Health & Survival Mechanics

Overview

My Winter Car introduces a comprehensive health and survival system centered around maintaining your body's vital signs in the brutal Finnish winter. Unlike the original game where health was simple, winter survival demands constant monitoring of multiple interconnected systems.

The four core stats—Health, Body Temperature, Hunger, and Stress—work together to determine your survival. Neglecting any one can quickly lead to death in the sub-zero conditions.

Core Health Systems

Health (♥)

Your overall physical condition. Health depletes from:

• Cold damage (hypothermia)
• Hunger (starvation)
• Stress (mental fatigue)
• Physical injury (car crashes, falls)
• Dehydration (rare, from alcohol)

Death occurs at 0% health. Restoring health requires treating the underlying cause—warming up, eating food, or reducing stress.

Body Temperature (🌡️)

The most critical stat in winter. Measured in Celsius, your body temperature must stay near 37°C for survival.

Temperature Loss Factors:

• Cold ambient temperature
• Wet clothing (5x faster heat loss)
• Wind exposure
• Immobility (standing still)
• Low food/hunger levels

Temperature Gain Sources:

• Heated buildings (PSK, Teimo's, apartment)
• Vehicle heaters
• Hot food and drinks
• Physical activity (limited help)
• Block heaters (passive warming)

Hunger (🍽️)

Your body's energy reserves. Hunger slowly depletes over time and drops faster during physical activity.

Effects of Low Hunger:

• < 70%: Health begins to decline
• < 40%: Significant health loss
• < 20%: Severe weakness, temperature drops faster

Restoring Hunger:

• Eating food (5-10 minutes to digest)
• Hot foods provide temporary warmth bonus
• Alcohol provides calories but causes dehydration

Stress (⚠️)

Mental and psychological pressure from winter survival.

Stress Sources:

• Cold exposure
• Financial pressure (rent, repairs)
• Vehicle breakdowns
• Social isolation
• Sleep deprivation
• Time pressure

High Stress Effects:

• Reduced dexterity (harder to repair cars)
• Impaired decision making
• Faster hunger depletion
• Health degradation
• " cabin fever" debuff

Stress Relief:

• Alcohol at Teimo's pub (most effective)
• Social interaction
• Accomplishing goals (finding parts, earning money)
• Good sleep (8+ hours)
• Warm, safe environment

Temperature Mechanics Deep Dive

Heat Loss Calculation

Body heat loss depends on multiple factors:

| Factor | Heat Loss Rate | Mitigation | |--------|----------------|------------| | Base cold (-10°C) | 1°C per 10 min | Winter clothing | | Wind chill (-20°C) | 1°C per 5 min | Windproof layers | | Wet clothing | 1°C per 2 min | Dry clothes, shelter | | Immobility | +50% loss rate | Keep moving (sparingly) | | Good clothing | -70% loss rate | Proper winter gear |

Hypothermia Progression

Stage 1: Mild (34-35°C)

• Intense shivering
• Loss of fine motor control
• Skin numbness
• Reversible with warmth

Stage 2: Moderate (32-33°C)

• Severe shivering stops
• Muscle rigidity
• Confusion, amnesia
• Medical attention needed

Stage 3: Severe (30-31°C)

• Unconsciousness likely
• Cardiac arrhythmia risk
• Apparent death (shallow breathing)
• Emergency medical care required

Stage 4: Critical (< 30°C)

• Cardiac arrest likely
• Death probable
• Requires immediate professional help
• Often fatal

Warming Strategies

Immediate (0-5 minutes):

1. Enter heated building
2. Turn on vehicle heater
3. Drink hot coffee/tea
4. Light physical activity

Short-term (5-30 minutes):

1. Eat hot food
2. Change into dry clothes
3. Use blankets
4. Block heater plugin

Long-term (30+ minutes):

1. Sleep (full health/temp restore)
2. Extended time in heated space
3. Hot showers (apartment)
4. Multiple hot meals

Food & Nutrition System

Food Effects

All food restores hunger, but different items have unique properties:

| Food Type | Hunger Restore | Warmth Bonus | Duration | Special Effects | |-----------|----------------|--------------|----------|-----------------| | Hot Foods | 40-60% | +3-5°C | 10-15 min | Temporary warmth boost | | Cold Foods | 40-60% | 0°C | 5-8 min | No warmth benefit | | Hot Drinks | 5-15% | +10-15°C | 10-20 min | Excellent warmth | | Alcohol | 0% | +5-8°C | 15-30 min | Stress relief, dehydration |

Strategic Eating

Before Going Outside:

• Eat hot food for warmth buffer
• Drink hot coffee (+15°C for 10 minutes)
• Full hunger bar (70%+)

During Long Journeys:

• Pack snacks (energy bars, coffee)
• Stop for hot meals at PSK
• Monitor hunger every 15-20 minutes

After Exposure:

• Hot soup or stew (best recovery)
• Multiple items (stacking bonuses)
• Rest while eating (slower digestion but warmer)

Winter Diet Strategy: Focus on hot, calorie-dense foods:

