20 Winter Car Problems and How to Fix Them

As winter becomes cold, numerous problems can greet your car–carbonated, frozen batteries, and icy brakes–the last thing you want when you need your vehicle the most. With this in mind and knowing how common cold-weather problems can best be addressed in advance, rest assured that no matter what nastiness winter unleashes, it will not send your car struggling. This guide will give you 20 practical tips on keeping your vehicle in top shape so you can enjoy worry-free winter driving no matter the weather!

1. Dead Battery

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How quickly your car’s battery can discharge in cold weather. Suppose it is not holding a charge, jump-start or replace it. Jumper cables should be in the car. A battery warmer will prevent this from happening again next winter.

2. Frozen Windshield Wipers

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When the temperature is at its lowest, your wiper blades tend to freeze onto the windscreen, making it difficult to clear snow and ice. Use a deicer or warm water to melt them, then replace the old blade with a winter blade that does not freeze. When snow is in sight, always lift your wipers.

3. Low Tire Pressure

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Cold air causes tire pressure to decrease, which can reduce handling and fuel economy. Always inspect the tire’s pressure and ensure it has reached the specified PSI. While wintering, remember to check the tires for cracks or wear signs.

4. Slow Engine Crank

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Winter weather can make it more difficult for your engine to turn over, especially if it’s older or the oil is too thick. Make sure your battery is good and use a thinner, winter-grade oil. A remote starter can also warm up the engine on icy mornings.

5. Frozen Door Locks

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The moisture inside the lock freezes, making it impossible to open your car door. Use a deicer or lock lubricant to prevent this, and keep a spare key in case you need to get into your car when the locks freeze. Cover the locks with a protective cover when parking in extreme cold.

6. Overheating Engine

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Ironically, an engine might overheat in the winter due to low coolant or a malfunctioning thermostat. Top off the coolant with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water. Also, always check your radiator and hoses for leaks, especially in frigid temperatures.

7. Frozen Fuel Line

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When moisture in the fuel system freezes, your car can sputter or fail to start. To fix this, use a fuel line antifreeze additive and park your car in a warmer place overnight. Also, always keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent condensation.

8. Snow Packed in Wheel Wells

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Snow accumulation in the wheel wells can affect your car’s performance and damage components like brake lines. Use a hose or snow brush to remove snow and ice under your vehicle. Also, regularly inspect for any frozen debris that might impair your driving.  

9. Dirty Air Filter

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Cold weather is likely to clog your air filter more because you are increasing the usage of your car’s defroster. Check your air filter and replace it when necessary, especially if you observe a decrease in performance or efficiency. Ensure the intake system remains clean for adequate airflow.

10. Freezing Brakes

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This means that brake pads will freeze when the weather gets cold. Try winter brake pads designed for such temperatures to maintain a sound brake system. Also, let your brakes warm up for a few minutes before driving in icy conditions.

11. Fogged-Up Windows

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Excess moisture inside your car can cause fogged-up windows, reducing visibility. Use your defroster to clear the fog, and keep a small towel or microfiber cloth handy to wipe away moisture. You can also consider using anti-fog spray or placing a silica gel pack inside to absorb humidity.

12. Sticking Clutch

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For the driver of a manual transmission car, winter poses the risk of the clutch freezing and making shifting gears difficult. Keep your clutch system well-lubricated and inspect it regularly. Use synthetic oil that doesn’t thicken when the temperature is low. You can also warm up your car before you drive to allow time for the clutch to loosen.

13. Damaged Timing Belt

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In freezing weather, a brittle timing belt can snap under the pressure of engine starts. Have your timing belt checked regularly and replaced before it shows signs of wear. Listen for any odd noises from the engine, which could signal timing belt issues.

14. Exhaust System Problems

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Snow and ice accumulate in the exhaust system, blocking it and creating dangerous fumes. To ensure a blocked-free exhaust system, check it regularly to see if it is free-flowing due to ice accumulation. If there are exhaust-related issues, they must be dealt with immediately.

15. Dreadful Alternator

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An old alternator will struggle to recharge the battery when temperatures drop. If your car’s lights flicker or you have trouble starting your engine, test your alternator. If it fails, replace it to avoid getting stranded in freezing conditions.

16. Poor Fuel Efficiency

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Winter driving is somewhat less fuel efficient because of colder temperatures and increased use of defrosters. To save even more fuel, inflate your tires according to the appropriate pressure and reduce idling conditions. Also, start using winter-grade gasoline and get regular maintenance to improve fuel economy.

17. Frozen Power Windows

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If the seals around your power windows freeze, they may not move up or down. Thaw the seals with a deicer to prevent this. Also, avoid forcing the windows to move while frozen. To prevent future problems, use a silicone-based lubricant on the rubber seals.

18. Loss of Traction

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Snow and ice can lower your car’s traction, making it hazardous to drive on. To improve your grip on icy roads, install winter tires. Also, keep a set of tire chains in the trunk, especially when roads are incredibly slippery.

19. Leaking Radiator

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Cold can cause your radiator to crack or leak, especially if it’s already showing wear. Please keep checking the coolant level and topping it off when necessary. If you see a leak, have a mechanic check it before it causes further engine damage.

20. Foggy Headlights

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Condensation inside your car’s headlights can reduce visibility on dark winter roads. To avoid moisture buildup, clean your headlights regularly and ensure they are adequately sealed. If the fogging persists, consider replacing them or using a headlight sealant.

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