How Cold Weather Impacts Your Car

Cold and snowy winters seem to be just a normal part of life in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. We have learned to cope with the harsh temperatures and blowing snow by bundling up and being prepared. The blustery weather also impacts your car, making it important to keep your car prepared as well.

Your Car’s Battery

Your aging battery may be able to handle starting your car in the warm September weather, but because your battery produces less current when it’s cold, it may fail when the mercury drops. Have your battery and electrical system checked out before the cold weather sets in. This is not a guarantee your battery will last the entire winter, but it will tell you if it’s in imminent danger of failing.

If your battery is 3 or more years old, you might consider replacing it rather than taking a chance of getting stranded on a below-zero night. It’s also a good idea to have a good pair of jumper cables stashed in the trunk, and if you travel a lot during the winter, you might want to invest in a portable jump-starter just in case.

Oil, Antifreeze, Brake Fluid…

You should always have your car’s fluids checked during the fall, ensuring they are at the proper levels before winter begins. Have your oil changed, and make sure to use the correct type of oil recommended by the manufacturer for cold weather driving. If the antifreeze has not been changed during the past twelve months, flush and refill that as well.

Oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid all thicken during the cold weather. It’s important to warm your car up before driving, as thick fluids do not circulate as well. This may cause tears in internal seals and other issues as these fluids are pushed through your car’s operating systems.

The best way to warm the car’s engine is to turn it on, wait about one minute, then drive it very slowly until the heat begins to feel warm. Leaving your car parked as you warm it up is no longer recommended and may damage your engine. Conversely, driving at normal speeds before warming your car up can also damage the internal workings of your vehicle.

Tires

Winter brings with it snow, rain, ice, sleet, and overall dangerous driving conditions. It’s important to have good tires in order to stay safe during these treacherous months. Have your tires checked for wear, and if necessary have them replaced, balanced, and an alignment performed. It is also recommended to replace all-season tires with winter tires whenever possible.

Tires lose pressure during the winter months. Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires can reduce gas mileage, diminish steering control, cause your tires to wear unevenly – shortening their lifespan, and can even cause a blowout. In the winter it’s a good idea to check the tire pressure once weekly in the morning to ensure you are driving on properly inflated tires.

Your Car’s Body

We’d do an awful lot of slipping and sliding on the roadways if it weren’t for salt and sand; but both these substances stick to your car’s body and undercarriage causing deterioration and damage. To keep your car from suffering undue rust and corrosion, wash your car often – at least once a month – paying particular attention to the undercarriage.

Visit Our Used Car Dealership – Michigan City

If your car is just not up to facing another winter, it might be time to visit our used car dealership in. Michigan City. To michigan city residents will find the perfect vehicle to get them through the harsh winter months at Grieger’s Motors.

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