5 Quick Fixes for Common Winter Car Issues
Winter is a beautiful season with all the snowy landscapes, cozy sweaters, and holiday cheer, but it can also be a challenging time for your car. Cold weather can make your vehicle act up in surprising ways, like draining the battery, more prone to flat tires, and frozen fluids. But don’t worry—these problems are pretty normal, and you can get through them with some simple tips and tricks for winter car care maintenance.
At Lisbon Auto Repair Center, we’re here to help you with these issues, so you can stay safe on the road and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Let’s dive into the top five common winter car issues and the quick fixes that can help!
5 Tips for Winter Car Maintenance
1. Battery Trouble
Winter weather can make it hard for your car’s battery to work efficiently. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions in the battery, which is why you might find your car struggling to start on a frosty morning. If this keeps happening, try some simple tips for battery protection in cold weather:
Keep Your Car in a Garage: If possible, keep your car in a garage or sheltered area to keep it out of the cold.
Turn Off Electronics: Before you start the car, make sure to turn off any electronics (like the radio, heater, and lights) so your battery can focus on starting the engine.
Battery Check-Up: We can check your battery’s health at Lisbon Auto Repair Center and replace it if necessary. Most car batteries last about 3-5 years, so if yours is on the older side, it might be time for a new one.
Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to have a set of jumper cables in your car. If your battery does die, these cables give it the boost it needs to start again.
2. Defroster and Heater Not Working
There’s nothing worse than hopping into your car and finding that your heater isn’t working, especially when it’s freezing outside! Your defroster and heater rely on your car’s cooling system, so if there’s a problem there, you might feel the chill inside, too. Check these issues to see why your heater may not be working:
Check the Coolant Level: Your car’s heater uses a type of fluid called coolant. Make sure it’s at the right level by checking the reservoir under the hood (it’s usually a clear tank with “MIN” and “MAX” lines). If it’s low, add more coolant.
Use a De-Icer Spray: You can buy a de-icer spray to melt the ice on your windshield in a pinch to get around a malfunctioning defroster in an urgent situation.
Bring It to the Shop: If the heater or defroster still isn’t working, bring it to us at Lisbon Auto Repair Center. We can inspect it to see if there’s a bigger issue, like a blocked heater core or a leak in the cooling system.
3. Frozen Door Locks and Windows
Ever tried to open your car door, but it’s frozen shut? Or maybe the lock won’t budge? Frozen locks and windows are common in winter and can be a real hassle for drivers who are trying to get back on the road.
Use Hand Sanitizer on the Lock: The alcohol in hand sanitizer can melt ice in a pinch. Just put a little on your key and insert it gently into the lock.
Try a Plastic Card: If the door is frozen shut, use a plastic card to gently wedge it open, although do so with caution.
Preventative Spray: A silicone spray can keep locks and doors from freezing. Just spray it in the locks and along the rubber seal on your doors.
Pro Tip: Avoid using hot water to unfreeze locks or windows; it might cause the glass to crack or make the door freeze up even more. Always use approved preventative sprays and ways to gently warm your car to avoid any accidents.
4. Low Tire Pressure
Cold air causes the pressure in your tires to drop, which can make it harder to steer and can wear out your tires faster. Plus, low tire pressure can make your car use more gas! Even in winter, your tires need to maintain the same recommended PSI.
Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly: Many cars today have a tire pressure monitoring system that will light up on your dashboard if your pressure is low. If you see that light, stop by a gas station with an air pump.
Use Winter Tires: If you live in an area with lots of snow, consider winter tires. They’re made
from a special rubber that stays flexible in cold weather and grips icy roads better than regular tires.
Pro Tip: Keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box. This way, you can easily check your tire pressure at home whenever you need to! We advise doing so before big trips or at least once a week if you’re prone to losing air quickly.
5. Windshield Wipers and Fluid Issues
In winter, your windshield wipers have to work extra hard. Freezing rain, snow, and ice can quickly wear out the blades or make them less effective. Bad windshield wipers can cause serious issues and make you more prone to accidents.
Check Your Wipers and Replace if Needed: Old or damaged wiper blades can’t clear your windshield properly. Consider getting winter wiper blades that are stronger and more durable in the cold.
Use Winter Windshield Washer Fluid: Regular washer fluid can freeze in the tank or lines. Winter washer fluid is designed to stay liquid in low temperatures.
Lift Your Wipers When Parked: This simple trick prevents them from freezing to the windshield. Just lift the blades away from the glass before a snowstorm or icy night.
Pro Tip: Keep a small ice scraper in your car to help clear ice from your windshield if it gets frosty overnight.
Remember, Car Care is Only a Call Away This Winter
Winter can be tough on your car, but with these quick fixes, you can handle the most common issues with confidence. If you’re ever unsure, Lisbon Auto Repair Center is here to help. We want you to feel safe and prepared, no matter what winter brings. A little bit of maintenance now can save you from big repairs down the road!
Remember, we’re just a phone call away if you need help! Here at Lisbon Auto Repair Center, we’re proud to be your trusted, friendly auto repair shop. We hope you feel ready and confident to tackle winter’s chill with these easy fixes. Stay warm, and safe travels!
FAQ
How often should I check my tire pressure in winter?
It’s a good idea to check your tire pressure once a month during winter. Cold weather can cause the pressure to drop, so frequent checks will help keep your tires in top shape!
What should I do if my car still won’t start after trying to jump it?
If your car doesn’t start after a jump, the battery might be too weak or there may be a different issue. Bring it to Lisbon Auto Repair Center, and we’ll take a closer look.
How can I keep my battery from dying in cold weather?
Parking your car in a garage or sheltered area can help. Also, try to drive your car regularly—long trips are better than short ones. The battery charges best when the car is moving.
Why does my car heater take so long to warm up in the winter?
Car heaters take longer to warm up because the engine itself has to heat up first. The colder it is outside, the longer it can take. However, if it’s taking a very long time or not warming up at all, there might be an issue with your coolant or heater system.
Should I keep my gas tank full in winter?
Yes! Keeping your gas tank at least half full can help prevent the gas line from freezing and keep you from getting stranded.
