Winter is a season that brings with it a number of challenges, especially for your car. Extremely low temperatures, snow, ice, and harsh weather conditions can put a lot of stress on your vehicle and cause serious damage.
As an auto shipping company, Quickship gets a lot of requests to move around cars that have been wrecked by the extreme cold. So as a responsible company, we feel a moral obligation to advise our readers and customers on how to prevent such unwanted situations from happening to you.
In this article, we will look at how cold winters can damage your car, and with every problem, we will provide a solution on how you can prevent the problem from happening in the first place.
Battery Damage
One of the most common issues that occur during the winter months is battery failure. Cold temperatures can reduce the battery’s ability to hold a charge, making it more difficult to start the engine. When the engine is struggling to start, it puts extra strain on the battery, leading to a rapid drain on the battery’s power. In severe cases, the battery can become completely depleted and need to be replaced.
Imagine what this can mean for EVs. As an auto shipping company, battery damage is one of the most common reasons why customers ask us to help them get out.
To avoid battery damage, make sure to keep your battery clean and free of corrosion. You should also keep your battery fully charged and replace it if it is more than three years old. Additionally, consider installing a battery blanket to keep it warm during cold weather.
Tire Damage
Cold temperatures can cause tires to lose air pressure, leading to poor handling and reduced fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires can cause problems with steering, braking, and overall stability. In extreme cases, the tires can become damaged and need to be replaced.
To avoid tire damage, make sure to check the tire pressure regularly and adjust as needed. You should also consider using winter tires that are specifically designed for cold weather. Winter tires have a softer compound that provides a better grip in snow and ice, improving your car’s overall handling and safety.
Engine Damage
Engine oil thickens in cold weather, making it harder for the engine to turn over. This can cause increased wear and tear on the engine components, leading to potential engine damage. Additionally, cold weather can cause condensation to form in the engine, which can mix with the oil and cause sludge buildup.
To avoid engine damage, make sure to use a lightweight oil specifically formulated for cold weather. This type of oil will ensure that the engine starts easily and will protect the engine components from excessive wear and tear. You should also make sure to keep the engine warm by using a block heater or by storing your car in a warm garage.
Engine damage is probably the second most quoted reason by customers who want their car shipped from one location to another. In case, it’s too late for you to adopt any preventative measures, and need your beloved car to be shipped back home to an authorized mechanic, contact an auto shipping company like Quickship to help you get out of the mess.
Brakes Damage
Moisture can freeze the brake rotors and cause reduced braking performance. In extreme cases, the brakes can become completely frozen, making it impossible to stop the car. Additionally, cold weather can cause the brake fluid to become thicker, reducing its ability to transfer pressure from the brake pedal to the brakes.
To avoid brake damage, make sure to keep the brakes in good condition and that there is enough brake fluid in the system. You should also consider using anti-freeze brake fluid, which has a lower freezing point and will not become thicker in cold weather. Additionally, be sure to regularly check the brakes for wear and replace them if necessary.
Exterior Damage
Cold temperatures can cause paint to crack, plastic parts to become brittle, and seals to shrink, leading to leaks. Additionally, snow and ice can cause damage to the exterior of the car, including dents, scratches, and paint damage.
To avoid exterior damage, make sure to keep your car clean by regularly washing it to remove salt and grime, which can corrode the metal and damage the paint. You should also consider investing in a car cover to protect it from the elements and to keep it warm during cold weather. Additionally, be sure to inspect the exterior of the car regularly for signs of damage and repair any issues as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Cold winters can cause a significant amount of damage to your car if you are not prepared. From battery and tire damage to engine and exterior damage, the harsh winter weather can take a toll on your vehicle.
However, by following the tips outlined in this article, you can help prevent cold weather damage to your car and keep it running smoothly. This includes keeping the battery, tires, and engine warm, using the right oil and brake fluid, and regularly washing and maintaining the exterior.
In case you find your car stuck in another city or state besides yours, and want to get it fixed back in your city, feel free to contact QuickShip for delivering your car back home. QuickShip is an auto shipping company that specializes in all sorts of vehicle transporting services either through an enclosed trailer or an open one.