5 Ways the Cold Can Affect Your Car
Taking care of your car in the winter is easy when you know what ill effects the cold can have on your vehicle. There are lots of ways the cold can damage your vehicle or cause long-term problems, and learning how to prepare and handle those issues properly can be the difference between huge expenses and a cheap repair.
The Cold Can Kill Your Car Battery
Cold temperatures slow everything down. When it comes to your car battery, cold weather affects the speed of the chemical reaction inside the battery and slows it down. According to FirestoneCompleteAutoCare.com, once the temperatures reach 32°F, the battery’s strength drops by around 35%. After the temperatures hit zero, the engine will need almost twice the power to start as it would in warmer temperatures.
If you know that the temperatures are going to be extremely low in your area, be sure your car’s battery is in good condition. Additionally, give your car time to warm up in the morning, so add a little extra time to your daily routine to allow for the engine to warm up.
Decreased Tire Pressure
The drop in temperatures also causes a loss in your tire pressure. This results from the air in the tires moving slower from the cold. Hot air expands, so your tires will be more full in warmer conditions than freezing temperatures. Usually, the best way to prepare for this is to check your tire pressure after a significant temperature drop or increase and add or remove air to keep your tires operating at their best.
Brittle and Cracked Windshield Wipers
We’re all familiar with windshield wipers that are old, cracked, and barely doing their job. This is often the result of cold weather and exposure to the elements. You can easily replace them if they are smearing things instead of cleaning your window. This becomes even more evident after a freeze or trying to use them on a frosted window, which damages the wiper. Wiper blades are more brittle in cold weather, so they’re more likely to have problems if used improperly in these conditions.
Instead of using your wipers to try and clear ice from your windshield, you can use a deicer or an ice scraper.
Broken or Cracked Windshield
Sudden drops in temperature can also result in cracks or damage to your windshield. If your windshield is already cracked, the cold weather will cause the glass to shrink, which will worsen the crack. The best way to prevent this is by having any issues with your windshield repaired before the weather drops.
Corrosion Due to Road Salt
Road salt causes strong chemical reactions when it comes into contact with exposed metal on your car. If it is not cleaned off of your vehicle and allowed to sit, it can lead to corrosion and rust. According to Erie Insurance, road salt will most likely damage your fuel and brake lines. If you have been driving in areas with snow or ice and the roads have been treated with salt, it’s a good idea to regularly wash your car to keep the salt off of those crucial spots and prevent long-term damage.
Call Today To Request a Quote for Shipping Your Car with PAL
If you’re moving your vehicle across the states, whether it’s for a trip to your seasonal home, or a permanent move, we can help you get your car there safely and without the stress. Give us a call at 877.542.1955 and receive a custom quote for your auto transport needs.
Sample Customer Reviews
“Outstanding! We called at the last minute (the day before leaving for Florida), and Mike was very receptive. We left on a Wednesday. Our cars were picked up on Wednesday, and Mike attempted to find a truck/driver to bring our cars. They were picked up on a Saturday morning and surprisingly delivered (Monday)late morning. Their service and devotion to assist the customer was fantastic! Very, very pleased!!!”
– Linda Marconi
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