-
20
Jan
Top Winter Vehicle Problems and How to Solve Them
Winter is a very difficult time for most people especially vehicle owners. Imagine the hard time you’ll be having when getting your car out of a thick pile of snow. In addition to that, extreme weather can also take a toll on your car’s well-being.
Taking care of your vehicle during the colder months takes more effort. It is not as easy as adjusting the home heater and snuggling up in thick comforters. A car parked in the street can be harshly affected by the cold temperature.
In time, the extremely cold weather can seriously affect your car parts. But you can prevent this from happening by watching out for signs and doing some pre-emptive measures. Read on to know more:
Stiffening Car Fluids
The cold temperature can make your car fluids thicker. Thicker consistency can make the fluids work less efficiently. If you do not want to change the fluids more frequently than usual, you can warm up the engine for about 15 minutes prior to driving.
The engine’s heat can make the fluid’s consistency thinner. Thickening fluids can damage your vehicle’s internal seals which may lead to expensive repairs. Make sure that you warm up the engine and replace the fluids regularly.
Iced up Wipers
When the windshield wipers freeze, there is a high possibility for it to break. You do not want to break your wipers during a blizzard or heavy downpour.
During winter, you should use suitable kinds of wipers, such as hinge-less and winter wiper blades. These do not have metal parts so ice cannot be caught in them.
Clean your windshield wipers before driving outside. Though these cannot scrape a massive amount of ice, wipers are useful for visibility.
Flat Tires
Tires usually lose pressure during winter. As you go further into the colder season, it is recommended to check your tire pressure more frequently.
Follow the car manufacturer’s recommendations for tire pressure during the winter. Flat tires are usually the reason for road mishaps because they can burst at some point.
It is best to own a pressure gauge to get an accurate reading of tire pressure. It is also advisable to bring the vehicle to a service center on a monthly basis to assess the vehicle’s condition.
Dead Battery
The extreme temperature affects the battery’s voltage. It is advisable to keep your vehicle in an indoor garage. But if you do not have one, it is best to use a new battery to avoid dying batteries while on the road.
Change Your Spark Plugs
If you have noticed, it is more difficult to start a vehicle at a colder temperature. A failing spark plug can make it worse. This can also affect your car’s fuel efficiency.
Warming up the engine already uses up fuel and a bad spark plug can cause it to use more fuel.
Just a Little More Effort
The harsh weather in winter can cause different car problems. By doing these precautionary measures, you can prevent expensive car repairs. Bring your car to the service center regularly and check the parts we have mentioned above.
It is important to bring your car to a routine inspection before going on a long drive. But if you do not want the hassle of driving in the snow to another state, simply call us and we will arrange your car shipping.
If this post has been helpful, feel free to share it on social media. You can also leave a comment below.
For all of your car shipping, fleet leasing, household goods moving needs, and more, we are your trusted auto transport broker – Balch Logistics.
