How Can the Cold Affect My Car?

With winter fast approaching, it’s important to ask, “What are the lasting effects cold has on a car?”

The cold weather can actually be very harsh on many of your vehicle’s important components, including its battery, tires, oil and more. Don’t worry—there are also plenty of ways to protect your vehicle from the winter weather.

Read on to learn about common vehicle issues caused by cold weather and great ways of dealing with them:

• Dead battery: Have you ever had trouble starting your car on a cold morning, only to find out the battery is dead? This is one big way cold weather can affect your car. Cold weather is hard on a car’s battery, which is why it’s important to take precautions in the winter. One great way of avoiding a dead battery in the winter is by having it tested. Battery testing is free at many places and can help you avoid being stranded somewhere during the dead of winter. Other ways to avoid a dead battery include parking your car in a garage and wrapping the battery in a thermal blanket.
• Low tire pressure: Cold weather is notorious for causing car tires to deflate. This is because air contracts in colder temperatures, often causing tire air pressure to drop a few psi (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree temperature decrease. Tires with lower air pressure may have a harder time gripping the road, which is especially dangerous during the winter months. That’s why it’s important to routinely check your tire pressure, especially if your tires are looking a bit low. If you live in an area that commonly experiences snow and ice during the winter, it’s probably a good idea to invest in snow tires.
• Thicker oil: In extremely cold temperatures, the oil in your vehicles can become so thick that it has trouble starting. That’s why some experts recommend switching to a low-viscosity motor oil when temperatures start to drop.
• Broken or brittle windshield wipers: Withstanding the cold is no easy task. In the winter, windshield wipers can break or freeze completely, both of which make driving during inclement weather extremely dangerous. Be sure to keep an eye on your windshield wipers, and replace them if they’re showing signs of wear and tear. It’s especially important to check your wipers if the weather is calling for snow, rain or ice. There are also windshield wipers specifically made for colder temperatures that you could purchase and install.

Now that you know the lasting effects cold can have on a car, it’s time to start preparing your vehicle for winter. Proper preparation will help ensure your vehicle’s longevity as well as your safety. One of the best ways to protect yourself this winter is by having a professional auto body shop inspect your vehicle. They can find and repair any issues while ensuring your vehicle is ready for the colder temperatures.

If you’re looking for auto repair and maintenance services at fair prices, you should visit the experts at Lentz Auto Body. Our services include dent repairs, part replacements, framework and much more.

Categorised in: Auto Maintenance

This post was written by Writer