What Causes Car Breakdowns In Winter?
A vehicle breakdown is not unusual. When you are on the road, things are bound to get out of control once in a while. Although some might not think of it as a big deal, if it happens in winter, it can sure leave every single one of us feeling scared and, well, cold!
Winter car breakdowns are never convenient. A dead battery, a flat tire, or a halted engine on a freezing and stormy night is every driver’s worst nightmare. To avoid this from happening, all drivers must take precautionary measures. Fall is the perfect season to take these measures and address all potential problems with your vehicle before the cold weather arrives.
Below are the top four reasons for a winter car breakdown.
Low Antifreeze Levels
Low coolant or antifreeze levels are the biggest reasons for winter car breakdowns. Without antifreeze, your vehicle’s fluids can freeze and cause problems such as a dead engine, a loud squealing noise when you try to start your car, and steam pouring from under the hood.
To avoid this, make sure you park your car indoors, which can help prevent your radiator from freezing and expanding. Also, make sure to check your car’s coolant levels. The appropriate proportion of coolant to stop your car’s fluid from freezing is a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.
Car Overheating
It might seem odd, but vehicle overheating is a real problem in winter. This is because the motor oil gets thicker in colder temperatures, making it hard for the engine to circulate it properly. The oil’s right viscosity is essential to keep the car running smoothly and prevent it from overheating.
The multi-viscosity or thinner oil adapts better to colder weather. Before winter starts, make sure to check with your mechanic or manufacturer to determine if you should do a winter oil change.
Dead Battery
Cold weather can have adverse effects on car batteries, making it harder for them to produce sufficient charge/energy to start your vehicle.
Before winter arrives, check with your mechanic to see if your battery needs replacement. A good battery should give a high CCA count, which is the amount of current the battery will generate in low temperatures. Moreover, most batteries only last up to five years. If your car battery is dying out and doesn’t have much useful life left, you can invest in a new battery rated for low temperatures.
Under-Inflated Or Bald Tires
Under-inflated or bald tires are an inevitable issue for drivers in the winter. This is because the pressure in the tires drops 2 PSI with every 10 degrees decrease in outdoor temperatures. This can make driving extremely dangerous as your tires won’t grip the road, especially when they are slippery and icy, making your car lose control of itself.
To avoid this from happening, you must ensure that your tires are correctly inflated at all times. You should also make sure your tires’ tread isn’t worn down. If your tread depth is too low, you might need to replace your tires. Check with your mechanic to see if your tires need to be replaced.
About Action Towing
Action Towing is an Edmonton based towing company. At Action Towing, we recover vehicles and provide quick and affordable roadside assistance.
If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow this winter or you need someone to jump-start your dead battery, we are here to help. Visit our website or contact us now to benefit from our 24/7 emergency towing services.
