❓ My Winter Car FAQ

A: The Problem Bar represents alcohol dependency (alcoholism), NOT thirst. Your character starts as an alcoholic, which is why your apartment has empty beer bottles scattered around. To lower the Problem Bar, you must drink alcohol (beer is cheapest). Water barely helps because it's not a thirst meter. You can eventually cure alcoholism through the "Mega Sobering" process (let bar reach 100%, wait 38 minutes, drink water, repeat 4-5 times).

A: Your apartment is too cold. You cannot sleep if room temperature is below ~20°C. Turn on the bedroom radiator to 25-30°C and wait for the room to warm up (this takes several minutes). The thermometer on the wall shows current temperature.

A: Most likely cause: Engine oil froze because you didn't plug in the block heater overnight. The Sorbett has a block heater cable that must be plugged into the outlet under your apartment (or parent's house). Look for the black cable coming from the Sorbett's front, and plug it into the black socket near the building. Leave it plugged in while sleeping, then unplug before driving.

A: Controller support exists but is limited in Early Access. Many actions (like scraping windows, phone dialing) are easier with mouse and keyboard. Common issue: Right stick defaults to mouse cursor instead of throttle/brake - remapping has known bugs. Keyboard + mouse is strongly recommended.

A: Phone calls require NUMPAD in default settings. You'll need to either: (1) Remap phone controls in settings, (2) Use an on-screen keyboard, or (3) Use a laptop with Fn+NumLock. Regular number row keys do NOT work for phone dialing.

A: NO for first playthrough! Permadeath permanently deletes your save when you die. My Winter Car is already extremely difficult - you will die many times while learning. Use normal mode first. Consider Permadeath only after you've completed at least one full playthrough and understand all mechanics.

A: With 200+ parts needed, expect 20-30 hours of real-time work for a first build. This includes sourcing parts, assembly, troubleshooting, and testing. Experienced players can do it in 10-15 hours. Factor in additional time for earning money to buy parts (~15,000-30,000 mk total cost).

A: Not required, but HIGHLY recommended. The developer explicitly states on Steam: "BE WARNED: This game is for players who already master the challenge of My Summer Car." MWC is intentionally harder with no tutorial. If you haven't played MSC, expect a much steeper learning curve. MSC teaches core mechanics in a more forgiving summer environment.

A: Sleep in bed (skips 1 hour) or use toilet (instant save). Saving via sleep requires warm room (25-30°C). Press P for emergency quick save. No manual save/load system - saves are checkpoint-based.

A: Windows: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\LocalLow\Amistech Games\My Winter Car
Always backup this folder before: installing mods, using save editors, or attempting risky gameplay. Save corruption can happen in Early Access.

A: No true pause. Opening the ESC menu slows time but doesn't freeze it. To effectively "pause": Sleep (save + time skip) or stand still indoors in a warm location. Time continues even in menus.

A: Yes, significantly harder. Key differences: Temperature system can kill you in 10-15 minutes, mandatory job schedule with possibility of permanent firing, Problem Bar (alcohol dependency) instead of simple thirst, darker/shorter days, and stricter time management. MWC is designed as a hardcore sequel for MSC veterans.

A: Master the Sorbett completely before attempting Rivett build. Sorbett is free, reliable, and teaches winter driving mechanics. Use it for: daily commuting, job transportation, parts shopping, and earning money. Only after you're comfortable with Sorbett should you purchase and build the Rivett.

A: Not currently possible in Early Access. The Sorbett is your permanent backup vehicle. Even after building the Rivett, you'll need the Sorbett for situations where the Rivett is broken, being serviced, or you need a reliable daily driver.

A: YES - Kekmet is REQUIRED. The Kekmet tractor is essential for: (1) Transporting Rivett shell after purchase (cannot tow with Sorbett safely), (2) Firewood delivery job (main income source), (3) Off-road access to remote locations. Located at parents' house woodshed.

A: Depends on your Rivett's VIN (randomized) and preference:
• 4-speed manual: Stock/reliable, good for beginners
• 5-speed manual: Better for highway cruising, more control
• 3-speed automatic: Easier to drive but less engaging
Check your VIN plate to see what your Rivett came with originally.

A: In current Early Access, Sorbett is relatively reliable and has limited maintenance (hood doesn't even open). Major failure is unlikely. Key preventions: (1) Always plug in block heater overnight, (2) Don't crash into things, (3) Keep fuel tank above 1/4 full. If it does break, you'll need to call Fleetari for repair service.

