Common Winter Car Problems

Winter weather can wreak havoc on vehicles. Icy or snowy roads greatly enhance the risk of accidents and cold conditions can enhance the risk of vehicle damage. Staying on the lookout for common winter car problems could help mitigate damage and improve road safety. Here are some common winter car problems you should look out for:

Losing Tire Pressure

Losing tire pressure is an issue that most vehicles experience during the winter. Cold temperatures cause PSI or tire pressure to slowly decrease. These small decreases in pressure can add up over a short period time. They’re also incredibly noticeable. Under inflated tires can hinder your vehicle’s performance, cause wheel damage, and decrease vehicle safety. Additionally, a vehicle with low tire pressure will lose tread and be unable to drive on snowy or icy road conditions. This could increase the chance of accidents, putting you and other drivers in danger. To ensure your tire pressure remains at an optimal level during the winter, check the PSI at least once a month and always inflate low pressure tires.

Malfunctioning Spark Plugs

Spark plugs can have difficulty performing in the cold weather. In fact, it’s common for spark plug problems to crop up or worsen during the winter. This is why you should have your spark plugs inspected and/or replaced during your fall maintenance inspection, but if they stop functioning during the winter, take your vehicle in for the best auto repair Edmonton has to offer – Computerized Auto Pro.

Battery Issues

A dying or dead battery is one of the most common and frustrating winter car problems. The cold weather steals battery power or voltage and below freezing temperatures can drain a battery’s power. This causes your battery to die. Dead batteries can cause many undesirable issues. For example, they can make you late for work or important appointments or leave you stuck on the side of road. Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell if your battery will be drained by the cold weather, and batteries that are three years or older experience the greatest risk. Moreover, a dead battery that is more than three years old should be replaced, while a newer battery can simply be recharged. Have questions about your vehicle’s performance during the cold winter months? Contact us today for all your vehicle maintenance and repair needs!