Common Car Problems in Cold Weather
Your car is likely to experience mechanical problems during cold weather. Unlike their owners, cars cannot bundle themselves up in heavy coats or layers of clothes in sub-zero weather conditions. According to auto experts, extremely low temperatures cause car problems because metal shrinks in cold temperature. The following are some common car problems in winter.
Thickening Fluids
In sub-zero temperatures car fluids such as antifreeze, oil and transmission fluid are likely to thicken or become less viscous. This way, the fluids are likely to move less freely within your car’s systems. To counter this, experts recommend that you leave your car’s engine running for at least 10 minutes to warm up the fluids. In addition you should consider changing your car fluids before temperatures fall. Maintaining the fluids at recommended levels is equally advisable.
Dead Battery
This is among the most prevalent car problems that you are likely to experience in winter. When temperatures drop below freezing point, your car battery gets overworked when starting the engine. Dead battery can also be caused by the fact that batteries power a lot of systems in winter than other seasons including your car heater and fog headlights. In the long run the battery’s capacity is likely to reduce.
If your car battery is 3 or 4 years old, you should consider purchasing a new one ahead of the cold season. Besides this, the battery’s capacity should be checked to ascertain that it can pull through the cold season. This will help you avoid a host of other car problems that are associated with dead car batteries.
Frozen Fuel Lines
This is one of the most notable car problems that you may encounter in winter. Your car’s fuel lines are likely to freeze during cold weather because condensation tends to form in the gas tank, more so when you run low on fuel. Freezing temperatures also cause the condensation to freeze thus preventing fuel from reaching your car’s engine. This could explain why you experience numerous car problems during winter.
Wiper Failure
Wiper failure is another common car problem in winter. This car problem is mainly caused by failure to clear windshields before turning on the wipers. Cold weather is typically characterized by rain and hailstorms, which cause wiper blades to get torn, and transmissions to break. Extreme weather also overrides your washer fluid’s freezing point.
Since the blades are made from rubber, pressure from snow, slush, and ice is likely to break them. To prevent wiper failure and other related car problems when temperatures fall below freezing point, set your car’s fan controls and heater on defrost overnight. This lowers the chances of broken knobs and switches.
Tire Pressure
When temperatures are low, the tire pressure of your car can also fluctuate. Tire pressure also decreases when your car is stationary. You should regularly check the tire pressure indicator on your dashboard every time you start your car. This will help you avoid car problems that are related to too low or high tire pressure. Normally, such problems lead to irregular wear and tear, something that shortens the lifespan of your tire. In addition, it can cause a total tire blowout during your drive.
Leakages
When water penetrates cracks on the road during winter, pavements tend to chip away, thus paving way for the formation of potholes. This often happens during constant freeze-thaw cycles. Similar damage can also occur to your car especially when water freezes within your car’s steering, engine transmission, and braking systems. This leads to cracks and leakages that ultimately cause total malfunctioning. Whenever in despair contact us for quick repair.
