Top 5 Ways Cold Weather Can Affect Your Car
Here are some common ways that cold weather can affect the performance of your car:
- Battery Problems
- Fluids Thicken
- Belts and Hoses
- Corrosion Caused by Salt
- Frozen Gas Lines
If you have tried starting your vehicle in sub-zero temperatures you know that cold is not a friend to the motorist. Most likely you’ve experienced battery problems during winter. However, there are various other ways cold can affect your vehicle in the short and long-term. The good news is that seasonal car maintenance addresses most of these problems.
Related: Winterize Your Car In 5 Easy Steps
Related: Winter Driving Saftey Tips
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Some common ways that cold weather can affect the performance of your car
To ensure that your transmission is always in great shape it’s imperative that you’re aware of the signs of looming transmission problems.
1. Battery Problems
At 0°C you can experience voltage loss of up to 60%. This affects your battery’s ability to hold charge and more so if it’s an old one. Starting your engine may also require double the amount of current. But if your battery is in excellent condition even negative zero starts shouldn’t be a problem at all.
Most car batteries become less efficient after three years. Hence, it’s a great idea to have yours replaced if it’s around that age. Remember that regularly charging devices in your car can exacerbate these issues.
2. Fluids Thicken
Cold temperatures can cause engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze and other fluids in your car to thicken. When these fluids become more viscous and thick, they can slow the performance of your vehicle. Sluggish transmission fluid and brake fluid can curtail your transmission and braking effectiveness. To prevent this, you can make sure that you only use quality fluids.
3. Belts and Hoses
Cold weather hardens rubber making it less pliable. Extreme cold temperatures can also cause rubber to develop holes and cracks. Your car’s belts and hoses are critical to its operation and if they crack or get damaged, they can render your vehicle inoperable. Older hoses and belts are more prone to damage.
Before winter sets in be sure to inspect your belts and hoses. Check for holes or cracks and replace them if necessary. Being proactive in replacing these parts is critical since broken belts and hoses can cause a lot of damage.
Going Longer and Keeping You Safe
AAMCO Colorado is here to help you with all your seasonal car care needs. Count on us to help you with your auto maintenance issues today!
4. Corrosion Caused by Salt
Cold temperatures cause a lot of snow and ice buildup on roads. Most road departments deal with the problem by salting roads to enhance traction. Unfortunately, this salt accumulates on the undercarriages of vehicles causing lots of corrosion.
Repeated exposure to salt can cause components located on the underside of your vehicle to rust. This can also damage the frame of your vehicle.
To mitigate this kind of damage you can have your undercarriage treated with an oil solution to ward off corrosion. Regular cleaning can also help.
5. Frozen Gas Lines
When temperatures dip, condensation can occur in your gas lines. Frozen gas lines hinder gas from flowing to your engine hence rendering it inoperable.
An excellent way of preventing your gas lines from freezing up is by ensuring that your gas tank is always half full during winter. This prevents too much air from occupying your gas tank, hence reducing the amount of moisture that can freeze and clog up your gas lines.
Get Winter Care at AAMCO Colorado
At AAMCO Colorado we know that cold weather can wreak havoc on your automobile. Extreme temperatures can impact your car’s fluids and components hence curtailing it’s performance.
Regular auto care and seasonal car maintenance are key to ensuring that extremely cold winter temperatures and conditions don’t damage your vehicle. Be sure to adhere to a strict maintenance schedule during winter and take note of all the maintenance tasks that need to be undertaken. This will ensure that you drive safely and comfortably throughout the cold season.
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Categories
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