As the temperature drops, our vehicles are put to the test, and several common issues can arise. From dead batteries to frozen wipers, cold weather can throw a wrench in our daily drives. In this month’s blog post, we review six typical problems you might encounter, their symptoms, and how you can address them to ensure smooth sailing through winter.
- Battery Problems
- Symptoms: Slow engine crank, dim lights, battery warning light.
- Causes: Cold weather thickens engine oil, making the battery work harder. Additionally, lower temperatures reduce the battery’s capacity.
- Solution: Get your battery tested and replaced, if necessary, before the cold hits. Clean the terminals and ensure a tight connection. Consider using a battery blanket or trickle charger to maintain battery health.
- Tire Pressure Drops
- Symptoms: Tire pressure warning light, uneven tire wear, poor handling.
- Causes: Cold air causes the air inside tires to contract, leading to lower pressure.
- Solution: Regularly check and adjust tire pressure throughout the winter. Keeping tires properly inflated ensures better traction and handling. It’s also a good idea to switch to winter tires for improved performance on snow and ice.
- Frozen Wipers
- Symptoms: Wipers stuck to the windshield, streaking, poor visibility.
- Causes: Freezing temperatures cause the rubber on wiper blades to harden and stick.
- Solution: Lift your wipers off the windshield when parking outside to prevent them from freezing. Use winter wiper blades designed to withstand freezing temperatures. Ensure your washer fluid is rated for low temperatures to avoid freezing.
- Thickened Fluids
- Symptoms: Stiff steering, sluggish transmission, slow engine start.
- Causes: Cold temperatures cause fluids like oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid to thicken.
- Solution: Switch to winter-grade oil and fluids as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Warming up the vehicle for a few minutes before driving can help circulate the fluids and prevent sluggish performance.
- Defective Heater Core
- Symptoms: No heat, foggy windows, sweet smell inside the car.
- Causes: Leaks, clogs, or a faulty blower motor can hinder the heater core’s performance.
- Solution: Regularly inspect the heater core for leaks and ensure the coolant levels are adequate. If you notice any signs of a problem, get it checked by a service professional.
- Frozen Locks and Doors
- Symptoms: Difficulty unlocking or opening doors.
- Causes: Moisture inside the locks or door seals freezing.
- Solution: Use a lock de-icer or lubricant to keep locks functional. Silicone spray can prevent door seals from sticking. For emergencies, warm water or a hairdryer can help thaw frozen locks and doors.
By staying proactive and addressing these common cold-weather issues, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and enjoy a safe, comfortable drive all winter long. If you would like to have your vehicle checked for winter weather performance, contact the service professionals at Campus Repair to schedule an appointment.