Winter is a magical and beautiful season, but the snow and frigid cold can be hard to handle. Cooler winter temperatures will substantially affect your vehicle. Knowing the adverse effects the weather can have on your car to fully protect it. The following is how cooler winter temperatures affect your vehicle:
Tire Pressure Fluctuation
Cold temperatures make air pressure decrease and will hence affect your tire pressure. You will notice your car's tires looking slightly deflated after some time in the snow.
However, when you start driving, the tires and the air inside will warm up. Therefore, the tire pressure will increase.
The constant tire pressure fluctuation due to the temperature differences is stressful on car tires, and they will hence experience significant degradation during winter.
Thickening Of Fluids
Your vehicle contains many fluids that allow the engine to function optimally. These include coolant, transmission, and power steering fluid. There is also the oil.
Due to the chilling temperatures, these fluids tend to thicken. When they do, they do not flow as smoothly through the vehicle as they did before.
More viscous fluids in the vehicle mean slower movement and insufficient lubrication. Thicker fluids may cause serious malfunctions.
You should increase the ratio of antifreeze to water during winter. Warming up the car before driving also helps.
Dead Battery
The battery is one of the car components most severely affected by cool winter weather. The battery cools down significantly during winter making it harder to start the car.
When an old battery is exposed to too much cold, it will die. Even new ones will experience severe effects. It is best to check the battery before winter to determine whether it needs repair or replacement.
The cooler winter temperatures affect your vehicle in the above ways and more. For vehicle repair, bring your car to Don Lee's Tire & Auto today!