Here in England, it’s no secret that our weather can be unpredictable, particularly over winter. From wind and rain, to ice and snow, the winter months often come with cold and horrible weather that can wreak havoc on the roads – and it’s not just the roads that suffer, either. Our cars can go through a lot as the weather gets colder, and it’s important to keep an eye on how our vehicles are performing over the coming months to make sure that everything remains safe and in good working order. To help you, we’ve put together a guide to some of the common cold weather problems your car can face and what to keep an eye out for.
Frozen Fluids
When the weather turns icy, it can be easy to forget that our cars hold liquids in order to operate and that if puddles are freezing over, our liquids could be too. Screenwash and antifreeze tend to be the most commonly frozen liquids, so it’s important to make sure you’re investing in the right stuff for the season. Keep them topped up and make sure to check your reservoirs before heading out onto the road when things are particularly bitter outside. Driving with partially frozen liquids can cause significant damage to your vehicle.
Stuck Windscreen Wipers
Frosty windscreens can be a pain to clear in the mornings before work and it can be tempting to leave it up to the windscreen wipers to wipe away all of that ice and condensation. However, if your windscreen wipers are covered in ice or stuck to the windscreen itself, this could cause damage to both the wipers and the glass. Avoid this problem by making sure that the windscreen wipers lift away from the glass easily before switching on your car, and taking the time to clear the windscreen properly with a scraper or de-icer.
Reduced Tyre Pressure
When the temperature drops, so does the pressure in your tyres and so it’s crucial that you keep a close eye on the pressure in your tyres over the winter period, particularly when the weather can’t seem to make up its mind. Make sure you’re checking the pressure before any long journeys and at least every fortnight, ensuring that you’re pumping them up as needed. Your tyres need to be in good condition over winter in order to handle icy and wet roads more efficiently, keeping you safe overall.
Battery Faults
The battery in your car is a tough little thing, but it can really struggle when the cold weather kicks in. If your car is struggling to start, this could be because of the battery. If you find that the car isn’t starting properly or seems to be struggling, try switching off all of the extra electrics such as your lights and heating while you’re starting up the vehicle. Putting too much strain on a cold system could be causing it to struggle. If you’re unsure or are still facing problems, get in touch with our team to book your vehicle in for full repair and diagnostics, so we can get your vehicle up and running again in no time.
Frozen Or Cold Pipes
If you feel icy when you step outside in the morning, chances are your car does too. While we can pile on blankets and jumpers to build up warmth, your car needs a little more patience and TLC in order to warm up enough to safely drive. Spending a few minutes in the mornings to let your car warm up will not only ensure that it runs smoothly and can warm up efficiently, but can also give your windscreen the chance to properly clear so you aren’t fighting with condensation and misting.
For more information about the cold weather and how it can affect your car, we are on hand to help. Simply get in touch with a member of our team for advice, or book your car in for a service before the cold weather sets in to ensure that you can drive safely this winter.