Winter is characterized by frigid cold, and as a vehicle owner, you should know that cooler winter temperatures will affect your car immensely. It is especially so during nighttime when the temperatures are even lower than during the day. Winter temperatures will affect your car in the following ways:
Tire Pressure
The cold will cause tire pressure fluctuations, affecting your driving. The cooler the temperatures, the lower your tire pressure because the air contracts.
However, when you drive, the tires will start warming up, causing the air to expand and the tire pressure to increase. The constant inflation and deflation are devastating on tires.
Therefore, get winter tires that will undergo less damage due to the conditions.
Battery
The chilling winter cold is devastating for car batteries. The battery becomes very sensitive when it is cold. The battery cools down during winter much quicker than in other seasons, making it very difficult to start the car.
You should check your car battery and repair or replace it as necessary. Otherwise, you risk getting stuck in winter with a dead battery.
Fluids
The most significant impact of winter on your car pertains to fluids. When temperatures are low, liquids turn into solids which you do not want your car fluids to do. The fluids include the coolant, oil, transmission, and power steering fluids.
At the very least, these fluids will thicken during winter. When they are thicker, they do not flow smoothly in the engine, which could cause malfunctions. The solution is to use antifreeze which will help the liquids stay thinner. It is also best to warm up the car for ten minutes before driving.
Winter significantly affects vehicles on the road, and when parked. Consider the above effects and prepare the car for winter.
Bring your vehicle to Neighborhood Tire Pros today for repair from damaging winter effects.