Expert: Steven Kelly
Company: The Shop – Automotive Specialists
Phone: 502-236-2094
Website: https://theshopky.com
Published on January 26th, 2024
Vehicle maintenance in cold temperatures is an often overlooked item when preparing for winter weather. The following are a few key pieces to know when you see the thermometer start to plummet that will save you big bucks in repair!
Know the health of your engine coolant! As your antifreeze starts to age the temperature at which it freezes will raise. If that occurs, on extremely cold nights your coolant can freeze, resulting in extreme damage and costly repairs! Proper flushing of the system will keep your coolant fresh and prevent this.
Check your tire pressure! As the weather starts to become blustery, you will notice that your tire pressure starts to drop. You will see around a one psi drop per every 10 degrees as the weather cools. This will result in lower fuel mileage, compromised traction and potential flat tires!
Get your battery checked! The vast majority of battery wear occurs in the hot summer months, but the consequences are not usually seen until the first cold snap of the fall or winter. As the frigid winds of the north move in, battery capacity starts to drop. A worn battery that has enough juice to start a car on a warm day may not have enough to power a radio in freezing temperatures, much less start a vehicle!
Be prepared! In the event of a breakdown or being stuck in a vehicle for a long amount of time in arctic weather you need to have some preparation. Keeping a travel bag in the trunk with a blanket, snacks, potable water, and emergency illumination is a must. Having a small jump box that can also charge devices for emergency contact is an added bonus!
