Cold Weather Can Damage Your Car: Tips For Minimizing Damage This Winter

Some people look forward to the annual drop in temperatures and everything that follows it. They love the snow and cooler weather that comes–However, the same isn’t true for your vehicle. In fact, the cold weather that comes with the season can cause your vehicle to struggle to maintain performance. 

Before the weather turns chilly, here are some car care tips to prevent cold weather damage. Following these tips can keep your vehicle functioning and help you avoid expensive repair bills.

Don’t Ignore Seasonal Oil Changes

An oil change doesn’t mean just topping off the existing fluid that’s already in the engine. An oil change is a messy process that involves draining all of the old oil from the engine, replacing your used filters, and pouring the new product in when it’s all said and done. 

Most automotive experts recommend changing your oil around every 5,000 miles or so. However, you may be able to wait longer if you’re consistently using full-synthetic motor oil. This may allow you to wait as long as 15,000 miles before scheduling an oil change.

However, the mileage doesn’t matter when temperatures start dropping. Before winter arrives in full force, schedule an oil change. This can help protect your engine from cold-weather driving stress.

Keep an Eye on the Vehicle’s Battery

Your car’s battery is essential for every system on the vehicle. When your battery dies, your vehicle isn’t going anywhere, at least not without a tow. 

Before winter hits, you may want to have the charge on your battery checked. This is often a free service offered at most auto parts stores. The clerk attaches a small device to your car battery to gauge its remaining charge. If your battery charge is low, you may want to consider getting a replacement.

Your vehicle’s battery works harder in the winter, especially when turning over the engine. If your battery charge is low, there’s a good chance there isn’t enough power to start your car. To help ensure your battery is ready for cooler weather, clean off the terminal ends. Corrosion and rust can form around the terminals preventing a full charge from the battery.

Try To Park in Protected Areas

Hopefully, your home has a garage, carport, or some type of covered parking area. Where you park your vehicle can impact its performance in cold weather. 

Parking in a protected area helps protect your vehicle from ice and snow. This also helps eliminate the need to stand in freezing temperatures trying to scrape a layer of ice off the windshield.

Being parked in a protected area can also help reduce overall engine wear and tear. Since your vehicle isn’t exposed to the elements, it may not need as much power to start. A quick tip, if you’re planning on warming up your car before taking off, make sure you crack the garage door to allow carbon monoxide gas to escape.

Pay Attention to Your Tire Pressure

Cold temperatures compress air resulting in low tire pressure. Why does this matter? Low tire pressure can make it harder to control your vehicle, decrease fuel efficiency, and prematurely wear down tires. In other words, you’re probably going to need to replace your tires sooner than expected if you’re not keeping an eye on air pressure.

Thankfully, checking your tire pressure is something you can handle in your garage. All you need is a tire pressure gauge and one probably came with your vehicle. Check your roadside emergency kit. If not, you can pick up an inexpensive tire gauge at almost any auto parts store. If the pressure is low, add a little air. 

You can use an air pump at a gas station or car wash. You may even be able to use a bike tire pump if your tires are only a little low.

Check the Belts, Hoses, and Radiator

Your radiator contains a mixture of water and coolant that can freeze when temperatures drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When your radiator fluid freezes, you’re running the risk of serious and expensive engine damage.

Flushing out your radiator and replacing the fluid can help protect it against freezing. Don’t forget to have your auto mechanic check the connecting belts and hoses.

Are Your Headlights Working?

Even though your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights should always be in perfect working condition, bulbs can wear out. 

Before you start losing daylight hours, check to ensure all bulbs are fully functional. If something is out, replace the bulb. You always want to ensure other motorists can clearly see your vehicle regardless of the temperature or time of year.

These simple tips can help you stay safe behind the wheel and keep your vehicle running regardless of the outside temperature.