Posted on 9/26/2025
Cold weather puts extra pressure on your car, but it's often the driver’s habits during this time that cause the most long-term damage. From letting your car idle too long to skipping winter maintenance, some routines that seem harmless may be setting your vehicle up for problems later on. Here are seven winter driving habits that can gradually wear down your vehicle and lead to unexpected repairs. 1. Excessive Idling on Cold Mornings Warming up the engine for a few minutes is fine, especially when scraping the windshield or getting ready to leave. But letting your car idle for fifteen or twenty minutes every morning doesn't do the engine any favors. In fact, prolonged idling allows fuel to mix with oil, especially when the engine is still cold. This can reduce oil effectiveness over time and lead to sludge buildup inside the engine. Modern engines are designed to warm up more efficiently by driving gently, not by sitting still for long stretches ... read more