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The lingering Effects of Cold Weather and Snow on Cars

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Winter weather can take a toll on your car if you allow it to. From freezing temperatures to road salt, the challenges of cold weather and snow can leave lingering effects long after the season ends. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent long-term damage and ensure your car remains safe and reliable. Below, we explore some of the most common effects of winter weather on vehicles and what you can do to mitigate them.

Battery Drain and Failure

Cold weather is especially harsh on car batteries. Freezing temperatures reduce the battery’s ability to hold a charge, making it work harder to provide the energy needed to start your car. This strain is particularly noticeable in older batteries, which may struggle to recover even after winter has passed. If your vehicle experienced sluggish starts or required frequent jumps during the colder months, it’s a sign that the battery may need attention.

What You Can Do: Test your battery to ensure it performs optimally. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan or showing signs of weakness, consider replacing it to avoid getting stranded.

Tire Wear and Pressure Issues

Cold temperatures during winter cause tire pressure to drop, which can lead to underinflation. Underinflated tires wear out faster along the edges of the tread, reducing their lifespan and traction. Driving on icy or salted roads adds extra strain, potentially causing small cracks or accelerated wear. After winter, uneven tread wear may compromise your tires’ ability to grip the road effectively.

What You Can Do: Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Inspect your tires for uneven wear or cracks, and consider rotating or replacing them as needed to ensure safe driving.

Corrosion from Road Salt

Road salt is essential for melting ice and keeping roads safe, but it can wreak havoc on your car. Salt sticks to the undercarriage, suspension components, and wheel wells, leading to rust and corrosion over time. These issues can persist well beyond winter if the salt isn’t thoroughly washed away, potentially damaging critical parts like brake lines and the vehicle’s frame.

What You Can Do: Schedule a thorough undercarriage wash to remove salt and grime. Applying rust protection to vulnerable areas can also help prevent future corrosion.

Worn or Damaged Wiper Blades

Wiper blades endure significant wear during the winter as they work to clear snow, ice, and road spray from your windshield. Ice buildup and freezing temperatures often cause the rubber to crack or tear, leaving streaks and reducing visibility. By the end of the season, your wipers may no longer be effective in maintaining a clear windshield.

What You Can Do: Replace your wiper blades at the end of winter to ensure clear visibility in all weather conditions. Consider investing in heavy-duty blades if you frequently drive in harsh climates.

Oil and Fluid Thickening

Cold weather affects more than just your car’s exterior; it also impacts engine oil and other fluids. Low temperatures cause fluids like oil, transmission fluid, and coolant to thicken, making them less effective in lubricating and protecting your engine components. This added strain can reduce engine efficiency and increase wear on internal parts, especially if fluids weren’t topped off or replaced with winter-appropriate options.

What You Can Do: Check and replace your car’s fluids. Switching to season-appropriate oil, such as synthetic oil designed for cold weather, can improve performance. If you’re unsure, the ASE-certified professionals at McCullough NAPA Auto Care can inspect your fluids and make the necessary adjustments.

Take Care of Your Car After Winter with McCullough NAPA

The effects of cold weather and snow don’t end when the temperatures start to rise. From battery drain to salt corrosion, winter conditions can cause lasting damage if not addressed. Inspecting your car and performing necessary maintenance can save you money on repairs and extend your vehicle’s lifespan.

At McCullough NAPA Auto Care in Sandy Springs, we specialize in post-winter vehicle maintenance. From battery testing and tire inspections to fluid replacements and undercarriage cleaning, our ASE-certified technicians are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!