Winter can bring a variety of vehicle problems, from icy roads to extremely cold temperatures. This article will discuss some of the most common wintertime issues cars may experience, from battery failure to engine damage and more.
Weak Or Dead Battery
Cold weather takes a major toll on car batteries. In extreme cases, the battery may not be able to provide enough power to start the car. Additionally, a buildup of corrosion or loose cables can lead to weak or dead batteries. If your vehicle has a weak or dead battery, it’s important to get it inspected or replaced in order to prevent any further problems down the road.
Worn Out Or Underinflated Tires
Another common winter vehicle problem involves tires. When the temperature drops outside, so does tire pressure, which can cause tires to become more prone to punctures, leaks and damage. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly, and if they seem significantly underinflated or worn out, it’s likely time for a replacement in order to provide safety and stability while on the road.
Remember also to check your car’s wheel alignment. Make sure all four tires are aligned correctly and straightened out before driving again so that they don’t wobble while turning corners or while driving down hills. Take your vehicle to HEART Auto Care in Northbrook if you think you have faulty or worn-out tires.
Frozen Locks And Doors
During winter, locks and doors can freeze shut due to moisture in the air and dropping temperatures. This is a common problem during this time of year and can prevent you from getting into and out of your car. The best way to prevent this is to keep your car in a garage during the winter or cover it with a tarp when outside. Additionally, you can use de-icer sprays or try warming up the door with a heat gun or hair dryer.
Hoses, Belts, And Antifreeze Issues
The cold winter weather can cause hoses and belts to become brittle and crack. Additionally, antifreeze levels can drop due to extreme temperatures. This could cause your engine to overheat and lead to other more serious problems. To prevent these issues from occurring, it’s important to take your car in for an inspection before the winter season starts and check hoses, belts as well as engine coolant frequently during the colder months.
Windshield Wiper Malfunctions
Windshield wipers are particularly susceptible to cold weather damage. Ice and snow can cause the rubber blades to become brittle and crack, making them unable to properly clear your windshield. Cold weather also has a tendency to make the wiper fluid less effective and frozen as well, reducing its effectiveness even more. As a result, it’s important to make sure that you regularly check your windshield wipers during the winter and replace them if needed..
Engine Damage Or Failure
Vehicle problems are more common during cold weather because they involve parts that are sensitive to temperature changes. A car’s engine is fueled by gas and needs heat to function properly. When temperatures drop below freezing, water in the fuel becomes ice crystals and can cause damage to the engine or fuel lines.
if you have a diesel engine, be sure to check your fuel filter every month. If this is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, it should be replaced once per year. If you don’t have an owner’s manual for your vehicle, ask for one from the dealership or auto parts store where you bought it.
Car Rust
Rust is another common problem that happens in cold weather. It occurs when water freezes inside the car and then thaws again when it warms up again after being exposed to air. Salt and other chemicals used for de-icing also tend to corrode metal parts inside cars, like door handles and exhaust pipes.
Check for rust around any open seams in your car’s body panels, such as the hood or trunk lid area, where water could get into these areas during heavy rains or even just after washing your car back home from winter storage.
Struggling with car issues this season? The winter season may pose a huge challenge to car owners, but with the help of HEART Auto Care Northbrook, you can rest assured that all the necessary maintenance and repairs your car needs will be provided to run properly and avoid bigger issues this winter. Schedule an appointment with us today.