For many people, cold weather means car trouble. Drivers that hope to protect their vehicles throughout the winter must take into consideration how the weather can affect their car’s current condition. As winter approaches, consider the following types of car damage that will only worsen with colder weather.
Chipped Paint
In cold weather, vehicles with chipped paint are at risk for even more damage. As water expands in cold weather, a chipped paint job can quickly cause water to infiltrate and freeze under the car’s top layer of paint. As this water rapidly expands, it will pop out and push up more paint, resulting in a bubble of paint. As the car’s paint continues to crackle and chip, it puts the car further at risk of significant damage. This exposed metal will likely corrode as it is attacked by the winter air and road salt.
Tire Problems
Car owners that have problems with their tires losing pressure on a regular basis may find themselves in a dangerous situation during the winter. Cold weather causes tires to lose an average of two psi every degree below 32 degrees. Drivers that know their tires are prone to deflating should keep an eye on their tire pressure during the winter.
In addition to actively monitoring their tire pressure, car owners should replace their tires ahead of the worst of winter. This way, they’ll be able to avoid potential emergency situations and make sure their tires maintain proper pressure throughout the season.
Cracked Windshield
Cracked windshields are especially dangerous during the winter. Should any precipitation enter into the windshield’s cracks, the resulting damage could be explosive. The stress of the weather will likely spread these cracks if not shatter the windshield entirely.
Replace a cracked windshield with auto glass to avoid such a situation. Taking care of these cracks in the windshield before the weather worsens will keep cars protected as the temperature falls.
Engine Trouble
Cold temperatures can seriously affect a car’s engine. Once the temperatures drop, car batteries aren’t able to hold their charge quite as well. Car owners that have older batteries in their vehicles are more likely to experience issues with starting their cars in the winter. This scenario can be avoided if drivers have their batteries checked before winter sets in. If a battery is over three years old, it’s time for a replacement.
Don’t let the winter weather wreak havoc on your vehicle. Keep this guide in mind as you work to protect and prepare your car for the cold.