A: No, but you can park them strategically around the map for different purposes. Example strategy: Keep Sorbett at apartment for daily use, park Kekmet at parents' house for firewood jobs, keep Gifu at waste plant for septic work. Vehicles stay where you leave them.

A: Sorbett heater settings: Blower on MAX, direction knob to LEFT (towards windshield), temperature knob to LEFT (hot). CRITICAL: Car must be warmed up first - heater only works when engine coolant is warm. Let engine run for 2-3 minutes before expecting heat. Block heater overnight helps with cold starts.

A: Common causes: (1) Engine not fully warmed up yet, (2) Heater controls set incorrectly, (3) Wearing indoor clothing instead of outdoor winter gear, (4) Driving with windows down/broken. Solution: Check all heater settings, let engine warm 2-3 minutes, ensure you're wearing proper clothing layer.

A: Three main sources:
• Fleetari's Repair Shop (Loppe): New parts, highest prices, Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM
• AMIS Catalog (Parents' garage): Basic parts, mid-range prices
• Classifieds Magazine (PSK shop): Used parts, lowest prices, ~40-200 min delivery
Strategy: Buy critical parts (engine internals, unique parts) new from Fleetari, cosmetic/body parts used from Classifieds.

A: Fleetari's stock is limited and restocks randomly. Developer stated (May 2024): "I haven't decided the full inventory yet." If a part is out of stock: (1) Try Classifieds Magazine, (2) Check AMIS catalog, (3) Wait for Fleetari restock (timing unknown), (4) Check flea market (some rare parts only there).

A: Based on player testing: ~40-200 in-game minutes (average ~2-3 real-life minutes, max wait ~3.3 hours real-time). Check apartment mailbox for pickup notice. Parts are held at PSK counter - bring notice and payment to collect.

A: Verify these common mistakes:
(1) Did ad number turn to 0 before hanging up? If not, order didn't go through
(2) Did you use NUMPAD to dial? Number row doesn't work
(3) Did you wait for seller to hang up first? Hanging up early cancels order
If all correct, you may have unlucky max wait (200 minutes). Keep checking mailbox.

A: In parents' house garage (same as My Summer Car), usually on or near the workbench. Look for a magazine/catalog on surfaces. Parents' house is accessible even though you live in the apartment - drive there with Sorbett.

A: Depends on part type:
• Worth it: Body panels, interior trim, cosmetic parts, non-critical components
• Risky: Engine internals, safety parts (brakes), electrical components
• Money saved: ~4,000-5,000 mk if you buy smart
Recommendation: Mix and match - new critical parts, used cosmetics. Inspect everything before installation.

A: Engine block is UNIQUE - cannot replace, only repair. Send to Fleetari for expensive repair. Prevention is critical: (1) Monitor temperature gauge religiously, (2) NEVER over-rev (Rivett has NO rev limiter!), (3) Let engine warm up before driving hard, (4) Don't crash at high speed. Damage is often permanent game-ender if severe.

A: Developer designed multi-symptom detection:
• Visual: Bearing surfaces show scuff marks and discoloration
• Functional: Performance degradation (engine less powerful, handling worse)
• Sound: Abnormal noises (knocking, grinding, squealing)
Some damage requires starting engine or driving to discover. Always inspect carefully before installation.

A: No. Fleetari primarily sells engine parts and wear items. Many parts (body panels, interior components, trim pieces) must be obtained from Classifieds or AMIS catalog. Fleetari is best for: engine internals, suspension, brakes, performance upgrades.

A: Estimated 15,000-30,000 mk total (community estimates, varies by choices):
• Rivett shell: 500 mk (fixed)
• All new parts from Fleetari: ~13,000-14,000 mk
• Mixed (new critical + used cosmetic): ~8,000-10,000 mk
• Fluids: ~200-300 mk
Add ~20% buffer for mistakes, replacements, upgrades. Plan to work jobs for 2-3 weeks before purchasing.

A: Multi-layered approach required:
• Clothing: Wear outdoor winter gear (found in wardrobes at home)
• Heat sources: Stay near fireplace at parents' house, use car heaters when driving
• Indoor heating: Turn radiators to 25-30°C in all rooms you use
• Time management: Avoid staying outside >10-15 minutes without warm clothing
• Hot drinks: Coffee, tea provide temporary warmth boost
Death from hypothermia can occur in 10-15 minutes outdoors without protection.

A: Indoor vs Outdoor clothing matters. Check wardrobes in:
• Parents' house: Main source of winter clothing
• Apartment: Limited clothing options
• Attic: Additional gear may be stored
Always change into full winter gear before going outside for extended periods. Indoor clothing will get you killed outdoors.

