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Winter brings cold temperatures, frosty mornings and unpredictable driving conditions, which makes car care more important than ever. While many drivers prepare for winter, plenty of old myths still circulate—some harmless, some potentially damaging.
At Drift Bridge Group, we want to help Audi, Volkswagen and Honda drivers separate fact from fiction. Here are the most common winter car care myths debunked, along with genuine, practical advice to keep your car running smoothly throughout the season.
Myth 1: You Should Warm Up Your Engine for 10 Minutes Before Driving
The truth: Modern engines—especially those in Audi, Volkswagen and Honda vehicles—are designed to be driven almost immediately.
Idling for long periods wastes fuel and increases wear. Instead, start the car, wait 20–30 seconds, and then drive gently.
Myth 2: Hot Water Is the Safest Way to De-Ice Your Windshield
Reality: Never pour hot water onto frozen glass—it can crack instantly.
The correct approach:
Audi, VW and Honda all include highly efficient demisting systems that clear glass quickly without risk of damage.
Myth 3: All-Season Tyres Are Fine All Winter
Truth: All-season tyres are designed for mild to moderate conditions, but when temperatures drop consistently below 7°C, winter tyres offer dramatically better grip.
Winter tyres:
Many Drift Bridge customers choose winter tyres for models like the Audi Q5, Volkswagen Tiguan and Honda CR-V to enhance cold-weather safety.
Myth 4: Keeping the Fuel Tank Low Helps Save Weight and Fuel
Fact: Running a near-empty tank in winter increases the risk of fuel line freezing and puts stress on the fuel pump.
A good rule:
Keep your tank at half full or more through the colder months.
This applies to all petrol and diesel engines across the Audi, VW and Honda ranges.
Myth 5: Your Battery Will Survive Winter If It Worked Fine in Summer
Reality: Cold weather is the number one cause of battery failures.
Batteries naturally lose performance in low temperatures, and winter puts extra strain on electrical systems (lights, heaters, wipers, demisters).
Signs you may need a winter battery check:
Drift Bridge Group service centres can test and replace batteries for all models, including Audi MHEVs, Volkswagen EVs and Honda hybrids.
Myth 6: You Don’t Need to Check Tyre Pressure in Winter
Fact: Tyre pressure drops as temperatures fall. Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption and reduce grip—especially dangerous on icy roads.
Check your tyres at least every two weeks in winter.
Myth 7: Engine Coolant Only Matters in Summer
Truth: Winter is when coolant (antifreeze) is most important.
Low or incorrect antifreeze levels can lead to:
All Drift Bridge service departments use manufacturer-approved coolants for Audi, Volkswagen and Honda vehicles.
What Really Matters for Winter Car Care (The Real Checklist)
Here’s what you should focus on:
You can book all these checks at:
What Really Matters for Winter Car Care (The Real Checklist)
A professional winter check is the quickest way to ensure your car is safe, reliable and ready for the cold months ahead.
Visit your nearest Drift Bridge dealership for tailored servicing, genuine parts and expert advice across Audi, Volkswagen and Honda models.
