How Cold Weather Impacts Your Car’s Performance

When the temperature starts to drop, so does your car’s ability to perform at its peak. Cold weather can impact nearly every part of a vehicle, from the battery and tires to the engine and fuel system. Understanding the effects of cold weather on your vehicle can help you prepare for the challenges winter driving brings, ensuring your car operates smoothly and safely. At Chandler & Sons Automotive, we want to help you keep your car in top shape, no matter what the weather throws your way.

The Impact of Cold Weather on Your Car’s Battery

Why Batteries Struggle in Cold Weather

A car battery functions by creating an electrical charge through a chemical reaction. This reaction is greatly affected by temperature: when it’s cold, the chemical process slows down, reducing the battery’s capacity to hold a charge. In freezing weather, a fully charged battery operates at only about 50% of its regular capacity, meaning your car’s ability to start is compromised. At Chandler & Sons Automotive, we recommend paying special attention to your battery during the colder months to avoid being stranded.

Signs Your Battery Is Struggling

Pay attention to these indicators that your battery might be struggling in the cold:

• Slow Engine Crank: If your engine cranks more slowly than usual when you try to start it, this could mean your battery is weakening.
• Dim Headlights: When headlights appear dim, especially before the engine starts, your battery might not be providing sufficient power.
• Battery Warning Light: If your dashboard’s battery warning light is on, this could be a direct sign of battery trouble.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Battery

1. Regular Battery Checks: At Chandler & Sons Automotive, we offer battery testing to ensure it’s working efficiently before the winter season hits.
2. Keep It Warm: Parking in a garage, if possible, can help protect your battery from freezing temperatures.
3. Use a Battery Charger: If your vehicle will sit for a while in cold weather, a trickle charger can help keep the battery charged without damaging it.

Cold Weather and Tire Performance

Understanding Tire Pressure Drops

As temperatures drop, so does the air pressure in your tires. A general rule of thumb is that for every 10°F drop in temperature, your tire pressure decreases by about 1 PSI (pound per square inch). Driving on underinflated tires can lead to poor fuel economy, reduced handling, and, ultimately, unsafe driving conditions. If you’re concerned about tire pressure during the winter, Chandler & Sons Automotive offers tire pressure checks to ensure you’re ready for the road.

How Low Tire Pressure Affects Driving

Low tire pressure means less traction, which is already compromised by icy or snowy roads. This makes your car more likely to slide, affecting your ability to stop or change direction quickly. Low tire pressure also causes uneven tire wear, shortening the lifespan of your tires and increasing the likelihood of blowouts.

Tips for Maintaining Tire Health in Cold Weather

1. Check Tire Pressure Frequently: Check your tire pressure weekly during the winter months and fill as needed to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
2. Consider Winter Tires: Winter tires are made from a different rubber compound that remains flexible in cold weather, providing better traction.
3. Rotate Your Tires: Tire rotation helps ensure even wear, which is especially important for winter driving conditions.

The Effect of Cold Weather on Engine Oil and Fluids

Engine Oil in Low Temperatures

Engine oil thickens in cold weather, which can make it more difficult for it to flow and lubricate engine components. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the engine, especially during startups. Cold starts put extra strain on the engine, and thicker oil exacerbates the problem by making it harder for parts to move smoothly. Chandler & Sons Automotive can help you select the right oil for the winter months, ensuring your car is well-protected.

Other Fluids at Risk

• Transmission Fluid: Cold temperatures can thicken transmission fluid, making it harder for your vehicle to shift gears smoothly.
• Brake Fluid: Although less affected by the cold, brake fluid can lose effectiveness if moisture accumulates, leading to a “spongy” brake pedal.
• Coolant: Even antifreeze can be compromised in extreme cold if it’s diluted or contaminated.

How to Maintain Fluid Levels in Cold Weather

1. Use Winter-Grade Oil: Switch to a winter-grade or synthetic oil that remains more fluid in cold temperatures.
2. Check Fluid Levels Regularly: Be vigilant about checking all fluid levels, particularly oil, transmission, and brake fluids.
3. Flush and Replace Coolant: Ensuring your coolant is fresh and mixed properly can prevent it from freezing or clogging up.

