5 Common Winter Car Problems and Solutions
Winter is usually one of the harsh seasons your car goes through during each year in Calgary and everywhere where there are harsh temperatures, snowing, and ice burdening all autos. It is a precaution to take well in advance if only being aware of those frequently occurring winter car troubles, knowing what to do and not, will not end by a responsible driver or owner. With the appropriate remedies, here comes one of the top five faults that hit cars the hardest throughout cold, frosty winter months.
1. Dead Battery
Why It Happens
Cold weather can really take a toll on your car's battery. The drop in temperatures slows the rate of chemical reactions inside, and it cannot hold a charge. This can easily leave you stranded on any cold morning when your car would not start.
Solution
To avoid a dead battery, one must have their batteries checked on a regular basis. Most auto shops can test your battery to find out if it is time for a replacement, such as Calgary Detailing. Cleaning off your battery and ensuring that it is snugly connected also helps in preventing corrosion and bad connections. If you live in a region with extremely cold temperatures, consider investing in a battery warmer to help your car start more easily on frigid mornings.
2. Slippery Or Frozen Windshield Wipers
Why It Happens
Windshield wipers clear your windshield of snow, ice and slush in the winter. But cold weather can cause the wipers to freeze up, reducing their effectiveness or even tearing them when they stick to the windshield.
Solution
Use a high-quality windshield washer fluid that has a good freezing temperature rating. Replace your wiper blades at the start of the winter months. Make sure the wipers are completely free of ice before first use. You may also wish to install winter wiper blades that are designed to handle snow and ice better. During the winter months, get in the habit of always propping up the wipers when parking your car overnight for protection from freezing.
If you are in Calgary and looking for the best way to take care of your vehicle, check out Lux Detail with expert services that include windshield treatment to keep your vehicle in the best shape this wintertime.
3. Tire Issues And Poor Traction
Why It Happens
Winter roads often go through ice and snow; these are conditions where your drive becomes that extra amount more hazardous if your tires are not ready. Moreover, the cold temperatures can make the tire pressure go down, thus leading to reduced traction and handling.
Solution
One of the best ways to prepare your car for winter driving is by changing to winter tires. These tires are specifically designed to handle the cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Make sure your tires are adequately inflated, as with every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure goes down about 1-2 PSI. Also, regularly check tire tread depth to ensure sufficient grip on winter roads. If you have questions about tire maintenance or need advice on which tires are best for your vehicle, then a professional service such as Calgary Detailing will be able to help with the information and service that you need.
4. Fuel Lines That Freeze
Why It Happens
This fuel will freeze inside the car in extremely cold temperatures if there is even a bit of water mixed in with it. This usually happens when gas tanks are highly condensed or the temperature falls to a great low that any water in a gas line freezes and clogs the fuel line.
Solution
In cold weather it is possible for fuel lines to freeze. To help avert this, keep a minimum of half a tank of fuel in your gasoline tank. This reduces condensation from forming in your fuel tank. Putting something like fuel-line antifreeze in the gasoline will help, too. If you think that fuel lines may be frozen, do not crank the car; it would cause damage to your fuel system. Allow the lines to thaw, instead, by warming the car up in a garage or heated area.
5. Reduced Visibility Due To Ice And Snow
Why It Happens
Winter weather simply translates into more snow, ice and slush that will pile onto your car's Headlights, taillights plus the windows. The amount of reduced visibility is ranked amongst the most dangerous prospect regarding driving hence resulting mostly into accidents. Quite oft, it happens pretty unawared that just hoe Ice and Snows in your lights diminishes how light comes off from It.
Solution
Keep your headlights and taillights clean and clear of ice. When you go to clean off your car, you should take a plastic scraper to those lights to scrape off any ice or snow that has accumulated on those lights. At the same time, also ensure that all your windows and mirrors are clear from ice and snow before you begin a drive. The best way out is to get some heated wiper blades and a decent ice scraper to make things easy. The right maintenance of your car would go a long way in avoiding many of these common winter issues. If you prepare your vehicle for winter, it can mitigate at least the risks or, rather, challenges cold weather may bring with them.
Conclusion
Winter is brutal on your vehicle, but with some proactive steps and maintenance in the right way, you will minimize the chances of encountering serious problems. The right maintenance, use of appropriate products, and proper seasonal preparation can make all the difference. Whether it be getting your battery ready, making sure you have the right tires, or preventing frozen fuel lines, small, preventive measures can go a long way toward keeping your vehicle running through the colder months of the year. If you want to keep your car in excellent condition during the harshest Calgary winters, Lux Detail’s professional services can help you keep the looks and functionality of your car in such a great condition that you will always be ready to face any kind of challenge brought forth by winter driving.