With the change in seasons, your car will likely need a little more consideration, especially during the winter. When the temperature drops, it’s essential to keep an eye on your battery, windshield wipers, tire pressure, and more. Keep reading to learn four frightening ways cold weather can wreak havoc on your car.
#1: Malfunctioning Car Battery
Sometimes when the temperature falls below 32° F, the thermal expansion of fluids in a car’s engine–including the coolant–becomes significant enough that it can damage or even kill a car’s battery. You may be surprised to learn your battery can suffer, even when the temps are above sub-freezing. This is because, in colder weather, the battery must work harder to operate and start the car.
To protect your car battery, consider storing it in an enclosed garage or get a newer battery before the coldest time of the year. A fresh battery is better able to handle the cold.
#2: Tire Trouble
Yet another common issue that results when the temps take a downward turn is diminished tire pressure. As the outside temperatures decrease, so does your tires’ air pressure, making them less effective at providing traction. Even worse, when you don’t have sufficient tire pressure, it can make your car more susceptible to sliding around on icy or snow-packed roads.
Low air tire pressure also puts your car at risk for prematurely worn-out tires and a costly tire replacement. Get your tires ready for winter by checking the tire pressure and keeping them adequately inflated. It’s a good idea to check them more often than usual during the winter.
#3: Transmission Freezing and Slipping
When the cold winds blow, your transmission is at risk, and it’s not pretty. A frozen transmission can cause it to “slip.” That means you may hear strange noises coming from the engine or notice an odd sensation when the gears switch as you drive. There could be irreversible damage once you see or hear these signs of a frozen transmission.
So what’s the solution? Schedule professional transmission service as soon as possible—ideally before winter—to prevent slipping and other cold-weather-related issues.
#4: Frozen Car Locks
Heading out to your car during the winter to find the locks frozen shut can be a frustrating and chilly experience. When the temperatures drop below freezing, any moisture on your car will freeze and create the frozen locks problem. To solve the issue, keep a de-icer product around to use on the locks when necessary. You can find the products at your local auto parts shop.
But what if you can’t open the car door to get there? Try using hand sanitizer instead! Most hand sanitizer liquids contain ethanol and alcohol, which can effectively melt ice.
Winter Check-Up: Schedule Professional Service at Guardian Transmission
As you can see, cold weather can wreak havoc on your car, and it’s important to be ready for what the colder temperatures bring. Turn to the trusted professionals at Guardian Transmission Repair for expert repair services or a winter check-up. We are dedicated to helping car owners in Marietta, East Cobb, Roswell, Woodstock, and beyond stay safe on the road this winter.