There are many common cold-weather concerns for your car that you should be aware of. Some of the major weather issues are things like icy roads, needing snow tires, etc. However, some minor issues can crop up during the winter months as well. For example, your tires will likely lose pressure on very cold mornings. In addition, you’re more likely to find a dead battery in your car when the weather is extreme. The salt on roads can be very damaging to your car as well, so it’s important to do routine cleaning. And finally, your windshield wipers can be frozen to your hood, which can impact your safety. Taking some small precautions can allow you to sidestep these inconveniences with your car this winter season.
Cold-Weather Concerns for Your Car: How to Protect Your Vehicle this Winter
Low Tire Pressure
Low
tire pressure is one of the most common cold-weather concerns for your car. Your tire pressure changes based on the temperature outside. A temperature drop of ten degrees relates to a 1 psi drop. Low tire pressure can affect your traction and the overall life of your tire. Just take a glance before you get into your car and see if your tires are looking low. If they are, you can usually easily find air at gas stations.
Dead Battery
Another of the common cold-weather concerns for your car is a dead battery. Batteries lose 35% of their power around 32 degrees. When the temperature drops to zero degrees, they lose nearly sixty percent of their power. So a dead battery is a common occurrence in cold weather. To prevent this, have your battery tested at the start of the winter season. Any car care facility should be able to do this quickly as part of your
routine maintenance.
Corroding Parts
Salt is another of the cold weather concerns for your car during the winter months. The salt that prevents road freezing can also damage your car. It can get into your car’s undercarriage and cause corrosion. To prevent this, make sure that you clean your car thoroughly during the winter, especially after driving on recently salted roads. Pay close attention to your brakes, undercarriage, and wheel wells.
Frozen Windshield Wipers
Finally, one last of the cold weather concerns for your car is frozen windshield wipers. This is a common occurrence when the temperature dips below freezing. They can get stuck to the hood of your car and end up being damaged when forced into motion. Often, drivers don’t realize that their wipers are broken until they are facing a downpour. Therefore, check your wipers before driving anywhere, and consider winter wiper blade protectors.
There are plenty of cold weather concerns for your car. Some minor, and some extremely serious. However, many are incredibly common and easy to prevent each winter. Low tire pressure occurs when the outside temperature drops and makes the PSI pressure of your tires drop as well. Check your tires and refill them with air if they are getting low. Your battery is less efficient in cold weather, so make sure that you check it each winter. In addition, the salt on roads can corrode your vehicle, so make sure that you clean it regularly. And finally, buy protective windshield wipers or inspect yours before driving to make sure they are working. With a little routine preventative maintenance, you can make sure that your car is running in tip-top condition this winter season.
