A Year-Round Guide to Protecting Your Vehicle from Extreme Temperatures
Your car is built to handle a lot, but weather is one of the most underestimated forces that can impact your vehicle’s performance, longevity, and safety. Whether you’re facing the blistering heat of summer or the bitter cold of winter, seasonal changes can push your car’s systems to the limit.
At All Around Auto Repair, we know that most breakdowns aren’t random—they’re preventable. With a little knowledge and some smart seasonal maintenance, you can avoid getting stranded on a cold morning or stuck with an overheating engine on a hot highway.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how weather affects your car and give you practical, mechanic-backed tips to keep it running smoothly, no matter the season.
How Cold Weather Affects Your Car
Winter might feel cozy inside, but your vehicle feels the opposite. When temperatures drop, your car faces multiple stress points—especially at startup or during early-morning drives.
1. Battery Performance Drops Significantly
Car batteries rely on chemical reactions to deliver power. In freezing temperatures, these reactions slow down, reducing the battery’s ability to produce current.
- At 32°F, your battery loses about 20% of its power.
- At 0°F, it can lose up to 50%.
- Meanwhile, your engine oil thickens, making it harder to turn over.
Pro Tip: If your battery is more than 3 years old, have it tested before winter hits. A weak battery in the summer can completely fail in cold weather.
2. Tire Pressure Drops
Air contracts in cold temperatures, which causes your tire pressure to drop—about 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease in temperature.
- Underinflated tires affect traction, braking, and fuel economy.
- They also wear unevenly and are more prone to blowouts.
Check your tire pressure weekly during cold snaps, and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (usually found on the driver’s side door frame).
3. Fluids Thicken or Freeze
In cold temperatures:
- Engine oil thickens and moves more slowly
- Coolant can freeze if not properly mixed
- Washer fluid may not spray if it isn’t rated for low temps
Make sure all fluids are winter-ready—especially coolant, which should be a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to prevent freezing.
4. Wiper Blades Become Brittle
Frozen rubber loses flexibility. If you use your wipers while they’re stuck to an icy windshield, you could tear the blades or burn out the motor.
Switch to winter wiper blades, and always clear snow and ice from the windshield by hand first.
How Hot Weather Affects Your Car
While winter gets a lot of attention, summer heat can be just as tough—if not tougher—on your car. High temps push your cooling system, tires, and A/C to the edge.
1. Engines Are More Likely to Overheat
Your engine naturally generates heat, and when it’s already 95°F outside, your cooling system has to work overtime.
- Low or old coolant can’t effectively pull heat away from your engine
- A weak radiator fan or water pump can lead to sudden overheating
Have your coolant tested before summer and flush it if needed. Most cars need a coolant flush every 2 to 5 years, depending on mileage and usage.
2. Tire Blowouts Increase
Hot pavement and underinflated tires are a bad combo. As temperatures rise, so does the pressure inside your tires—especially if they’re already over- or under-inflated.
Check your tires regularly, including the spare, and look for signs of cracking, bulging, or worn tread.
3. Air Conditioning Struggles (and Fails)
Your A/C system does more than keep you cool—it helps defrost your windows and keeps you comfortable and alert while driving. When temperatures rise, your A/C:
- Works harder to cool the car
- May show signs of refrigerant leaks or compressor failure
Tip: If your A/C takes a long time to cool or blows warm air, have it inspected before summer hits full force.
Seasonal Maintenance: What to Check Before Winter or Summer
Here’s a checklist to follow at the beginning of each major season to avoid breakdowns and extend your vehicle’s lifespan.
Before Winter
- Battery test
- Tire pressure and tread depth
- Coolant strength and level
- Brake inspection (slippery roads demand top performance)
- Windshield wipers and winter-rated washer fluid
- Emergency kit with blanket, ice scraper, flashlight, jumper cables
Before Summer
- Coolant flush (if needed)
- A/C performance check
- Tire pressure and condition
- Battery terminal cleaning
- Fluid top-off (especially brake and power steering)
- Replace worn or cracked belts and hoses
- Wash and wax to protect from UV damage
Do You Really Need to Change Tires Seasonally?
If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or icy conditions, the answer is yes—you absolutely should switch to winter tires. They provide better grip and braking thanks to a softer rubber compound and deeper tread pattern.
In summer, winter tires wear out quickly and can feel squishy. Switching back to all-season or summer tires improves handling and extends the life of both sets.
If you’re in a milder climate, high-quality all-season tires may be enough—but be sure they’re properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
Which Fluids Freeze or Break Down in Extreme Weather?
Extreme weather—hot or cold—can break down fluids faster than normal. Here’s how to protect your vehicle’s essential systems:
| Fluid | Cold Weather Concern | Hot Weather Concern | Seasonal Tip |
| Engine Oil | Thickens, makes starting harder | Breaks down faster in high heat | Use recommended viscosity for each season |
| Coolant | Can freeze if mix is off | May boil over in traffic | Flush every 2–5 years |
| Brake Fluid | Moisture can freeze in lines | Overheats with aggressive driving | Replace every 2–3 years |
| Transmission Fluid | Thickens, delayed shifting | Thins out, reduced protection | Check color/smell and top off |
| Washer Fluid | Can freeze in nozzles or lines | May evaporate quickly | Use season-appropriate blend |
Why Seasonal Maintenance Builds Trust and Saves You Money
Some drivers wait until something goes wrong before they visit the shop. But seasonal maintenance is all about prevention. When you invest a little time and money upfront, you avoid:
- Expensive breakdowns
- Inconvenient delays or tows
- Damage to major components
- Stress and safety risks
At All Around Auto Repair, we work with our customers year-round to create custom seasonal maintenance plans based on your vehicle, climate, and driving habits. No pressure—just honest recommendations and high-quality service.
Final Thoughts: Weather-Proof Your Ride with Confidence
Extreme weather is hard on people—and even harder on cars. Whether you’re facing 100-degree heat or below-zero temps, the best way to protect your vehicle is through routine, seasonal maintenance.
Understanding how weather affects your car means you can stay ahead of issues and enjoy safer, smoother driving—every month of the year.
Let Us Help You Get Season-Ready
Thinking about getting your car ready for summer or winter?
Call All Around Auto Repair today to schedule your seasonal inspection or maintenance service. We’ll make sure your battery, tires, fluids, and cooling system are ready for whatever the weather throws your way.
All Around Auto Repair — Repair. Maintenance. Service. Since 2001.
Keeping you safe and your car strong—no matter the season.
