Common Winter Car Problems

As the temperatures drop, your car has to deal with a whole series of challenges during the winter months. Snow and ice put various parts of your vehicle to the test, which can create problems if you don’t take the necessary precautionary measures. Here at Ike Honda in Marion, we’ve built up extensive experience in helping Illinois drivers make it safely through the winter months. Here are a few of the most common winter problems we’ve seen vehicles suffer from and some tips on how to avoid them:

A Dead Battery

When freezing temperatures hit, batteries have to work harder to start your engine. It takes more power to get everything up and running, and not all batteries can cope. That’s especially true if your battery is nearing the end of its working life and already showing signs of decline. If you try to start your car on a cold winter morning and get no response, one of the most likely reasons for this is that your battery is dead.

Luckily, batteries typically give off warning signs before they fail. One common symptom is if your engine takes much longer than usual to get going when you turn the key or push the start button. Another typical warning is if your headlights dim when your car is idling and brighten up when you’re driving. It’s important to pay attention to these signs so you can get your battery changed in time. We also recommend that you get your battery tested at our service center in the fall to ensure its capable of making it through the winter.

Frozen Windshield Wiper Fluid

If the temperatures drop significantly below freezing, your windshield wiper fluid could be at risk of freezing. This can happen because the blend of water and additives that makes the fluid isn’t strong enough to keep the water from freezing. The simplest solution is to use a winter blend of fluid, which has higher levels of additives in the water to help lower the freezing temperature.

Another wiper-related problem is that your blades can freeze to the windshield. The best ways to combat this issue are to lift your wiper blades overnight so they can’t stick to the windshield and clean your windshield each morning before you turn the wipers on. Try to avoid turning on your wipers with snow or ice on the windshield, since you may end up breaking them or tearing the rubber.

Low Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can drop significantly as temperatures get lower. This is because the air inside your tires becomes more compressed as it cools down. Tires with low pressure make it harder to handle your vehicle, which is the last thing you want when there’s snow or ice on the road. Running your vehicle with low-pressure tires can also cause your tires to wear out faster than normal. Finally, it also reduces your car’s fuel economy.

The easiest way around this problem is to frequently check your tire pressure. You can do this with a pressure gauge, which you’ll find at most hardware stores and some gas stations. If your pressure is low, top it up to the recommended amount in your owner’s manual. You may also want to consider installing winter tires, which are heavier and better designed for handling slippery surfaces.

Thickened Engine Oil

Engine oil can thicken as it gets colder, making it harder for it to circulate the components and lubricate them. If the oil can’t do its job properly, your engine will be subjected to more wear and tear and won’t reach its full potential. Thicker engine oil may even prevent your car from starting if the other components, such as your battery, can’t provide enough power to overcome the extra resistance.

If it’s an especially cold winter, you may want to switch to a thinner oil during your next oil change. Most drivers typically need an oil change every three to six months, so this will provide you with the opportunity to return to your standard oil thickness after the temperatures warm up again in the spring. An alternative is to keep your car protected from the elements so that your engine doesn’t get so cold. For example, you could park your car in a garage or use a block heater to keep chills at bay during the night.

Corroding Components

When snow and ice get on the roads, salt is one of the most effective remedies. However, salt can pose a problem if it gets inside your vehicle, particularly if it makes its way into your engine. If you’re driving on heavily salted roads, there’s a good chance that this will happen. The salt can corrode your engine’s metal components, cause severe damage, and prompt a hefty repair bill. Many drivers get stuck with this problem because they neglect to check their engine and only become aware something is wrong when parts start to fail.

To avoid this issue, you’ll need to wash your car on a more regular basis when you’re driving on salted roads. In this way, you’ll clean the salt from your car’s components and help them remain in good condition.

We’ve provided you with five of the most common winter car problems and their solutions, but many other challenges can come up. Winter road conditions can place extra strain on your brakes since it can prove harder to bring your vehicle to a swift stop. Spark plugs can also fail in cold temperatures, which is another reason why your engine may not start.

One of the best ways to prepare for frigid temperatures is to take your car to our Marion service center for a winter maintenance appointment. One of our Honda-certified technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and carry out maintenance to parts that could cause you problems when it gets cold. You can schedule your appointment online today and contact us with any additional questions about how to winterize your vehicle.

Snow-covered road near Tower Junction by Yellowstone National Park is licensed with Public Domain Mark 1.0