When winter hits Queens, your INFINITI used car’s engine feels it just as much as you do. Cold weather can cause all sorts of problems from slow starts to heavier wear and tear. If ignored, these issues can snowball into big-time damage. But with a little planning and the right care, you can keep your engine running strong through the colder months.
Whether you’re commuting along the Grand Central Parkway or stuck in traffic on Northern Boulevard, your car’s engine is doing a lot of work. Keeping it protected during winter helps with performance and can save you from problems down the road. Here’s how to make sure your INFINITI stays ready for anything the cold might throw at it.
Regular Engine Oil Changes
Oil plays a big role in how your engine performs, especially during winter. As temperatures drop, oil thickens. That makes it harder for engine parts to move smoothly. If the oil is old or dirty, things get worse. The engine ends up working harder, which leads to faster wear.
One of the smartest things you can do before winter sets in is to get an oil change. Many drivers switch to synthetic oil during the colder months. That type flows better in the cold and helps protect the engine during start-up. With synthetic oil, your engine doesn’t have to put up a fight just to get going.
Think about doing oil changes a bit more often in the winter. If you usually change oil every 5,000 miles, consider cutting that a little shorter. Cold starts and stop-and-go traffic in Queens can cause moisture and gunk to build up faster.
A great example is a local driver who put off their oil change until mid-January. Their INFINITI’s oil filter became clogged, the engine started running rough, and the pressure warning light came on. In that case, repairing the damage cost more than the oil change would have.
Maintain Proper Antifreeze Levels
Antifreeze works like a winter jacket for your engine. It keeps things from freezing up when it’s cold and prevents overheating once the car warms up. Without the right ratio of antifreeze in the system, your engine can be at risk. Coolant system failure can lead to cracked hoses or even a damaged radiator.
Checking antifreeze levels is simple but easy to overlook. The coolant reservoir has markers that show where the fluid should be. Make sure it’s sitting between the minimum and maximum lines when the engine is cool. If it’s low, you should top it off using the correct mixture and fluid type.
Use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water unless your vehicle needs something different. That combo protects against both freezing and boiling.
Tips to manage antifreeze this winter:
- Let the engine cool off completely before opening the reservoir.
- Look over the connecting hoses for cracks or dry spots.
- If the coolant looks dirty or rusty, have it flushed.
- Only add antifreeze that’s right for your car’s make and model.
Your coolant system is your first line of defense against winter breakdowns. Keeping it in good shape gives you one less thing to worry about.
Battery Care in Cold Weather
Cold air puts a lot of pressure on your car’s battery. That’s because lower temperatures slow down the chemical process that creates power. If your battery already has some wear, a sudden drop in temperature could keep your car from starting at all.
Before the mercury plunges, take a close look at your battery. If it’s over three years old, get it tested. Problems may not show up in the fall but could leave you stranded on a cold morning. If the engine cranks more slowly than usual or the interior lights get dim, that might be a sign it’s time to replace it.
Here are ways to help your battery survive the winter:
- Keep the battery terminals clean.
- Check clamps. Make sure they’re snug and not corroded.
- Don’t leave the radio or headlights on when the engine isn’t running.
- Start the car regularly if it sits unused for more than a few days.
If you park your car on the street, facing it away from the wind helps keep the battery from taking too much of a hit from freezing gusts.
Protect the Engine Block
On very cold days and nights, your engine block needs help. This large, solid chunk of metal houses moving parts that don’t work well in extreme cold. When it’s freezing, it takes longer to heat up. That extra time puts more stress on other parts and slows your drive.
An engine block heater is a simple tool for this. It plugs into a regular outlet and keeps the engine warm overnight. That way, your INFINITI is quicker to start and easier to get going.
More ways to lessen cold stress on your engine block:
- Use a garage when possible.
- Try a weatherproof car cover.
- Don’t take short trips that don’t allow full engine warm-up.
If you’re not using a block heater, give the engine a minute or two before you head out. That light warm-up helps your fluids get moving and keeps everything working together.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
When it gets cold, rubber parts get stiff. That includes the belts and hoses that help your engine do its job. With enough stress, they can snap, crack, or split. Any of those problems could leave you stranded or cause bigger issues like overheating or losing your steering.
You don’t want that happening on slippery Queens roads. So, take time before and during winter to have all belts and hoses looked at. Brittle material, bulges, or visible cracks are all signs they may be ready to go. Belt slipping can happen, too, if things get too worn.
Timing belts and serpentine belts are hard to inspect without the right tools. That’s why it’s smart to get them checked at a shop during routine maintenance. Hose clamps should also be inspected since temperature changes can make them loosen and leak.
Keep Your Fuel Tank Full in Winter
It might be easy to delay that stop at the gas station when it’s cold, but driving on empty during winter in Queens can cause problems. A low fuel tank allows moisture to build up inside, and once the temps drop enough, that water can freeze inside the fuel lines or tank.
Avoid that by keeping your tank closer to full. That means less space for moisture and fewer problems if you get caught waiting in traffic on the LIE or stuck behind a plow.
Some drivers use fuel additives for winter. These help keep the gas from gelling or freezing in very cold conditions. That’s something to check with a service tech before using any product since the wrong one may harm your engine.
Warm Up and Drive With Winter in Mind
Everyone has an opinion on whether to warm up a car before driving. Doing it for a minute or two on cold mornings is helpful. It gets oil moving through the engine and allows your INFINITI to adjust before hitting the road.
Don’t let it idle for 10 minutes. That just burns gas without warming much besides the cabin. A short warm-up followed by easy driving is more effective.
Safe and smooth habits can mean less engine wear:
- Start easy. Don’t rev the engine right away.
- Let it run for two minutes, unless temps are near zero.
- Go slow for the first few miles.
- Don’t slam on the brakes or gas early in the trip.
- Once warm, turn off heated seats or rear defrost to reduce load on your battery.
Being gentle during winter driving has a big payoff. Less wear means fewer repairs.
Stay Ahead with Professional Maintenance
Winter isn’t the season to ignore servicing your car. Things like weak battery connections, low fluids, or worn brakes can turn serious in freezing weather. That’s why it helps to have your INFINITI looked at by someone familiar with the details of your vehicle.
A technician will check things like your coolant system, exhaust, HVAC, and spark plugs. All of these systems play a role in your engine’s winter readiness.
Many shops offer winter checkup packages. They save time and take the guesswork out of what your car might need. While it might cost more up front, catching small issues early keeps you from being stuck later on.
Keep Your INFINITI Winter-Ready
Queens winters hit hard, and your INFINITI used car has to keep up through it all. That means your engine takes on more wear and stress than usual. But regular oil changes, battery testing, and keeping that coolant system filled give your engine a better chance of staying strong.
Simple things like a full gas tank or letting the fluids circulate before hitting the road make driving smoother. Updating bad belts, warming the engine, and driving with care all help your car last longer—no matter how chilly things get.
Winter toughens everything, but if you stay ahead with the right habits and well-timed service, your INFINITI will keep moving through the season without trouble.
Keep your INFINITI running smoothly this winter by staying on top of important maintenance tasks. Whether you’re navigating the streets of Queens or heading out of town, making sure your vehicle is ready for cold weather is key. If you’re considering an upgrade, explore our wide selection of INFINITI used cars at INFINITI City of Queens. Our team is here to help you find a dependable vehicle that fits your lifestyle and keeps you driving safely through the season.
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