Winter is tough on vehicles. The cold temperatures, icy roads, and moisture-filled air can wreak havoc on your car, leading to a range of issues that may leave you stranded or compromise your safety. At Franklynn Automotive, we believe that prevention is the best cure. By preparing your vehicle for winter and staying vigilant for signs of trouble, you can avoid common cold-weather breakdowns and enjoy a safer, stress-free season on the road.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common winter car problems, how they occur, and practical tips for preventing them.
Dead Battery
Why It Happens
Cold weather significantly reduces your car battery’s ability to hold a charge. At 32°F, a battery loses about 20% of its strength, and at 0°F, it can lose up to 50%. Additionally, starting your car in freezing temperatures requires more energy, putting extra strain on an already weakened battery.
How to Prevent It
- Test Your Battery: Have your battery tested before winter arrives. If it’s over three years old or shows signs of weakness, replace it.
- Clean the Terminals: Corrosion on battery terminals can prevent a strong connection. Clean them regularly to ensure efficient power flow.
- Park in a Garage: Keeping your car in a garage or covered area helps protect the battery from extreme cold.
- Invest in a Battery Blanket: In extremely cold climates, a battery blanket can keep your battery warm enough to function properly.
Frozen Fuel Lines
Why It Happens
When temperatures drop below freezing, condensation in your gas tank can freeze and block fuel lines, preventing your engine from getting the fuel it needs to run.
How to Prevent It
- Keep Your Tank Full: A fuller tank leaves less room for condensation to form. Aim to keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the winter.
- Use Fuel Additives: Additives designed for winter use can prevent fuel line freezing by reducing moisture in your fuel system.
- Park in a Warm Area: Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a garage or other sheltered area to reduce the risk of freezing.
Tire Problems
Why It Happens
Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop—about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature. Underinflated tires reduce traction, increase wear, and can lead to dangerous blowouts. Additionally, summer or all-season tires lack the grip needed for icy and snowy roads.
How to Prevent It
- Check Tire Pressure Weekly: Use a tire gauge to ensure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
- Switch to Winter Tires: Winter tires are designed to handle icy roads and provide better traction in snow.
- Inspect Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have sufficient tread depth (at least 4/32”) for safe winter driving.
Thickened Fluids
Why It Happens
Low temperatures cause essential fluids—like motor oil, transmission fluid, and coolant—to thicken, reducing their ability to flow and lubricate properly. This can lead to increased engine wear and potential damage.
How to Prevent It
- Switch to Winter-Grade Oil: Check your owner’s manual for recommended oil viscosity for winter conditions, and switch to a thinner oil if necessary.
- Inspect Coolant Levels: Ensure your coolant is at the proper level and has the correct antifreeze-to-water ratio (typically 50/50).
- Warm Up Your Car: Let your engine idle for a few minutes before driving to allow fluids to circulate and reach operating temperature.
Faulty Heater or Defroster
Why It Happens
Your heater and defroster rely on your car’s cooling system and blower motor to function. A failing thermostat, clogged heater core, or damaged blower motor can leave you without heat or defrosting capabilities.
How to Prevent It
- Test Your Heater: Turn on your heater and defroster before winter arrives to ensure they’re working properly.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect your cooling system for leaks, which can affect your heater’s performance.
- Flush the Heater Core: A clogged heater core may need to be flushed to restore proper heating.
Frozen Wipers and Washer Fluid
Why It Happens
Snow and ice can freeze your windshield wipers to the glass, while standard washer fluid may freeze in low temperatures, leaving you without the ability to clean your windshield.
How to Prevent It
- Use Winter Wiper Blades: Winter blades are designed to resist freezing and clear snow and ice more effectively.
- Switch to Winter Washer Fluid: Choose a washer fluid rated for sub-zero temperatures to prevent freezing.
- Lift Your Wipers: When parking overnight, lift your wipers off the windshield to prevent them from freezing to the glass.
Salt and Corrosion Damage
Why It Happens
Road salt is essential for melting ice and improving traction, but it’s also highly corrosive. Over time, salt can eat away at your car’s undercarriage, causing rust and damage to critical components like your exhaust system and brake lines.
How to Prevent It
- Wash Your Car Regularly: Wash your car frequently during winter, paying special attention to the undercarriage.
- Apply a Protective Coating: Consider applying a wax or sealant to protect your paint and undercarriage from salt damage.
- Inspect for Rust: Look for signs of rust or corrosion and address them promptly to prevent further damage.
Frozen Door Locks and Windows
Why It Happens
Moisture can seep into door locks and window seals, freezing when temperatures drop and preventing you from opening your car doors or rolling down your windows.
How to Prevent It
- Use Lock Lubricant: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to door locks and window seals to prevent freezing.
- Cover Your Car: If possible, use a car cover to protect your vehicle from moisture buildup.
- Keep De-Icer Handy: Carry a lock de-icer to quickly thaw frozen locks in emergencies.
How Franklynn Automotive Can Help
Winterizing your vehicle is the best way to prevent these common cold-weather problems, and we’re here to help! At Franklynn Automotive, we offer a comprehensive range of winter preparation services to keep your car running smoothly, no matter how cold it gets.
Our Winter Services Include:
- Battery testing and replacement for reliable starts in cold weather.
- Tire inspections, rotations, and winter tire installations.
- Cooling system checks and antifreeze adjustments.
- Heater and defroster diagnostics and repairs.
- Wiper blade replacements and washer fluid refills.
- Rust protection treatments to guard against salt and corrosion.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Winter Troubles
By addressing potential issues before they arise, you can enjoy a safer and more reliable driving experience this winter. From maintaining your battery to protecting your car from rust, every preventative measure you take will save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.
At Franklynn Automotive, we’re dedicated to keeping your car in peak condition, no matter the season. Schedule an appointment with us today to prepare your vehicle for winter and drive with confidence all season long!
Schedule your vehicle winterization today! 📞 (303) 730-4137.
