When the freezing winter months roll in, cold temperatures can affect your trusted vehicle more than you might expect. Apart from clearing snow from your car roof, lights and driveway, you must ensure that your car is in peak condition throughout winter. Several factors negatively affect starting your vehicle in extremely cold weather.
Learn what you can expect and some solutions to help your car perform well in winter.
Increased Vulnerability of Windshield Glass
Heating your windshield rapidly in colder weather can cause chips and cracks due to the drastic temperature change. Avoid using hot water or blasting hot defroster air to unfreeze a windshield or sharp objects to remove ice build-up since these can cause the glass to crack or chip. Alcohol sprays are safer and quicker to reduce frost or ice.
Possible Engine Block Cracking Due to Frozen Coolant
Engine blocks can crack when coolants freeze and expand. The wrong ratio of coolant to water increases the risk of a frozen coolant. Check freeze-up protection with a float-ball anti-freeze tester. Use the correct anti-freeze type and mix when topping up. Avoid adding plain water as it is or 100% anti-freeze. The right mixture is one part water and one part anti-freeze.
Tires Can Harden and Deflate
All-season tires can harden when temperatures drop below 45°F, causing them to have less traction. Winter snow tires, on the other hand, will stay soft in freezing temperatures. Also, snow tires have treads better designed to remove snow and slush from their grooves, unlike all-season tire treads, which are a compromise at best for traction in snow.
Colder temperatures can also cause your tires to deflate due to the pressure decreasing within the tire. This can make it difficult to gain traction on snowy and icy roads. Ensure that you check your tire pressure regularly during the colder months.
Road Salt Loses Its Grip
Road salt is often used in colder climates to melt ice on roads and help vehicles get better traction on the road surface. However, road salts do not melt ice when temperatures drop below 15℉. Alternatives to road salt, such as beet juice, can be more costly and often do not lower the effective temperature. Ensure that you always drive with extra care in severe cold weather.
Motor Oil Can Thicken
Cold weather can cause motor oil to thicken, making it harder for the engine to circulate the oil. Thick oil makes it difficult for your car to run and can lead to additional problems in your engine. Thinner oil grades, such as low-viscosity and synthetic oils can help reduce the chance of thickened motor oil. Your vehicle's owner's manual can provide useful information on oil changes. If you are still unsure, get a professional to inspect your vehicle.
Cold Impacts Your Car Battery
Cold temperatures also affect your car battery. Winter weather reduces battery output and can lead to a dead battery. You can jump-start your car with jump boxes, which are safer than jumper cables. Cold weather can significantly affect an older battery, so you should invest in a new battery every three to five years.
Is It Safe to Drive in Negative Temperatures?
Driving in negative temperatures can be dangerous. To reduce dangers, get your car serviced with AAA roadside assistance before winter. Remember to check your vehicle to identify any issues before heading out into the cold.
Does Cold Weather Affect Car Engines?
Yes, cold weather can affect your car engine and the exterior of your vehicle. It can freeze and thicken fluids, cause cracks in your engine block and weaken the battery. Checking your car regularly and taking preventive measures will reduce the chance of any issues.
Protect Your Car This Winter With AAA Central Penn Roadside Assistance
Have your vehicle checked before winter with Central Penn AAA roadside assistance. From changing your oil to checking your tire pressure and battery, we will help you get your car in top condition and performing well in cold weather. With our range of membership services, you can have your car fully serviced by one of our professionals.
Sign up for a membership today, or contact us for more information.