Cold Weather and Fuel Efficiency

Why Your Car Uses More Fuel in the Winter

Colder temperatures result in more friction for your engine to overcome, and it needs more energy to reach optimal operating temperature. This is why you’ll notice your fuel efficiency dropping in the winter months. Additionally, when the engine is cold, fuel evaporates more slowly, leading to richer air-fuel mixtures and higher fuel consumption.

Reducing Fuel Loss in the Winter

1. Minimize Idling: While warming up your car, try not to idle for extended periods. Modern engines warm up faster when the car is moving.
2. Combine Trips: Short trips are particularly hard on fuel efficiency in winter, as the engine doesn’t have time to reach optimal temperature. Combine errands when possible to keep the engine warm.
3. Keep Your Tires Inflated: Proper tire pressure improves fuel economy, especially when the roads are cold and traction is low.

Cold Temperatures and Windshield and Wiper Blades

The Risk of Ice on Windshield and Wipers

Ice can be a serious hazard for visibility. Not only does it obstruct your view, but scraping it off repeatedly can damage your windshield and wipers over time. In extremely cold weather, wiper blades can harden and crack, losing their flexibility and effectiveness. Chandler & Sons Automotive offers wiper blade replacements and windshield maintenance services to ensure you’re ready to face the elements.

How to Maintain Clear Visibility

1. Use Winter-Grade Windshield Wiper Fluid: Regular windshield fluid can freeze in the cold. Use winter-grade fluid designed to withstand freezing temperatures.
2. Replace Worn Wiper Blades: Worn wipers won’t clear snow and ice effectively. Consider switching to winter wiper blades, which are more durable in freezing conditions.
3. De-Ice Properly: Use a windshield de-icer to safely remove ice without excessive scraping, which can damage the glass and wiper blades.

Protecting the Engine from Cold Starts

Why Cold Starts Are Hard on Your Engine

Starting a cold engine requires more effort because the oil is thicker, the battery is weaker, and the overall resistance within the engine is higher. Cold starts can also cause condensation to form inside the engine, which can be harmful over time. At Chandler & Sons Automotive, we advise customers to take preventative measures to protect their engine during the colder months.

Preventative Measures for Cold Starts

1. Use a Block Heater: A block heater warms up the engine, making it easier to start and reducing strain. If you live in a very cold area, this can significantly improve your car’s performance.
2. Start the Engine Slowly: Avoid high revs on a cold engine. Allow it to idle briefly and gently increase speed, giving the oil time to circulate.
3. Keep Your Car Covered: Parking in a garage or under a cover protects your car from the harshest temperatures, helping to ease cold starts.

Avoiding Frozen Door Locks and Windows

Preventing Locks and Windows from Freezing

In freezing weather, door locks and windows are especially vulnerable to seizing up. When water enters a lock and then freezes, it expands, creating a frustrating situation where you may be unable to enter your car or roll down the windows.

Tips to Avoid Freezing Locks and Windows

1. Lubricate Locks: Apply a silicone-based spray to locks to help prevent water from entering and freezing inside.
2. Use Car Covers: Protect windows from freezing rain and snow with a car cover or windshield cover.
3. Avoid Forced Entry: Trying to force open a frozen lock or window can cause long-term damage to these components.

Preparing Your Car for Winter with Chandler & Sons Automotive

Cold weather impacts nearly every part of your vehicle, from the battery to the engine, tires, and fluids. To keep your car performing well during the winter, it’s essential to be proactive and aware of these common issues. Take preventative measures, monitor your car’s performance closely, and conduct regular maintenance to avoid potential winter breakdowns. At Chandler & Sons Automotive, we’re dedicated to helping you prepare your car for winter and ensuring it’s always ready for the road. A well-prepared vehicle not only ensures reliability and safety but also protects you from costly repairs and unpleasant surprises on those chilly winter mornings.