Winter is a challenging season for vehicles. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and road salt all take a toll. You know the struggle if you live in a region that experiences harsh winters. Winter weather creates problems for even the most reliable vehicles, from frozen windshields to dead batteries.
Understanding how winter weather affects your car is key. With the right precautions, you can minimize damage. In this blog, we will explore the main ways winter affects your car. We will also give practical tips on how to prepare for the season and ensure safe driving in winter conditions.
Key Impacts of Winter Weather on Your Vehicle
Winter weather brings a range of issues that can reduce your car’s performance. Let’s dive into some of the common problems winter creates for your vehicle.
Battery Issues
Winter can be very harsh on your car’s battery. The chemical reactions inside the battery begin to slow down because of the cold temperatures, thereby requiring less power from your battery. It makes your battery work hard to start the car during winter. It may well kill the battery if it is already weak due to low powers. The second effect of the cold weather is on the engine oil. The engine oil thickens at low temperatures. This makes it difficult for the battery to turn over the engine. As such, the pressure on the battery increases. At extremely cold temperatures, you may not be able to start your car at all, especially during the early mornings.
Tyre Performance & Pressure
Tyres are significantly affected during winter. Tyre pressure decreases when the temperature is low. This is because cold air contracts and less pressure in the tyres would cause uneven wear patterns. It also reduces the grip on icy or snowy roads, which might prove dangerous. Tyres also harden in cold weather. Winter tyres have softer rubber that reacts better in freezing temperatures. However, if you continue with the all-season tyres then you will most likely experience slippage and poor grip on the frozen roads.
Frozen Locks and Windows
One of the most common winter problems is frozen locks and windows. Water can freeze inside a lock due to the cold, making it impossible to turn the key. Electric locks do not escape freezing either; therefore, you might get locked out in freezing temperatures. Windows can also freeze. Ice can develop on the window seals, especially if the seal of your window fails due to the cold weather. In this situation, you would not be able to open or close the window, which is not only inconvenient but also could jeopardize your security in case of an emergency.
Fluid Viscosity
Though winter has already exerted its effect on your car, it is these fluids that lubricate it which will be the ones kept alive by this season. Besides, the thickening of fluid under cold weather tends to make the engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid less functional in their primary functions, including your engine. You may wind up using much gasoline because your engine has to pump hard to distribute those fluids if they are thick. It may also wear out more parts, and at worst, damage your engine in the long run.
Windshield Damage
Winter weather tends to damage your windshield. Cold temperatures can propagate existing chips or cracks in your windshield. This often occurs when the glass rapidly transitions from cold to warm, such as when you are turning on the defroster or pouring hot water over your windshield to melt ice. Snow and ice are also likely to be gritted or littered with debris that might scratch and chip your windshield while being removed. It will occur thousands of times which might eventually cause such minor damages that can even begin to compromise your view and safety on the road.
Salt-Induced Corrosion in Vehicles
Road salt covers many winter roads to melt ice and snow. It’s great for the road itself, but terrible for your ride. Salt and its byproducts can create rust and corrosion on your car’s undercarriage, as well as your brake lines and exhaust system. The salt sticks to your car’s metallic parts, and then over time, it slowly starts to eat at them. If not treated, corrosion can cause terrible damage, leading to costly repairs and in many cases, a safety risk as well.
What You Can Do to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
To keep your vehicle in good condition during winter, you need to prepare. Here are some steps you can take to winterize your car.
Battery Check
Check your battery before winter. A weak battery can easily fail during cold weather. Have a professional power test it so that it is strong enough for winter. You may need to replace it if your battery is more than three years old. New batteries are best suited to take on the pressure the cold weather tends to cause.
Winter Tyres
Winter tyres are specifically meant for icy and snowy roads. In freezing temperatures, winter tyres will have a much better grip and traction. If you live in a very snowy region, then it’s always a good idea to get winter tyres. Changing the tyres to winter tyres greatly decreases sliding on ice. This also helps the car improve stopping distances and the overall handling of the car. They give you full control over your vehicle during winter.
Fluid Level Checks
Extreme cold will affect all the fluids in your vehicle. Make sure you check them regularly to top them up and use the right type of formulation for winter. Winterizing fluids are manufactured to be more functional in really low temperatures. A good example is winter-grade oil, which has the advantage of a better flow in icy conditions and, therefore less pressure on the engine.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Most of you will be found with low tyre pressure in winter. As the air temperature drops, so does the air pressure inside your tyres. It means that, as soon as the winter season begins, poor handling and fuel consumption increase with under-inflated tyres. Develop the practice of checking the pressure of your tyres frequently during winter. With proper inflation, not only your safety is looked after, but you would also benefit from the optimal performance of your car on slippery roads.
Windshield Inspection
Check the windshield for cracked or chipped areas. The cold weather increases the growth and can end up worse. Make any repairs before winter hits. Replace the wiper blades and top off the windshield washer. Use a winter solution. Many are designed not to freeze in the reservoir. This will ensure your windshield remains clear throughout any snow or ice storm.
Consider an A Block Heater
If you reside in an extremely cold area, a block heater saves your bacon. A block heater preheats your car’s engine oil and block before you attempt to crank your car. This makes starting the engine much easier and less stressful on the battery. Block heaters are highly effective if you park outside in freezing temperatures. Overnight plugging in keeps your car warm and ready in the morning.
Regular Car Washes
Washing your car in the winter seems not necessary at all, but it is. Salt from roads will corrode the underbody and other metal parts of your car. Car washing regularly means you remove salt, hence reducing corrosion risks. Choose a car wash that can wash the undercar. In such a way, the salt deposits in your secret car areas will be eliminated.
Take Care of Your Paint
Winter weather has a stern impact on the paint of your car as ice, salt, and all kinds of grime may destroy its surface. Apply wax coating in advance before winter so that the paint of your car is protected. Wax creates a protective layer so that the car remains safe from the harsh impact of winter. For more durability, you can opt for paint protection film or ceramic coatings. These treatments prevent scratches, and your vehicle retains shine even after the ravages of winter.
Safe Driving in Winter
Winter driving requires extra care. Here are some tips to help you stay safe on the road during cold months:
Slow Down
Winter roads are slippery. There may be ice or snow. You should slow down, and by doing so, you’ll control the car better. Driving slower will give you more time to react if you hit a patch of ice or worse, it’s a hazard on the road.
Increase the Following Distance
On icy roads, it takes longer than normal to stop during winter. Increase distance from the leading vehicle to get more time to stop. This can avoid rear-end collisions and give extra room when stopping suddenly.
Use Headlights
Winter weather often significantly reduces visibility: heavy snowfall, fog, or the sun setting too early to cause it to set before you finish your drive. Always have your headlights on during the day. It will make it easier for people to see you and allow you to notice hazards in the road ahead.
Preparation for Winter Storms
Winter storms can also strike without warning. Always have a car emergency kit with a blanket, water, snacks, and a flashlight. Do not forget to have your shovel for snow removal, ice scraper, and some extra warm clothes.
Being prepared can make all the difference if you get stuck in a storm or need to wait for help.