The Effects Of Cold Weather On Your Car

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Winter is a hard time for vehicles. They go through frigid temps, rough weather, and subpar road conditions. But what specific effects can the cold have on your car? Here’s what you should know.

Battery

First off, winter is hard on your battery. Because the oil in your engine turns a little thicker in the cold, it may take a little more for your engine to turn over. This puts a bigger demand on your battery and the energy required of it, but because of the cold your battery is not able to produce its normal amount of energy. Not to mention, batteries lose half their starting power when the weather hits 0° F.

Tires

Your tires will also take a hit. Have you ever noticed that when the weather gets colder, your tires seem to lose air? That’s because for every drop of 10° F, you lose 1 pound of air pressure. Keep an eye on your wheels to ensure they have the proper inflation on those cold, winter days. Along the same lines, the rubber compound in your tires can harden when temperatures drop which can lead to loss of grip on their part. You can purchase winter tires which have a different composition to keeps them soft.

Engine

Another thing to watch in the winter is your engine block. It is more vulnerable in the winter due to the possibility of the coolant freezing. Make sure you are using the correct coolant type and avoid adding water as it will increase the chances of freezing.

Wipers

The same also goes for your wipers and wiper fluid. You can prevent your wipers from freezing to your windshield by tilting them up before any snow, sleet or ice hit. Another way to prevent wear and tear on your wipers is to ensure your windshield is cleared off before you start your wipers. And be sure to use a windshield washer solution that contains antifreeze to prevent your fluids from freezing!

By knowing the effects of the cold on our vehicles, we can help to treat the cause and ultimately prevent any damage to our vehicles or having to purchase a new vehicle. Better safe than sorry, right?