How Can Cold Weather Affect the Way Your Car Functions?

When we wake up on a particularly cold day, we don’t want to leave the house, and if we do we wrap ourselves up well enough to face our day. Our cars, however, do not have any extra protection to protect against the cold, and low temperatures can affect several of its components as well as its functionality.

Keep in mind the following aspects that happen to your car when temperatures turn freezing.

1. Liquids become thicker. All the liquids in your car: oil, antifreeze, transmission oil, etc. Expert mechanics recommend heating your car for 10-15 minutes before you start driving. They also recommend changing all liquids if possible and having them at optimum levels before the low temperatures begin.

2. The battery dies. During really cold days, your battery is exposed to work much harder because its starting capacity is diminished in freezing temperatures. If it has between three and four years of use, it is advisable to change it before winter comes.

3. Tire pressure. This may vary depending on temperature changes. During cold days, the pressure may decrease when the car is parked and increase when you drive. It is important to check that they are always at the correct pressure to avoid irregular wear and avoid a flat tire.

4. Leaks. The brake, steering and transmission systems can accumulate condensed water as a result of ice that passes from cold to hot, and leaks can be created that are dangerous when something goes wrong. Change fluids before winter and always warm your car before driving.

5. Salt in the streets. Many times it is not the snow that is the problem, but the salt that spreads on the roads to melt it. Salt can stick to the metal components of your car and, if it is not cleaned and removed, it can corrode them, especially the chassis, brakes and wheel cavities.

Check your car!