Common Car Problems During Winter

As the winter season rolls around, the cold weather brings many challenges for vehicles. From icy roads to freezing temperatures, cars face various issues that can affect their performance and safety. To ensure a smooth ride during the colder months, addressing common winter car issues and taking proactive steps to prevent them is essential.

Common Winter Car Issues

Addressing these common winter car issues with diligence and proactive measures can significantly contribute to a safer and more reliable driving experience during the cold months. Regular maintenance and preparedness can help avoid potential breakdowns or safety hazards, ensuring your vehicle performs its best regardless of how cold it is outside.

Battery Problems

In the winter, batteries face a dual challenge. The cold weather slows down the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its capacity to deliver power. This reduction in capacity makes it harder for your car to start, especially if your battery is old or already weakened. It is not uncommon for weakened batteries to fail out in the cold, which can leave you stranded. 

Frozen Fuel Lines

Moisture within the fuel lines can turn into ice as temperatures drop, creating blockages that prevent fuel from running smoothly to the engine. When fuel can’t reach the engine efficiently, it causes starting issues or even leads to stalling while driving. This can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue, especially in extremely cold conditions.

Tyre Pressure Changes

Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop as the air inside contracts. This decrease in pressure leads to underinflated tyres, which affects their ability to maintain proper traction on wet or icy roads. Reduced traction compromises handling and increases the risk of accidents, particularly when moving suddenly or through turns.

Thickened Fluids

Frigid temperatures cause essential fluids like engine oil and transmission fluid to thicken. Thickened fluids struggle to circulate properly, impacting their ability to lubricate and protect vital engine components. This can increase wear and tear, reducing your engine’s efficiency and potentially leading to long-term damage.

Reduced Visibility

Winter conditions like snow, frost, and fog significantly impair your visibility when driving. Accumulated snow on windscreens, frost-covered windows, or foggy conditions can create hazardous situations.

Worn-out wiper blades can worsen the issue by smearing rather than clearing the windscreen. Inadequate defrosting mechanisms can further hinder your visibility, making navigating safely on the road much more challenging.

Winter Vehicle Inspections

Battery Inspection

A professional battery check before winter is vital, considering the cold weather is so harsh on batteries. Checking the health of your battery ensures it can handle the increased demand during low temperatures. Cleaning the battery terminals and ensuring secure connections are crucial to guarantee a strong electrical flow, especially when starting your car in freezing conditions.

Tyre Care

Frequent tyre pressure checks and maintaining recommended levels are critical because colder temperatures cause tyre pressure to drop. Proper tyre pressure is essential for optimal traction and handling on slippery or icy roads. Switching to winter tyres with dapper treads provides better grip and traction, improving overall safety while driving in challenging winter conditions.

Fluid Checks

Inspecting and ensuring proper levels of essential fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and washer fluid is vital. In cold weather, these fluids tend to thicken, which affects their ability to perform effectively. Replacing or topping off fluids with products designed for colder temperatures ensures smooth operation, reduces friction, and prevents any potential engine damage.

Fuel System Maintenance

Adding a fuel de-icer to your gas tank can prevent the moisture in the fuel lines from freezing. This ensures fuel flows smoothly to the engine, preventing starting issues or stalling.

Keeping the tank at least half-full is essential to minimise condensation, which can contribute to frozen fuel lines. This is such a simple step and greatly reduces the risk of breakdown due to fuel line blockages.

Preventative Measures for Cold-Weather Driving

Here are some simple yet effective pre-emptive steps to help ensure your car stays reliable and keeps you safe during the winter months:

• Regular Maintenance — Stick to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. This regular servicing keeps all parts in top shape, reducing the chances of an unexpected breakdown.
• Parking Precautions — Park your car in a garage or sheltered area whenever possible. Shielding it from extreme cold helps prevent components from freezing, keeping everything running smoothly.
• Emergency Kit Preparation — Create an emergency kit with basics like a blanket, flashlight, shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, and snacks. These essentials can be real lifesavers if you encounter unexpected breakdowns or get stuck in the snow.
• Safe Driving Practices — Drive cautiously in rough weather. Increase your following distance, brake gently, and avoid any sudden manoeuvres to maintain control on slippery surfaces.
• Stay Informed — Stay updated on weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out. If severe weather warnings are in place, consider postponing your trip to avoid risky driving situations.

Prepare for Winter With Caversham Coachworks

Winter demands extra attention and care for your vehicle. While you can do many of your winter preparations yourself, you can always rely on a professional to help ensure your car can tackle winter head-on. 

At Caversham Coachworks, our expertise goes well beyond just a basic checklist. We cover you at all angles to ensure your car is fully equipped to handle a harsh winter. We offer services like alloy wheel refurbishment, cooling systems and air-conditioning maintenance, paintless dent removal, swift same-day repairs, steering component repairs, the use of genuine parts, and electrical system maintenance and refurbishment.

At our convenient locations in Caversham and Abingdon, we are here to help with traditional, modern, hybrid, and EV vehicles with our state-of-the-art equipment. Let us offer you peace of mind and drive confidently through the winter.

Contact us today or use our free and easy estimator tool.