The Damage Winter Weather Causes to Vehicles

When it’s freezing outside, we don’t leave our homes without bundling up in layers of clothes, a heavy jacket, hat and gloves. Unfortunately, your car doesn’t have that luxury in winter! Auto experts say the cold weather affects everything in your vehicle, especially when temperatures dip well below zero. Follow the tips below to ensure your car can tackle winter to keep you and your passengers safe no matter where you need to go.

First, visit KB Tire & Auto for the most reliable safety inspection in mid-Missouri . It is important to take preventative measures to prepare your vehicle for the winter.

One significant hazard with winter driving is that the sun sets earlier in the day, emitting less daylight, especially on your commute home. Therefore, you’ll want to double check your lights to make sure they are in exceptional shape, providing the brightest possible illumination they can. If a bulb is out, make sure you get it fixed before winter starts. If there is ever any snow covering your exterior light, make sure you brush it off before you drive anywhere. If you notice your headlights are foggy, visit us for car repair in Moberly, Mo . Our team can replace your lights and provide any other repairs you may need.

Your vehicle’s battery is especially stressed when temperatures plummet. Cold temperatures reduce it’s cranking power. In fact, at about 0 degrees Fahrenheit, a battery has only about half the cranking power it has at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, a battery that’s weak during the summer could result in a dead battery during the winter. Our advice is to get your battery checked at KB Tire & Auto to avoid catastrophe when temperatures are freezing outside. If you need a new one, we are more than happy to replace it!

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is essential to your car, as it keeps the engine from freezing in cold temperatures. Make sure your car isn’t running low on coolant and that there aren’t any leaks in your vehicle’s engine that could cause coolant to drain out. Do not skip your vehicle inspection in Moberly, Mo before winter hits. At KB Tire & Auto we can fix or replace your engine coolant temperature sensor to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape.

All-wheel drive is great on ice when you’re accelerating, but it doesn’t help as much as winter tires do when you are braking and turning. Winter tires provide safer trips when temperatures are low. They are also a must in mid-Missouri where temperatures regularly drop below 45 degrees. Winter tires can provide improved traction when you are trying to stop and turn on icy roads. Visit KB Tire & Auto  to prepare your tires for winter adequately.

Checking your tire pressure during winter is crucial to your safety. This is because tire pressure can drop along with the air temperature, losing up to one pound per square inch with every 10-degree drop in air temperature. To avoid a major car accident, check your tire pressure weekly to prevent premature tire wear or potential tread separation.

Unfortunately, winter storms can happen anytime – even at the most inconvenient times such as when you are driving your vehicle. First things first, do not panic. Just make sure you accelerate and decelerate slowly. Also, be familiar with your brakes, don’t stop if you can avoid it, and do not power up hills.

Pro Tip: Make sure your gas tank is full. When storms hit and temperature are freezing, your tank can freeze even if it is halfway full. Avoid this by stopping at the nearest gas station to fill up your tank!