How the Cold Winter Months Affect Your Vehicle
How the Cold Winter Months Affect Your Vehicle
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As the end of the year approaches, temperatures drop, and the weather changes. The snowfall and road salt are inescapable on the roads, in your homes, and even on your car. No matter where you go, the cold weather surrounds you and affects your way of living. Once the temperature drops, your vehicle is more at risk of becoming damaged.

Therefore, you must understand how the cold winter months affect your vehicle and what you need to do about it. Winter preparation is what keeps you and your car safe. So do what you can to make it through the harsh weather.

Fluids and Battery Malfunctions

Once the temperatures dip into the single digits, your vehicle fluid and battery become subject to the elements. Oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze are all fluids that cold weather can negatively affect. As a result, the flow of liquids won’t work correctly, leading to car malfunctions. Also, having a dead battery in the winter is a safety risk. As temperatures decrease, your battery temperature does as well, making it harder to start.

So top off your liquids before the temperatures drop, and warm up your car for 10 to 15 minutes before you leave. As for your battery, make sure you replace it before the winter season. You can also visit a mechanic to check its current capacity.

Leakages and Fuel Consumption

Another part of knowing how the cold winter months affect your vehicle is being aware of leakages and fuel consumption. Due to the temperature fluctuations that arise when the vehicle warms up and cools down, condensation accumulates on the metal and plastics. Vehicle systems like the engine transmission, brakes, and power steering can become subject to ice formation and leakages.

Warming up and stressing your car through cold weather can put a strain on your fuel. As a result, it can cause an increase in fuel costs. The remedy is to have a professional mechanic flush the fluids so that your car is in its best shape before winter to avoid fuel issues.

Tires and Windshield Wipers

Whether you rely on one car or have a secondary vehicle in storage, you should ensure that your tires and windshield wipers work properly. Wipers start to freeze to the car overnight and can break if you don’t clean the glass or gently peel them off before turning them on. So prop them up overnight to prevent damages or replace them once they become dull.

Additionally, the metal and rubber in your tires will shrink due to the cold weather. The pressure will then decrease. Therefore, make sure to keep an eye on the tire pressure light on your dashboard and take care of them efficiently. The constant shrinking and growing can become stressful on the tires.

Wherever you go, making sure your car works is essential in getting it from one place to another. Take the necessary steps to stay safe and comfortable. Your car must protect you from the elements.

How the Cold Winter Months Affect Your Vehicle
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