Unlike you, your car doesn’t have the luxury of layering clothes to keep itself warm. During the winter, your car, which is primarily made out of metal, is left exposed to the harsh winter weather. As a result, your car can be negatively impacted by the weather. Here are a few of the ways the cold weather can affect and damage your car.
Fluctuating Tire Pressure
During the winter, the air becomes denser. As a result, cold weather can cause a decrease in tire pressure. Drivers can expect to see their tire pressure light come on when they first start the car and then go off once they’ve driven the car for a while. Since fluctuations in tire pressure can be stressful on tires, drivers can expect their tires to endure some damage in the winter.
Thickening Fluids
Your car is filled with various fluids such as oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, and more. During the winter, these fluids will thicken and move less freely. One way you can prepare for this is to change your fluids before temperatures plummet and make sure that all of your fluids are at the proper levels. Another way to resolve the problem is by warming your car up for about 5-15 minutes before going anywhere.
Malfunctioning Windshield Wipers
In extreme cold, wipers can freeze to the windshield and break if you don’t clean the glass or carefully peel off the wipers before using them. To avoid this from happening, you can lift them off the windshield at night and place them back into the right position in the morning. That way, the wipers won’t have a surface to freeze to overnight.
Leaks
Your car and its fluids are constantly warming up and cooling down. That means there is a perfect environment for condensation to occur and ice to form. Once ice forms, your vehicle is at risk for leaks. If this happens, immediately bring your car to your trusted MD auto shop. They will help you identify the leak and repair it before things get worse.
Keep Your Car Running this Winter With Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions
During the winter, you need an auto repair shop that you can trust to take care of your car and perform preventive maintenance. Ken’s Automotive & Transmissions can help you with all your winter car care needs. Whether you need engine repair or need an oil change, we’re here to help. Give us a call or click here to schedule an appointment.