1. Reindeer sausage (+55 hunger, +5 warmth)
2. Fish & chips (+50 hunger, +4 warmth)
3. Coffee (+10 hunger, +15 warmth)
4. Avoid: Cold sandwiches, ice cream

Winter Clothing System

Clothing Layers

Base Layer (Underwear):

• Cotton: Cheap, moderate insulation, bad when wet
• Wool: Better insulation, retains warmth when damp
• Synthetic: Quick-dry, good moisture management

Insulation Layer:

• Wool sweater: +15°C warmth, heavy
• Down jacket: +20°C warmth, expensive
• Fleece: +10°C warmth, lightweight

Shell Layer (Windproof):

• Winter coat: Wind protection, +10°C
• Windbreaker: Light wind protection
• Critical: Wind increases heat loss by 50%+

Extremities:

• Wool socks: Prevent frostbite
• Winter boots: Insulated, waterproof
• Gloves/mittens: Hand protection
• Hat: 30% of body heat lost through head

Clothing Condition

Clothing degrades over time:

• Tears: Reduce insulation by 25%
• Wetness: Reduce insulation by 75%
• Wear: Reduce insulation by 10% over time

Maintenance:

• Dry clothes by fire/heat
• Repair tears at home (needle/thread)
• Replace heavily damaged items

Optimal Winter Outfit

| Item | Material | Warmth Value | Cost | Durability | |------|----------|--------------|------|------------| | Hat | Wool | High | ~50 mk | Long | | Coat | Down | Very High | ~400 mk | Medium | | Pants | Wool | High | ~200 mk | Long | | Boots | Leather/Fur | High | ~300 mk | Long | | Gloves | Wool | Medium | ~80 mk | Medium |

Total Cost: ~1,030 mk Survival Value: Priceless

Shelter & Safe Zones

Heat Sources

| Location | Temperature | Duration | Cost | Services | |----------|-------------|----------|------|----------| | Apartment | Heated (20°C) | Unlimited | Rent | Save point, storage | | PSK Station | Heated (18°C) | 06-22:00 | Purchase required | Fuel, food, parts | | Teimo's Pub | Heated (20°C) | 16-02:00 | Purchase required | Food, alcohol | | Vehicle Heater | Warm (10-15°C) | While running | Fuel cost | Mobile warmth | | Block Heater | Passive warm | While plugged | Electricity | Pre-warm engine |

Safe Zone Strategy

Primary Refuge (Apartment):

• Pay rent weekly (failure = locked out!)
• Heat always on (if rent paid)
• Save point, full health restore
• Storage for supplies

Secondary Refuge (PSK/Teimo's):

• Purchase required (food/drink)
• Limited hours (check schedules)
• Services available (fuel, parts, gossip)
• Emergency warmth if stranded

Mobile Refuge (Vehicles):

• Heater requires running engine (fuel consumption)
• Block heater helps (must plan ahead)
• Risk of breakdown in remote areas
• Only as warm as outside air + 10-15°C

Emergency Shelter

If caught outside without shelter:

1. Seek windbreak: Trees, buildings, rocks
2. Conserve energy: Minimize movement
3. Bundle up: All available clothing
4. Dig snow shelter: In deep snow areas
5. Signal for help: Flares, horn, lights
6. Stay awake: Sleep = death in extreme cold

Warning: Exposure kills in 30-60 minutes at -20°C without proper clothing!

Stress Management

Stress Sources in Winter

Environmental:

• Constant cold exposure
• Darkness (limited daylight)
• Isolation (few NPCs)
• Vehicle breakdowns

Economic:

• Weekly rent (500-1000 mk)
• Fuel costs (200-300 mk/tank)
• Car repairs (500-5000 mk)
• Food expenses (50-100 mk/day)

Time Pressure:

• Shop opening hours (limited)
• Job schedules (Futufon 8-17:00)
• Limited daylight (6 hours)
• Seasonal events

Stress Relief Methods

Most Effective:

1. Teimo's Pub: 2-3 beers = 60-80% stress reduction
2. Social interaction: Talk to NPCs
3. Achieving goals: Complete tasks, earn money
4. Good sleep: 8+ hours in warm bed

Moderately Effective:

1. Hot food: Temporary mood boost
2. Warm shower: (apartment only)
3. Listening to music: Radio in car
4. Successful car repairs: Pride/achievement

Minimally Effective:

1. Energy drinks: Brief focus boost
2. Smoking: Temporary stress relief
3. Walking: Light exercise helps

Alcohol Strategy

Benefits:

• Major stress reduction (60-80%)
• Temporary warmth boost (+5-8°C)
• Social lubrication (better NPC interactions)
• Pain relief (injury mitigation)

Risks:

• Impaired driving: Never drive after drinking!
• Dehydration: Alcohol is diuretic
• Financial cost: 15-25 mk per drink
• Hangover: Next day penalties

Safe Consumption:

• 2-3 beers max if walking home
• Never drive after ANY alcohol
• Alternate with water
• Eat food while drinking
• Stay overnight if needed (Teimo's has upstairs rooms)

Health Recovery

Natural Recovery (No Items)

Sleep:

• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Restores: 100% health, temperature, stress
• Location: Must be warm (apartment)
• Cost: None (just time)

Rest:

• Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Restores: 50% health, 30% temperature
• Location: Any safe zone
• Cost: None

Active Recovery (With Items)

Food:

• Speed: 5-10 minutes
• Restores: Hunger (immediate), health (gradual)
• Additional: Temporary warmth boost
• Cost: 20-60 mk per meal

Medicine:

• Speed: Instant
• Restores: Health only
• Location: PSK pharmacy section
• Cost: ~100-200 mk

Alcohol:

• Speed: Immediate
• Restores: Stress (primary), hunger (minimal)
• Additional: Temporary warmth
• Cost: 15-25 mk per drink

Recovery Priorities

When Starving (< 30% hunger):

1. Eat hot food immediately
2. Drink hot beverage
3. Rest in warm location

When Cold (< 33°C):

1. Enter heated building
2. Change to dry clothes
3. Drink hot liquid
4. Light activity (if able)

When Stressed (> 80%):

1. Go to Teimo's pub
2. Limit to 2-3 drinks
3. Eat food with alcohol
4. Socialize with NPCs

When Injured (< 50% health):

1. Stop activity (moving worsens injury)
2. Use first aid kit (if available)
3. Rest in safe location
4. Address cause (cold, hunger, stress)

Advanced Survival Tips

Monitoring Your Stats

Check Regularly:

• Temperature: Every 10-15 minutes when outside
• Hunger: Every 30 minutes
• Stress: When feeling overwhelmed
• Health: After injury or long exposure

Warning Signs:

• Shivering: Mild hypothermia (34-35°C)
• Confusion: Moderate hypothermia (32-33°C)
• Slow movement: High stress or low hunger
• Blue lips/fingers: Severe cold damage

Proactive Survival

Before Leaving Apartment:

1. Check temperature (dress appropriately)
2. Eat breakfast (full hunger)
3. Plan route (know heat sources)
4. Check vehicle (heater working)
5. Pack emergency supplies

During Journeys:

1. Monitor temperature every 15 minutes
2. Eat snacks before getting too hungry
3. Stop at PSK for warmth if needed
4. Keep fuel above half tank
5. Turn back if conditions worsen

Emergency Preparedness:

1. Always carry food/snacks
2. Keep vehicle fueled
3. Know location of all heat sources
4. Have backup plans (alternate routes)
5. Tell someone your plans

Winter Day Planning

Optimal Schedule:

| Time | Activity | Location | Purpose | |------|----------|----------|---------| | 07:00 | Wake up, eat | Apartment | Start warm | | 08:00 | Work/ errands | Peräjärvi | Daylight hours | | 10:00 | Shop opens | Teimo's/PSK | Supplies, warmth | | 12:00 | Lunch | PSK | Hot meal, rest | | 15:00 | Continue tasks | Various | Use daylight | | 18:00 | Dinner | Teimo's/PSK | Evening meal | | 20:00 | Socialize | Teimo's | Stress relief | | 22:00 | Return home | Apartment | Safe sleep |

Avoid:

• Traveling in darkness
• Being outside 02:00-08:00 (no services)
• Prolonged exposure without shelter
• Running out of fuel in remote areas

Troubleshooting Health Issues

Common Problems

"I'm Losing Health but Not Cold"

• Cause: Low hunger (< 40%)
• Fix: Eat food immediately
• Prevention: Eat every 2-3 hours

"My Temperature Won't Rise"

• Cause: Wet clothes or no heat source
• Fix: Change clothes, enter heated building
• Prevention: Stay dry, plan heat stops

"Stress is Too High"

• Cause: Multiple pressures, isolation
• Fix: Visit Teimo's pub, socialize
• Prevention: Regular social interaction

"I Keep Getting Cold"

• Cause: Poor clothing or inadequate heating
• Fix: Buy better winter gear
• Prevention: Quality clothing investment

Emergency Response

Signs of Severe Hypothermia:

• Shivering stops suddenly
• Confusion, slurred speech
• Clumsiness, stumbling
• Pale, cold skin

Action:

1. Call for help (emergency services)
2. Get to warmth immediately
3. Remove wet clothes
4. Apply external warmth (blankets, body heat)
5. Give warm, sweet drinks (if conscious)
6. No alcohol! (increases heat loss)

Recovery Process:

• Mild: 30-60 minutes to warm location
• Moderate: 1-2 hours with medical help
• Severe: Hospital required, may have lasting effects

Conclusion

Winter survival in My Winter Car is a complex balancing act. Master these systems:

1. Monitor temperature constantly - it's life or death
2. Eat regularly - hunger fuels warmth production
3. Manage stress - it affects all other stats
4. Invest in clothing - quality gear saves money lives
5. Know your shelters - always have backup warmth
6. Plan routes carefully - avoid unnecessary exposure

The Finnish winter is unforgiving, but with proper knowledge and preparation, you can not only survive but thrive in the frozen wilderness of Peräjärvi.

Remember: In winter, you're never just surviving the cold—you're managing four interconnected systems that all affect each other. Master them all, or die trying.