Freezing temperatures can harm your vehicle. In order to protect your car, you must know the dangers you are up against during cold weather so you can take the necessary steps to prevent them. Even a Kia in Rio Rancho, one of the best vehicles out there, is prone to the same dangers. Here are six ways severe cold affects your vehicle and how to deal with them.
It kills the battery
Cold weather can cause the electrolyte inside the battery to freeze, which in turn causes the liquid to expand and prevents it from holding a charge. It also amplifies the battery’s internal resistance, reducing its ability to deliver power to the vehicle’s starter motor. To prevent your car’s battery from dying during cold weather, have it tested regularly or when there’s a warning of a snowstorm or low pressure in the news.
An excellent rule of thumb to remember is to replace any car batteries more than three years old. This ensures you’ll get optimum performance from your Kia in Rio Rancho. Furthermore, keeping your vehicle in a garage or covered area during cold weather can keep the battery from freezing.
It freezes the locks
When the temperature drops below freezing, water in the locks can freeze and expand, making it difficult or impossible to turn the key. To prevent frozen locks, keep them lubricated and use a lock de-icer if you find yourself in this situation. Lubricating fluids have a much lower freezing point than water, so they will not freeze as quickly.
It deflates the tires
Cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure as the air in the tires contract. This deflates your tire, which is why you always feel your car dragging during winter. To avoid this, check your tire pressure regularly or before going out. If you’ve inflated it the night before, you’ll have to pump in more air in the morning.
It messes up the engine
Engine oil is pretty aqueous, but below-freezing temperatures cause it to thicken, making it harder for the engine components to move. This could lead to poor fuel economy, reduced power, and a host of other performance-related issues. So, before heading out, check the oil level first and consider switching to a thinner oil, especially during the winter months.
It freezes the exhaust system
The exhaust system is not exempted from the impact of severe cold. If your exhaust system is frozen, you might experience various problems, including muffler damage, leaks, and blockage. Keeping your vehicle dry and warm can help prevent these problems. If you think it’s too late for any DIY repair, let a technician have a look at your exhaust system.
It diminishes the windshield wipers’ effectiveness
Your wiper blades can become brittle and crack when the temperature is below zero degrees. Also, the washer fluid can freeze in the reservoir, consequently debilitating the washer feature. The best solution is a preventive measure. Before the first snowfall, replace your windshield wipers with winter-grade windshield wipers. These are harder, thicker, and more capable of removing ice and hard snow on your windshield.
Anticipating these potential issues gives you a better fighting chance. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and keeping your vehicle warm and dry, can go a long way in preventing these issues. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle, including items such as a blanket, extra warm clothing, and a portable jump starter, in case of unexpected car trouble on the road. Check out Fiesta Kia for more helpful tips.
