Driving in the winter can be one of the most enjoyable activities you will ever experience. Taking in the scenery blanketed in snow, with a sharpness and clarity seemingly visible only when sunlight glimmers off frozen wonders, creates a visual marvel that is simply breathtaking. Even more exciting are trips taken with friends or family to explore what nature offers in its frigid state.
However, wintertime also brings a unique set of challenges for car owners. Snow, ice, and extreme temperatures can all take their toll on your vehicle. To help you stay ahead of any potential problems, here are a few of the most common car damages to look out for during the winter season:
Frozen Parts
One of the most common issues in cold weather is parts becoming frozen. This can include door locks, windshield washer fluid lines, fuel lines, and more. A simple solution is to keep a bottle of de-icer handy in your trunk or glove compartment during the winter months so that you can quickly thaw out any frozen parts as needed.
If some parts of your car are frozen, you can also use warm water to thaw them out. However, be sure not to use boiling water, as this can cause more damage and even increase the risk of cracking your car’s parts. Or you can choose to take it to a mechanic for safe defrosting.
Broken Windshields
Snow and sleet can make for some treacherous driving conditions. Unfortunately, this often leads to a cracked or chipped windshield. To avoid costly repairs, invest in winter wiper blades designed to clear away snow and ice more efficiently than regular wiper blades. Also, keep your windshield as clean as possible throughout the winter months.
However, if your windshield is already damaged, make sure you employ the help of a professional windshield repair service provider. They will be able to repair the damage with minimal fuss and make sure that your windshield is safe for winter driving again. They may even be able to provide you with discounted rates.
Battery Issues
Cold weather can cause batteries to drain faster than usual due to decreased chemical activity within its cells. Also, cold temperatures make it harder for a battery to charge and recharge properly, which can lead to a dead battery if it’s not taken care of promptly. Be sure to check your battery periodically throughout the winter season and replace it if necessary.
The best way to avoid this issue is by investing in an engine block heater setup that keeps the coolant in your engine warm enough that it won’t freeze when exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
Tire Damage
Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause tires to lose pressure, significantly reducing their traction on icy surfaces (not exactly ideal). Ensure you check your tire pressure every few weeks throughout winter and fill it up as needed with air or nitrogen (if available). Additionally, consider investing in snow tires or studded tires if you live in an area where snowfall is frequent during winter. These tires will provide enhanced traction on icy surfaces, making driving much safer and easier during those cold days and nights.
If your tires end up damaged due to the cold weather, you should replace them with new ones as soon as possible. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of a blizzard, unable to move anymore, because your tires cannot provide enough traction for you to keep driving safely.
Rust Formation
Winter’s harsh temperatures combined with road salt can be disastrous for the underside of cars leading to significant rust damage over time (especially if you live near coastal regions). To prevent this from happening, regularly wash off any salt residue from underneath your car after driving through salty areas/roads. If there’s already existing rust damage on your car, consider having it professionally treated or sanded down before applying a new layer of paint over top – this will help protect against further rusting down the road.
You can also use rust-inhibiting sprays to help prevent corrosion and protect your vehicle from rust damage. These sprays are easy to apply and will keep your car looking good for years. Also, check for any signs of rust on the interior parts of your vehicle, such as the battery contacts or other electrical components. This will help ensure that everything continues to work properly in cold weather.
Wintertime definitely brings its own challenges for car owners, but with these tips, you should be able to protect against common damages caused by cold weather conditions. Be sure to check your car regularly throughout winter so any potential issues can be addressed quickly before they become costly repairs.
