1. Thickening Fluids
When temperatures reach sub-zero levels, car fluids such as antifreeze, oil and transmission fluid will likely thicken or become less viscous. This way, the fluids are more likely to move less freely within your car's systems. To counter this, experts recommend you leave your car engine running for at least 10 minutes to warm up the fluids. You should also consider changing your car fluids before temperatures fall. Maintaining the fluids at recommended levels is advisable.
2. Dead Battery
A dead battery is among the most prevalent of car problems that you are likely to experience in the winter. When temperatures drop below freezing point, your car battery gets overworked. A dead battery can also be caused due to the fact that batteries power a lot of systems in the winter in comparison to other seasons. This includes your car heater and fog headlights. In the long run, the battery's capacity is likely to be diminished. Furthermore, if your car battery is 3 or 4 years old, you should consider purchasing a new one ahead of the cold season. The battery's capacity should be checked to determine whether it can pull through the cold season. This will also help you avoid a host of other car problems associated with dead car batteries.
3. Frozen Fuel Lines
This is a notable car problem that you may encounter in the winter. Your car's fuel lines may freeze during the cold weather because of condensation which tends to form in the gas tank. More so when you run low on fuel. Freezing temperatures may also cause the condensation to freeze preventing the fuel from reaching your car's engine. This may explain why you experience numerous car problems during winter.
4. Wiper Failure
This common car problem is caused by failure to clear windshields before turning on the wipers. Cold weather, typically characterized by rain and hailstorms causes wiper blades to get torn and transmissions to break. When temperatures dip, it also overrides your washer fluid's freezing point. Because the blades are made from rubber, pressure from snow, slush and ice will likely break them. Set your car's fan controls and heater on defrost overnight to prevent wiper failure and other related car problems when temperatures fall below freezing point. This lowers the chances of broken knobs and switches.
5. Tire Pressure
When temperatures drop the tire pressure of your car can fluctuate. Tire pressure also decreases when your car is stationary. You should check the tire pressure indicator on your dashboard regularly every time you start your car. This will help you avoid car problems that are related to low or high tire pressure. Normally, such problems lead to irregular wear and tear - this is what shortens the lifespan of your tire. It can also cause a total tire blowout during your drive.
6. Leakages
When water penetrates cracks on the road during winter, pavements tend to chip away, which paves way for the formation of potholes. This tends to happen during constant freeze-thaw cycles. Damage of this sort can also occur to your car when water freezes with your car's steering, engine transmission, and braking systems. This leads to cracks and leakages that ultimately cause total malfunctioning.
Related Articles:
Stop Your Pipes From Freezing with This Simple Hack
Don't let your pipes freeze this winter! Here's how to go about it.
Expert-Backed Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Every Day
If you or anyone you know suffers from mental health issues, be sure to read through these essential tips.
Fixing a Car Has Never Been Easier Thanks to This Guide
Discover how to diagnose and fix 16 common car problems thanks to the awesome video guides.
5 Ancient Grains You Never Thought to Have for Breakfast
It’s no secret that one of the hardest things about cooking is deciding what to cook. We’re here to suggest 5 warm breakfasts you never thought of.
How Long Can Food Sit in a Hot Car Without Making You Ill?
How long can groceries last in a hot car without making you feel sick?
Learn How to Stay Warm in a Car With No Heat
If you don't have any heating capabilities inside your car, then you could be in for a nasty ride this winter unless you make use of these tips...
Oh Dear! How Did THAT Happen?
35 Awesome photos of people with no parking skills what so ever...
Takeoff to Touchdown: The Science of Flight Explained!
Ever wondered how do planes actually fly? This video explains it all in the simplest way possible.
Nail On the Road? No Problem! Say Goodbye to Flat Tires
Ford Explorer will be the first vehicle fitted with unique tires that seal over punctures
Bugatti Veyron Vs. Euro Fighter Jet Plane: Who Wins?
2 of the fastest air and land vehicles collide to determine the grand champion of speed. Who will emerge victorious?
You Feel like Royalty Inside These 10 Exotic Trains
Hop aboard some of the most luxurious train rides of the world in this video.
Have You Ever Seen Cars as Weird as THESE?
These 25 cars are the strangest you have ever seen.
These Classic Beauties Are Unbelievably Pricey and Rare
Each year, many a beautiful car changes hands, but some are the creme de la creme of the entire world. Here they are for your viewing pleasure, all in one place
7 Monstrously Massive Machines You Won’t Believe Are Real
What is the largest vehicle in the world? Here are some monstrous examples.
Ancient Wheels: 15 of the Oldest Vehicles in Human History
Check out these amazingly cool retro automobiles.
Each of These Rare Cars is More Beautiful Than the Last...
Each of these rare cars is more beautiful than the last.
The Man Who Built a Train in His Basement!