A: Two main sources:
• Teimo's Shop (PSK): Primary source, daily stock, varies 30-50mk per item
• Pub Nappo: Backup when Teimo closed, sausage with fries ~30-50mk
Strategy: Buy 3-5 days of food at once from Teimo. Keep non-perishables at both apartment and parents' house. Budget ~50-100mk daily for food.

A: Only by sleeping. Sleeping skips 1 hour per sleep cycle (changed from MSC's 2 hours for better time management). No other fast-forward mechanic exists. You cannot skip work hours, waiting periods, or delivery times. This is intentional game design.

A: Save file is PERMANENTLY DELETED. No recovery possible. Patch v.260102-01 fixed this to properly delete saves (earlier versions had bugs where saves persisted as "ghosts"). Only use Permadeath if you're willing to lose 20-30+ hours of progress on one mistake.

A: Real-time body temperature simulation:
• Base: Temperature drops when exposed to outdoor cold
• Modifiers: Clothing (+warmth), heating (+warmth), wind (-warmth), activity (+warmth)
• Critical threshold: Death occurs if too cold for too long
• Recovery: Takes time - can't instantly warm up
Monitor thermometer in buildings, watch for screen effects (blue tint = dangerously cold).

A: Futufon Office Job (packaging phone chargers) provides most reliable income:
• Steady daily salary (exact amount TBD in EA)
• Monday-Friday, fixed hours
• Up to 3 hours overtime per day
Supplement with: Firewood delivery (400-800mk per run with Kekmet), Advertisement delivery jobs, Kilju brewing. Avoid relying on racing for income (prizes not confirmed).

A: YES - PERMANENTLY. If you're frequently absent from Futufon office job without showing up, you will be fired and cannot get the job back. This is a major change from MSC's flexible side jobs. Always maintain good attendance or have backup income sources ready.

A: Location: Futufon building (where furniture factory was in MSC), near highway.
Process: (1) Drive there during business hours, (2) Wait for manager to be available (he might be on phone), (3) Press K through his dialogue, (4) Follow him if he starts walking, (5) Job starts NEXT Monday (locker door won't open before then).

A: Your job only starts the NEXT Monday after hiring. If you got hired on Wednesday, the locker remains locked until Monday. This is not a bug - wait until Monday morning, show up during work hours, then the locker will open.

A: Call the taxi company. Phone number is posted on job flyer inside PSK: 08-712112. Requirements: (1) Must own/have purchased Rivett first, (2) Transport Rivett to parents' house, (3) Call number, (4) Meet taxi person to learn mechanics. Then you can drive the Machtwagen taxi for fares.

A: New in MWC: Bank accounts with direct deposit.
• Salary deposits: Job payments go directly to bank (automatic)
• ATM locations: Check balance and withdraw cash
• Tax deduction: Salaries are post-tax amounts
• Cash still needed: For shops, gas stations, most purchases
First PIN code you enter is PERMANENT - choose wisely, no reset available.

A: Common fixes:
(1) Verify game files via Steam (right-click game → Properties → Local Files)
(2) Delete cache: AppData\LocalLow\Amistech Games\My Winter Car\Cache
(3) Update graphics drivers to latest version
(4) Check Steam discussions for patch-specific crashes
(5) Disable mods if you have any installed (BepInEx)

A: Systematic diagnosis required. Check:
• Battery charged? (voltage gauge reading)
• Fuel in tank? Fuel pump working?
• Spark plugs installed and not fouled?
• Choke engaged for cold start?
• Engine oil at correct level?
• All electrical connections tight?
If 100% complete and still won't start: Check Steam discussions for latest EA-specific bugs. Some builds have reported issues even with perfect assembly.

A: Must use NUMPAD, NOT number row. This is by far the most common issue. If you don't have a numpad: (1) Use laptop Fn+NumLock if available, (2) Remap controls in settings, (3) Use on-screen keyboard, (4) Get USB numpad. Regular number keys (1-9 above letters) do NOT work for phone system.

A: Known EA bug: Right stick defaults to mouse cursor instead of throttle/brake. Controller remapping has issues in current build. Workarounds: (1) Use keyboard for throttle/brake, controller for steering, (2) Try remapping (may not work), (3) Wait for future update. Full controller support being improved by developer.

A: Performance tips:
• Lower graphics settings in options menu
• Close background applications
• Update graphics drivers
• MWC uses Unity 5 (older engine) - performance varies by PC
• Rewritten car building system in MWC provides ~20% better FPS than MSC during assembly
Check Steam system requirements - game is CPU-intensive.

