The winter season can be tough on your car, and many common automotive problems ramp up at this time of year. If you want to protect the vehicle you drive and enjoy a trouble-free winter driving season, you need to think ahead. Here are some of the most common problems drivers face in the cold winter months.
Hard Starting
When the temperature drops, you may notice that your engine cranks longer before turning over. Hard starting is a big problem in winter weather, and one you should not ignore.
If you notice your car is starting harder than it was before, you need to have your entire starting system, from the starter and alternator to the battery, check out. Winter can be hard on your car, but being proactive can protect your vehicle from the harsh conditions.
Dead Batteries
If your battery is already on the edge, it will probably choose the coldest day of the year to finally die. Winter is hard on batteries, especially ones that are reaching the end of their expected life spans.
When winter arrives, you should check the sticker on your battery to see how many months it has left. If your battery is approaching the end of its life, it is better to change it now than wait for a dead battery to leave you stranded.
Long Warm-Up Times
Driving in cold weather can be an uncomfortable experience, especially if it takes your vehicle a long time to warm up. If you find yourself driving halfway to work before the heater kicks in, it is time to do something about it.
Long warm up times can be caused by a number of different issues, but the most common is a faulty thermostat. If you notice that your winter driving is not as comfortable as it used to be, ask your mechanic to check your thermostat and replace it if necessary.
Loss of Tire Pressure
You should check your tire pressure more often in the winter, since tires tend to lose more air in the colder months. It is a good idea to check your tire pressure each time you fill up the tank, topping the air off as necessary.
Driving on underinflated tires can be dangerous, so keeping the air topped off is very important. Do not wait until your tires look low; modern tires can retain a fully inflated appearance even when they are dangerously low on air.
The more you know about the challenges your vehicle faces in the winter, the easier it will be to preserve your ride. Winter can be tough on your vehicle, but you do not have to let a dead battery or starting problems leave you stranded.
