The harsh weather of winter can take its toll on your vehicle. Without careful preparation ahead of the season, you’ll inevitably need auto repairs, which can be costly. Freezing temperatures and road salt will cause a few of the common, but preventable, issues below.

What Are the Usual Winter Auto Problems?

1. Low Tire Pressure

Air molecules expand when heated and contract when temperatures drop. As such, you can expect your car tires to lose air pressure from cold winter temperatures. Under-inflated tires wear out faster and more unevenly, which makes it challenging to maneuver your car, especially on slippery, ice-covered winter roads. Before heading out, check the tire pressure and inflate them according to recommended levels. Don’t forget to fill the spare, too.

2. Dead Battery

It’s not uncommon for a car’s battery to die in winter. However, it’s not cold weather that kills the battery—it’s the corrosion on the terminals and cables due to hot weather. By winter, it already has a reduced starting capacity. Test your battery for a charge at an auto repair center, or replace it ahead of winter.

3. Corrosion

Road salt clings on your car, and if you leave it for long periods, it can corrode metal components like the undercarriage, wheel wells, and brakes. Rather than risk it, regularly wash your vehicle to remove salt buildup. Don’t skip the underside of the car.

4. Frozen Fuel Line

The possibility of condensation in your fuel tank runs high when it’s less than half full. At low temperatures, excess moisture can freeze the fuel lines, hindering combustion in your engine. To avoid this and a trip to an auto repair shop, keep the tank filled.

Moreover, watch out for leaks in the brakes, steering, and transmission systems. These can serve as entry points for water, which will solidify into ice and block the lines. As a solution, warm up your car before heading out.

5. Thickening Fluids

When temperatures fall, the fluids in your vehicle turn more viscous, making it harder for them to move throughout the system. It results in a more challenging driving experience for you, too, because of the delay in response. Consider flushing out the old fluids and switching to a winter formula, as well as running the engine for about 15 minutes before driving.

When you encounter any of the above problems, receive top-notch auto repairs at Gearheads Auto Service in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. Since 2007, their ASE® and RepairPal®-certified auto mechanics have provided an extensive range of services, including oil changes, alignment, transmission service, and engine repair, to motorists across Northeast Ohio. Call (330) 929-0200 to set an appointment or visit them online for more information about their services.