloths
Why It Matters More in 2025
- Recent reports show that Lahore is among the most polluted cities in the world. Rising smog levels are not only impairing visibility on the roads but also causing damage to vehicles and buildings.
- Weather data also shows that foggy days in Punjab have increased over the past few years, especially during winter.
- At the same time, the increasing number of vehicles registered in the province is leading to heavier traffic, more wear and tear, and a greater chance of minor accidents in busy areas.
Taking preventive action isn’t optional anymore — it’s smart ownership.
Final Takeaway
Winter in Pakistan might not bring snowstorms everywhere, but it still poses challenges to your car, safety, and environment.
A 30-minute pre-season check can prevent battery failure, poor mileage, rust, and even animal injury.
Before the fog thickens, do your part: service your car, drive responsibly, and always check for cats before starting the engine.