Top 9 Common Problems Your Car Faces in Cold Winter Weather

Cold winter months can take a toll on our bodies and our cars. Humans can get colds, sniffles, and the flu. Cars also face challenges in the winter due to cold temperatures, ice, and snow. 

Discover nine problems your vehicle might encounter when it’s cold outside.

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1. Lower Air Pressure in Tires

Lower temperatures could make your tires lose their pressure. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit, your tire pressure can drop by 1 to 2 pounds per square inch (psi). Lower air pressure can cause your tires to have less-than-ideal traction on the road, affecting fuel efficiency. Pay attention to your tire pressure monitor system (TPMS). When you see the alert, inflate your tires to the correct pressure.

2. Cracked Windshield Wipers

You should replace your windshield wipers every six months to a year. Cracked ones can prevent seeing the road in front of you when it leaves behind streaks that can refreeze on your windshield. Cold weather can cause the rubber to chip and crack, so pay attention to your windshield wipers and replace them if needed.

3. Worn Belts

Your serpentine belt powers a few parts of your car, like the power steering, water pump, air conditioner, and alternator. Your battery won’t recharge with the alternator if your serpentine belt breaks. Examine your belts every couple of weeks in the winter to look for cracks or signs of wear. If you see any cracks, replace the belt as soon as possible. 

4. Ice Getting in a Fuel Line

While it doesn’t happen very often, water trapped in your fuel lines can freeze. Frozen water in your fuel lines will block gasoline and prevent it from reaching your engine. The best way to avoid this is to keep your gas tank as least half full to prevent moisture buildup in your tank.

5. Slow Touchscreens

If you have an LCD touchscreen, the molecules in them move slower in cold weather. You’ll just have to wait for your car to warm up before your screen gets faster.

6. Frozen Locks & Door Handles

Before cars got key fobs and keyless entry, frozen locks were a problem. Frozen door handles can still be an issue if you can’t operate them properly to get in your car. The best way to handle this is through a can of de-icer you can keep in your garage. Don’t use hot water because it can damage the door, window, or lock due to the sudden temperature change.

7. Thicker Fluids

Fluids and lubricants may congeal in your vehicle when temps plummet for long periods of time. Motor oil is generally rated to 10, 5, or 0 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s what the 10 in “10W-30” means). Make sure you have the right oil, especially fully synthetic oil, for your modern engine to operate correctly. Wiper fluid can freeze, so make sure you get de-icing wiper fluid that works down to subzero temperatures. Make sure you have enough anti-freeze in your car before winter hits.

8. Dead Battery

Your car’s battery relies on the liquid inside to produce enough electrical charge to start your engine. During the winter, cold temperatures cause batteries to lose around one-third of their power when it hits 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 0 degrees Fahrenheit, they lost two-thirds of their power. It might be harder to start your vehicle in the cold. The way to solve this is to park inside your garage as much as possible. Consider getting a new battery if it’s older. Bring a charger with you, or buy a battery blanket to reduce the cold that hits your battery.

9. Corrosion From Road Salt

Road salt can corrode part of the underside of your vehicle gradually over time. Consider washing your car every two weeks, focusing on the undercarriage to remove any road salt built up while driving on winter roads. 

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Who can service my vehicle during the winter months?

It’s also a good idea to get regular maintenance ahead of winter. If your vehicle needs maintenance before, during, or after winter, stop by Thompson Sales in Springfield, Missouri, or call us at (417) 763-6811. We’ll take care of you.