A: Prevention is key - always backup saves before: installing mods, using save editors, major gameplay changes.
If corrupted:
(1) Check for backup saves in save folder
(2) Try MSC Editor to repair save file
(3) Restore from manual backup if you made one
(4) As last resort: Start new game
EA games are prone to save issues with frequent updates.

A: NO - My Winter Car does NOT have multiplayer or co-op. The game is singleplayer only in Early Access, and the developer has confirmed there are no plans to add official multiplayer support at full release or beyond. Developer Toplessgun has consistently stated for years he will never add multiplayer to his games. Do not buy this game expecting multiplayer.

A: NO. The developer has explicitly and repeatedly stated multiplayer will never be added. Technical reasons: Unity 5 engine not optimized for networking, game code would require complete rewrite, solo developer lacks resources. Design reasons: Game vision is intentionally singleplayer, multiplayer would break progression balance.

A: MWCO is an UNOFFICIAL third-party multiplayer mod developed by fans. NOT developed or supported by Amistech Games. Currently in beta phase, requires pre-order purchase for access. Website: mywintercar.online. Risks: May break with official updates, could corrupt saves, no official support, community rates MSC version as "5/10 quality."

A: Use at your own risk. Multiplayer mods can: (1) Corrupt save files, (2) Break with official game updates, (3) Cause crashes/bugs, (4) Are not supported by developer. ALWAYS backup saves before installing ANY mod. MSC multiplayer mods have reputation for being buggy and unstable. Download ONLY from official mod sites - third-party sites may contain malware.

A: BepInEx 5 (Mono, x64) is the modding framework for MWC.
Installation:
(1) Download BepInEx 5 from official GitHub
(2) Extract to game root directory (right-click game → Manage → Browse Local Files)
(3) Run game once to generate folders
(4) Place mod .dll files in BepInEx/plugins/
(5) Verify mods load in game
CRITICAL: Backup saves before modding!

A: YES - mods can corrupt saves. Especially: save editors, gameplay-altering mods, poorly-coded mods, conflicting mods. Some save corruption is irreversible. Prevention: (1) Always backup before installing mods, (2) Read mod descriptions for known issues, (3) Install one mod at a time, (4) Test thoroughly before progressing further.

A: Mods are tolerated but NOT officially supported. Developer Toplessgun allows modding community but: (1) No technical support for mod issues, (2) Mods may break with updates, (3) Save corruption from mods is player's responsibility, (4) Report bugs only after testing without mods. Community modding scene is active despite lack of official support.

A: Safe sources ONLY:
• Nexus Mods: Largest repository, moderated
• Official mod websites: Like mywintercar.online for MWCO
• GitHub: Open-source mods from developers
• Steam Workshop: If/when implemented
AVOID: Random file-sharing sites, third-party "mod packs," suspicious Discord links. Always scan downloads with antivirus.

A: NO. Developer confirmed (May 2024): "You can only take Corris Rivett for the ice race and rally, because I need to limit it somewhere. You cannot get the Sorbett through the inspection because it misses the safety parts." Only the Rivett is allowed. Kekmet, Gifu, and all other vehicles are also banned from racing.

A: Not necessarily in current EA. Race requirements are not finalized. Recommendation: Build a dual-purpose car (street legal + race-capable) until EA clarifies requirements. If stripping headlights/indicators becomes mandatory for racing, you may need separate builds. Monitor Steam patch notes.

A: Every other weekend. Schedule: Friday (practice), Saturday (qualifying), Sunday (finals). Alternates with Rally Sprint - when Ice Track runs, Rally doesn't, and vice versa. Check in-game calendar for exact race weekends. Arrive Friday for practice (highly recommended).

A: Damage mechanics in racing are unconfirmed in EA. Likely outcomes: Mechanical damage makes car slower or causes DNF (Did Not Finish), visual damage may not affect performance but looks bad. Best strategy: Drive clean and avoid crashes entirely. Bring spare parts in trunk as insurance.

A: Registration process awaits EA implementation. Current assumption based on MSC: Show up at ice track with legal Rivett during race weekend. Possible requirements: (1) Pass inspection first, (2) Have safety equipment installed, (3) Pay entry fee. Check Steam discussions as EA develops this feature.

A: Prize details NOT yet confirmed. Official status (Wiki, Jan 2026): "There will be prizes, but it is not known what they will be yet." Possible rewards based on MSC: Prize money, trophies. Reality check: Even if prizes exist, they likely won't cover full race-spec Rivett cost. Race for experience and skill development, not profit.