Driving in a Cold Climate: A Guide
Living in northern Michigan can be tough on your car. The extreme cold can make it difficult to start, reduce fuel efficiency, and even damage certain components. But there are steps you can take to protect your vehicle and keep it running smoothly in even the harshest conditions.
In this article, we'll discuss the effects of severe cold on your vehicle's performance and what you can do to prepare for winter driving.
How Severe Cold Affects Your Vehicle's Performance
Consistent exposure to temperatures at or below zero has an accumulative impact on your vehicle’s performance. Brutal subzero conditions compound the damage of daily wear and tear in several ways.
Engine fluids
One of the biggest challenges cold weather poses to your car is the effect it has on engine fluids. When temperatures drop, fluids like motor oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze can thicken and become more difficult to flow. This can make it harder for your engine to start and run smoothly.
Cold weather can also cause fluids to freeze. This can be a serious problem, especially if it happens to your engine coolant. If the coolant freezes, it can expand and damage the engine block, cylinder head, and other components.
2. Battery
Another major concern in cold weather is your car's battery. Cold weather can slow down the chemical reaction that produces electricity in the battery, making it harder to start your car. In addition, batteries lose their charge more quickly in cold weather.
3. Tires
Cold weather can also affect your tires. When temperatures drop, the air pressure in your tires decreases. This can reduce traction and make it more difficult to control your car. In addition, cold weather can make tires harder and less flexible, reducing traction and increasing the risk of a skid.
4. Other components
Cold weather impacts other components of your vehicle, such as the brakes, suspension, and electrical system. For example, cold weather can cause brake rotors to rust, which can reduce braking performance. In addition, cold weather can stiffen suspension components and make your car ride rougher. Finally, cold weather can damage electrical components, such as sensors and wiring.
How to Protect Your Vehicle in Cold Weather
There are a number of things you can do to protect your vehicle in cold weather:
Get a winter tune-up
One of the best things you can do to prepare your car for winter is to get a winter tune-up. A winter tune-up includes checking and replacing fluids, filters, and other components that may be affected by cold weather. It's also a good idea to have your battery tested to make sure it's still in good condition.
2. Use winter tires
If you live in a climate with heavy snow and ice, it's a good idea to invest in a set of winter tires. Winter tires have a special tread pattern that is designed to grip snow and ice better than all-season tires.
3. Check your tire pressure regularly
As mentioned above, cold weather can cause the air pressure in your tires to decrease. It's important to check your tire pressure regularly and make sure it's at the recommended level.
4. Start your car early
On cold days, give your car a few extra minutes to warm up before you start driving. This will give the engine fluids a chance to thin out and flow more easily.
5. Drive carefully
When driving in cold weather, it's important to slow down and drive more carefully. Cold weather can reduce traction and make it more difficult to control your car.
Additional Tips for Cold Weather Driving
There are other ways to mitigate the risk of winter driving. Taking these precautions can improve your vehicle’s performance, limit cold-related damage, and keep you and your family safe on the road. Here are a few additional tips for driving in cold weather:
Keep your gas tank at least half full. This will help to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
If you'll be parking your car for an extended period, consider using a block heater. A block heater will help to keep the engine warm and make it easier to start in cold weather.
If you do get stuck in the snow, don't spin your tires. This will only dig you in deeper. Instead, try rocking your car back and forth to get it unstuck.
Go the Distance with Garfield Auto
As northern Michigan’s most trusted automotive service center, we know a thing or two about winter vehicle maintenance. Trust Garfield Auto to keep your car on the road and your family on the move. We provide emergency repairs and preventative maintenance at fair prices; schedule your appointment today.