Winter is brutal for many drivers, as the cold and snowy weather can cause all kinds of problems with your car. It’s essential to be observant and proactive when winter driving. That way, you can avoid unnecessary issues before they happen. The following article will discuss five winter car problems that many vehicle owners experience, as well as how to avoid and/or fix these issues so that you won’t have any trouble on those icy roads this year!
5 common winter car problems and how to fix them
1. Drop in tire pressure
When the temperature drops, your tire pressure decreases as well. This means that under-inflated tires will experience increased rolling resistance and reduced traction in snowy/icy conditions.
Be sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month when the weather gets colder and even more frequently if it starts to drop below 40 °F.
2. Old or worn-out windshield wipers
Snow and ice can make it difficult for you to see, which increases your risk of an accident. Therefore, be sure to check your windshield wiper blades are in good condition (i.e., no cracks or tears) and capable of clearing the window effectively before you go on the road. If you discover that your wiper blades are old or damaged, be sure to replace them as soon as possible.
Note that just because your windshield wipers “worked fine” does not mean they can be as effective in the snow and ice.
3. Decreased battery life
The cold weather can be very hard on your car’s battery, and it won’t work as well in the winter; therefore, you may need to get a new battery when the time comes. This is especially true when your battery has only a few years left in it.
This is avoidable, though, and there are a ton of guides available online on how you can extend the life of your car battery.
4. Faulty cooling systems
During the winter, your car’s engine and cooling system (e.g., radiator, fan belt) are working harder than usual to maintain an ideal temperature, which increases wear and tear on these parts of your vehicle.
Be sure to check your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic for tips on keeping your car’s cooling system healthy. You can also take your vehicle to a general car repair shop to have everything checked out. They can point out if a specific part of your cooling system needs replacing.
5. Ice buildup on the windshield
During winter, ice and snow can build up on your vehicle’s exterior and make it more difficult for you to see through your windows, especially during frosty mornings and late evenings when the dew settles onto the glass. To avoid this issue, be sure to scrape off all ice and snow from your windshield before you drive. If your car is parked overnight, try using a foam cleaner to keep things clear.
If you are not a seasoned driver, any of these five common winter problems can put you in a bind. Hopefully, by reading through this article, you will understand why the issues happen and apply the solutions we have provided.
Winter Car Repair And More With T3 Atlanta
Winter weather can be harsh on even the best maintained car, and there are many more car issues that you might not be able to watch out for. If you want to stay on the safe side, we suggest you contact your favorite car repair shop so they can take a look at your car for any possible issues.
If you are located in the greater Atlanta area, you can trust T3 Atlanta for all your car repair and maintenance needs. Thousands of customers swear by the top-quality service they received from T3 Atlanta. Give us a call today, and we’ll have your car scheduled for maintenance to see if it’s ready for some winter driving.
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