As winter approaches and temperatures start to drop, you’ll also notice a drop in your car’s performance within the freezing cold. This cold season proves to be a challenge for both humans and vehicles. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how to be prepared for the upcoming frosty weather sooner than later.
There’s nothing more bothersome than your car seizing up in the middle of the road. Better yet, not having it start in the first place. Luckily, there are many steps you could take to prevent such a disaster from occurring.
And by acquainting yourself with the frequent issues that hinder your vehicle, you’ll find yourself capable of dealing with many of these setbacks without a hitch.
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1. Low Tire Pressure
A deflated tire is a dangerous tire, especially in icy conditions. If you’re heading out on a trip, double-check your tire pressure, as it drastically drops in freezing weather. A simple check can be lifesaving!
Additionally, getting winter tires specifically designed for driving through snow and ice is highly recommended. Winter tires provide enhanced traction and handling on snowy and icy roads, making for a much smoother and safer trip. As a result, winter tires make for an excellent investment.
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2. Dead Battery
A dead battery can be quite a headache for anyone who encounters this predicament. However, this issue becomes much more prevalent in sub-zero temperatures. In rare cases, it could even lead to battery failure.
Loss of power and slower chemical reactions are all things you should expect as winter‘s around the corner. Moreover, the freezing cold could also prevent your engine from starting altogether.
So be sure to bring some jumper cables with you. You never know when you might need them!
3. Thickened Fluids
Engine oil, transmission fluids, antifreeze, and screenwash can all start to thicken at temperatures below zero, which can cause a lot of trouble for your vehicle.
The fluids won’t flow properly through the car. Therefore, we highly recommend letting your vehicle warm up for at least ten minutes or more so the juices can move more freely.
It’s also worth mentioning that topping up all fluids beforehand is a wise idea. A simple change now and then never hurts!
4. Corroded Parts
If you live in a region with a cold climate, your vehicle is most susceptible to corrosion due to humidity. While it takes a long time to form on a car, it can cause severe damage if left for too long.
The engine is highly prone to corrosion due to the chemical reaction resulting from the metal and oxygen contacting each other. Corrosion can also affect the car’s looks after prolonged exposure to humidity.
Thankfully, a trustworthy rust-proofing spray protects your car from rust, so consider getting one if you want your car to stay protected.
5. Frozen Locks
Have you ever tried getting inside your car on a frigid morning, only to find out that you’re locked outside your own vehicle? Having frozen locks can be quite irritating, especially if you’re in a hurry somewhere.
Fortunately, using a de-icer is a great and effective solution for frozen locks. Simply apply it around the lock and wait for the magic to happen.
However, don’t try to force yourself in the car, as you might end up with a broken handle and a sad look on your face instead!
6. Defective Spark Plugs
Another unlikely culprit could be the spark plug. Symptoms like worsened fuel economy, visible corrosion on the plug, and decreased overall performance indicate a problem with the spark plug.
Replacing the spark plug from time to time is vital to prevent such problems from appearing and ruining your day.