Winter can be a very dangerous time of the year for driving. The cold temperatures and snowfall can make it so that other than driving safely, you also need to care for your car. The winter can be hard on any vehicle so we’re going to take a quick look at three concerns to pay attention to during the winter months.
Salt
Many communities apply salt to the roads to get rid of snow and ice. While it is effective in helping to keep the roads clear, salt can also damage your car’s paint job and undercarriage. You may not realize how much salt is laid down on the road until you see it all over your car. Salt is corrosive to metal so as the snow melts off of your car, the moisture further speeds up the rusting of metal. If you keep your car inside a heated garage, then the combination of salt, moisture, and warmth will accelerate the process of corrosion. Keeping the salt washed off of your car will go a long way to combat the corroding process. Make sure to wash the undercarriage of your car. Left alone, the salt could eat away the metal underneath your car, weakening the structural integrity and shortening the lifespan of your vehicle.
Damaged Roads
When the weather changes, it can affect the roads and cause poor conditions and potholes to form. Potholes can cause several problems to your car, so drive with caution around those areas. Hitting a pothole can knock the steering alignment out of adjustment. You may feel that your car is trying to pull to one side. Potholes can damage tires and bend rims. It is a good idea to pull over and check your tires after hitting a pothole hard. A hard jolt from hitting a pothole can also break ball joints and cause damage to your shocks. If you notice new noises or vibrations after hitting a pothole, have your mechanic check it out.
Your Battery
Cold weather reduces the battery’s capacity and ability to start your car. To keep from getting stuck with a dead battery during the winter, have your battery checked before winter sets in. If possible, park your car overnight in a warm spot. Make sure to turn off all electrical accessories before turning off your car. This will keep the battery from having to support them while trying to start your car. Keep a set of jumper cables in your car. You may want to invest in a battery pack designed to start your car in case of a dead battery.
Winter conditions can be rough on your car. However, all you need to do is be attentive to a few preventive measures. By doing this, you can help your car get through the winter reliably and in great shape.
If winter conditions have taken a toll on your car, schedule an appointment today and let me come to you!