Anyone in the Chattanooga area knows how cold it can quickly become in the winter. As it can affect your and your family’s health, it can also affect your car. In fact, the coldest month in Chattanooga is coming up soon – January. The average overnight temperature is lower than 30 degrees. You may have heat in your home, but your car has to bear the cold nightly. How is it able to do this? What problems could come along with the freezing temperatures? Read on to learn about common car problems and what you can do to avoid them.
Today, our towing company, Doug Yates Towing & Recovery will share with you common car problems to be aware of this Winter. Whether you are experiencing a flat tire or a dead battery, we know how much of an impact the cold weather can have on your vehicle. We also know how heavily you rely on your car to get you to work or other important locations like school or family for the holidays, so we hope you rely on us the same amount to get you help when needed.
Common Car Problems
Dead Battery
One of the most common car problems is having a dead battery. This could be the first issue you run into this winter, so be sure to know what to do if this occurs. Unfortunately for us in the cold, car batteries are not exactly designed to withstand extremely cold temperatures. For example, at 32 degrees your battery might lose up to 35% of its power; whereas, at 0 degrees it can lose up to 60%. So, if your battery is not brand new with a full charge, it might struggle to start or not start completely in the cold. One thing you could do to prevent this is to park your car in a garage. For those of you with a garage, this could be helpful to keep your car’s battery running.
In cold weather, your car fluids will begin to thicken and in turn, make your car run less effectively. Keeping your car parked in a garage overnight will help keep your car fluids warm to try and prevent panicked moments in the morning of your car not starting. The onset of winter is an ideal time to make sure your vehicle’s maintenance is up-to-date. It’s recommended to have your battery tested every time there you have a routine service (such as an oil change) performed on the vehicle. In the case of your car not starting, be sure to call for help! Our towing company will be ready to serve you through the coldest months of winter.
Corroded Car Parts
Something you may not consider is how in the snowy weather, the road salt may stick to your car. While the salt is beneficial for helping your car not slide on the roads, it may lead to a chemical reaction leaving behind corrosion. Any exposed metal, and even the paint on your car, is more susceptible to corrosion. This happens when the electrons travel quicker within the chemical reaction, due to the salt, speeding up the rusting process on bare steel components. While it may take a while to produce rust, be sure to frequently wash your car to prevent this from occurring.
TIre Pressure
Your tire pressure will likely drop this winter. Why is this a common car problem during colder months of the year? In cold weather, you can lose up to 2 PSI for every one-degree temperature below 32 degrees. It is important to constantly monitor your tire pressures because of the amount of damage a deflated tire could cause. If you are noticing your tire constantly losing air, it may be a good idea to bring your vehicle in for service. You could have a nail in your tire tread or a faulty tire valve that’s causing you to slowly lose tire pressure. Don’t get stranded on the side of the road if you begin to have tire issues. Call our towing company, Doug Yates Towing & Recovery, for fast and reliable roadside service! We will send our roadside service technicians to help you get to your next destination.
Windshield Wipers
It may also be time to buy new windshield wipers. The beginning of winter is a good time to do so, as their rubber blades are prone to crack, chip, or even peel in cold weather especially when used on ice. One common tip in the winter is to flip the wipers up. If you are going to be slammed by a snow or ice storm, prep your car by putting your windshield wipers up. This prevents them from freezing to your window, which can cause microscopic cracks to form. This also can prevent having streaks on your windshield.
Fluids
Most vehicle fluids and other motor oil is designed to withstand the cold, it might struggle in combination with freezing temperatures. This is especially true if you’ve poured in the wrong engine oil or fluids! Always check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re replacing your old oil and fluids properly, as the wrong types can cause permanent damage to your engine and vehicle.
Need A Tow Or Roadside Assistance? Call Us Today!
If you’re in need of a quick, towing service near you, be sure to call us today. Our towing company understands and is prepared for the common car problems this winter might bring for you. It’s important to know what to be aware of and problems you may prevent from happening. Call us today!