Jason Shron from Rapido Trains Inc. loves VIA trains so much, he built a full-size train in his basement. Not just a copy, but a real train with the real interior and exterior of the original train! Some would call him crazy, some would appreciate hi
The Eighth Wonder: How the Panama Canal Works
The Panama Canal is an engineering wonder, see how it was built and how it works here
17 Bizarre Autos That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head
Explore the world of weird cars that defy the norms of automotive design.
The Car, the Star: 12 Famous Cars From Movies and TV
There were many famous cars in movies and TV over the years, but some stand out above all the others. Here are the 12 most famous ever to grace our screens.
Need for Speed – France's Record-Breaking SUPERFAST Train
We’ve all heard of the Japanese bullet trains, but did you know about the TGV – France’s super fast trains?
Step Inside the Cockpits of These Amazing Planes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get behind the controls of some of the most exciting planes and helicopters ever built? Well wonder no more!
Join Us for a Tour of 8 Giant, Luxurious Cruises
8 vessels that will undoubtedly inspire you to plan a future sailing vacation aboard them - complete with accompanying videos showcasing their delightful features.
Days Of Future Past: 14 Bizarre Cars From Bygone Eras
These wacky retro car concepts are seriously so cool.
These Stunning Cars Were Sold at Unbelievable Prices
These classic cars are beautiful, but you need very deep pockets if you ever fancy getting hold of one of them.
These Fascinating 1950s Cars Should Have Been Released!
Amazing cars that were made in the 50s, but were never released to the general public.
Maintain Your Car's Value Longer With These Top Tips
Cars often decrease in value over the years, but these tips will ensure that your car value will be maintained.
The 10 Worst Jet Airplanes Ever to Fly...
From the farcical, to the catastrophic and downright dangerous, these are the 10 worst jet airplanes ever.
These Cold-War Military Jets Are Amazing Pieces of Work
These airplanes saw action during the extremely tense cold war. Looking at how big and powerful they are, it's a god send things didn't spiral out of control!
Exploring 5 of the Most Famous Pilots in History
The fascinating stories of men and women who dared to explore flight when it was still a young technology.
Yikes! These Cars Are Truly The Worst Ever Made...
Some cars are a really a blot on the world's roads. From hideous styling, to pathetic performance and alarming safety, these 15 are the worst of the worst.
Only One Car Was Ever Named 'The Ghost'. This is Why...
This may look like some modern re-creation, but this plexiglass Pontiac 'ghost car' model was created in 1939...
The Germans Really Knew How to Build Fine Supercars...
The Germans are renowned the world over for their engineering, but sometimes they just go completely mad. Here are 11 of the most incredible German supercars.
The Dubious History of the Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle is a special vehicle and it has a long and very complicated history...
15 of the World's Most Beautiful Historic Race Cars
These race cars weren't only effective on track, they also happen to be absolutely stunning to look at. Here are 15 of the most beautiful race cars ever.
These Wonderful Cars Put Japan On the Automotive Map
Just because Japan took a while to catch up to the European manufacturers, it doesn't mean that they didn't produce some great cars along the way. Take a look.
Do You Know the Most Important Airplanes Ever?
The invention of human flight, and the progress made ever since then has seen many a significant airplane. Here are 14 of the most important in history.
“What Did You Do to Your Car?!” – Bizarre Modifications
These car modifications have gone out of hand!
Bakfiets – The Unique Car-Replacement Bicycle
Today, we would like to share with you a unique vehicle that can make commuting around the city much easier.
The Great Lakes Claimed Many Ships - Here Are 7 Of Them
The Great Lakes used to be America's busiest highways. Unfortunately, it wasn't always smooth sailing. Here are the stories of 7 shipwrecks haunting the lakes.
This is What Happens to Your Car When You Hit Speed Bumps
Ever wonder what happens to your car when you go over speed bumps? This video will show you using a transparent car.
The Fighting Elite: 10 Modern and Dangerous Tanks!
These are the 10 most advanced war machines you can find on the battlefield around the world.
The Exquisite Car Making of Eras Gone By...
Fortunately for all you car aficionados we gathered images of many of the museum's cars so that you can see these incredible masterpieces of mechanical work for yourself.
Feast Your Eyes on 6 of the Best Movie Cars of All Time
There have been many great cars in films, but a select few stand head and shoulders above the rest. Here are 6 of them.
How Would It Feel To Drive The World's First Car? Find Out
Looking at vintage cars is fascinating, isn't it? Here you will get to see what it feels like to drive the replica of the world's first car.
These Ships Make Sure You Travel the Seas in Style
If you're a fan of travel, then you won't want to miss this video on the craziest cruise-ships ever made
Meet the World’s Most Advanced and Lethal Fighter Jets
These fighter jets are masters of the skies.