When the weather outside is frightful, you sometimes notice our car is having multiple issues
you don’t have in the warmer weather. Below is a list of some things that you may find
happening during the winter months and colder weather.
Losing Tire Pressure
As the weather cools off, your tires will lose air pressure more rapidly. Due to the air inside the
tires contracting in colder weather, your tires will become underinflated. You must regularly
check the air pressure in your tires during the winter months as driving on underinflated tires
can cause uneven and unsafe wear on the tires over time. Underinflation does not provide
better traction on slick roads, so check your tire pressure once a week to stay prepared.
Due to tires being made of rubber, the material will harden during winter months which can
cause tread and gripping problems if you are using an all-season tire. To prevent this from
occurring, it is recommended that you change to a winter tire during the colder months.
Freezing Fluids
As the temperatures drop your vehicle’s fluids may get thicker and move slower through your
vehicle. This includes your motor oil, transmission fluid and antifreeze. Your vehicle can feel
sluggish and have issues starting.
Engine oil, when cold, thickens and has trouble circulating which can damage the oil pump
since it has to work harder to move the fluid. One thing you can do is switch to a lower viscosity
oil or use synthetic oil during the colder months. We would be happy to assist in determining
which type of oil is best to keep your vehicle running smoothly all year long.
The transmission needs the fluid to flow effectively to work properly. When the fluid is thicker
and running through at a slower speed it can cause the transmission to have issues changing
gears. If the vehicle is unable to move, it could be due to the transmission fluid being too cold.
In the event that your engine coolant, antifreeze, freezes up you run the risk of having radiator
hoses crack or become damaged. Also, your engine may not be able to maintain the correct
temperature to run properly.
Battery Issues
Batteries lose charge when cold. It struggles to maintain the correct voltage and you can experience
issues starting your car. We recommend having your battery tested for free before the winter
weather hits. If your battery is weak, go ahead and change it out to avoid having issues when
the temperature drops. Keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle in the event that your vehicle will not start. Another option in sub-zero temperatures would be investing in a battery
warmer. Remember that even a new battery can be impacted by frigid temperatures.
Bottom line is cold weather can have the potential to negatively impact our vehicles; however
taking the necessary steps and preventative maintenance can keep you on the road all winter
long. Please contact us regarding all your car care needs.