Have you been outside, lately? It’s cold out there! With temperature steadily averaging between 20 and 30°F, it is wise to start thinking about how the cold air can impact your quality of life for the remainder of the season. A commonly overlooked area of concern is driving.

Continue reading to learn the top car problems that can be caused by cold air, plus what you can do to prevent them from happening this winter and next!

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Winter Driving Tip #1

The number one tip for driving safely in the winter is to stay on top of all your routine factory scheduled maintenance for your vehicle. Whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, or van, regular car maintenance is vital for safe driving and dependable vehicular performance.

Car Parts Affected By Cold Temperatures

There are some areas of your car you should pay closer attention to in the winter season because they can be impacted by the cold air and temperature drops. The primary areas include your tires, catalytic converter, and car battery, but there are also many more.

Tires

Did you know that the cold air can cause your tires to deflate? Have you ever noticed that you have to put more air in your tires every winter? Well, that is because tire pressure drops an average of one pound of pressure per 10°F of temperature.

To avoid falling flat on the road unexpectedly or walking out to your car only to find that your tire is too low to drive it, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly, throughout the winter season.

Catalytic Converter

Your catalytic converter is a vital automotive part because it works as your vehicle’s emissions control system. Basically, catalytic converters reduce the toxic and harmful emissions generated by burning fuel in a car. Needless to say, your catalytic converter is important, but when it gets really cold outside, it can take a little longer for it to start working.

For this reason, it is recommended to always let your car run for a few minutes before taking off. This will allow the catalytic converter to warm up and do his job properly while you’re out on the road.

Car Battery

Cold temperatures can cause problems with your car battery because cold air slows the chemical process inside of it, therefore diminishing its ability to maintain a charge. The older the vehicle, the more susceptible to cold air battery issues.

To avoid car battery problems in the winter, be sure to have your vehicle’s battery inspected and serviced as needed before the season begins. To be safe, include a set of jumper cables in your winter roadside emergency kit.

Additional Car Issues Caused By the Cold Air

► Automotive Fluids – Not only can colder temperatures cause your automotive fluids to thicken up, therefore reducing their ability to perform efficiently, but in very cold temperatures, automotive fluids can freeze entirely. This includes fuel lines, windshield wiper fluid, and even motor oil.

► Transmission – The cold air really affects the air to fuel mix ratios, which can affect how quickly your engine responds when you drive. In colder temperatures, the dense cold air can reduce your engine power. This is why it is important to let your car warm up before driving it in the winter.

► LCD Screens – It is very common for LCD screens to become sluggish or s responsive when it’s very cold outside because the liquid crystals are affected by the cold air. There’s not really much you can do to prevent this in the winter; however, it is suggested that using insulating screens can help keep interior cabin warmth overnight.

Have you found yourself stuck on the side of the road or in a parking lot because your car is having mechanical issues due to the cold weather? Just contact Zore’s Towing for 24 hour roadside assistance and towing services in Indianapolis and its surrounding locations. We can help with flat tires, locked keys in the car, overheating engines, fuel tank fill-ups, and much more.

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Before You Tow

There are several things you need to do before you even put the keys in the ignition and drive away. In fact, the safest form of towing involves a focus on preparation. Here is what you need to do before heading out on the road with your rig:

If you are towing a vehicle, place an “On Tow” sign in the rear window to alert other drivers to be cautious. Many towing ropes and poles come with this sign, but you may have to purchase it separately. Do not make your own sign; store-bought signs are made with safety features, like reflective technology.

Always do a full inspection of your towing ropes and poles. Look for damage, defects, abrasives, rips, tears, and frays. These are all signs that your equipment is unsafe to use. Do not use your towing ropes or poles if they show signs of damage like this.

If you are towing another vehicle, be sure to leave the ignition switch in the “ON” position. This will disengage the steering lock, allowing for more controlled towing. This is especially important for vehicles that have power steering and/or power-assisted steering.

After You Hit the Road

Once you are on the road with your cargo in tow, the responsibility to tow safely remains just as strong. The most important duty is to drive with extreme caution and care. However, there is more to it than that. Here are some important reminders for safe towing while out on the open road:

Maintain a minimal speed. If towing another vehicle, try to remain under 20 miles per hour. If you are towing anything else, stay 5 to 10 mph BELOW the mandatory speed limit for optimal safety. If you are driving too fast, you can lose control of your reaction times, and take much longer to come to a stop.

Relating to speed and caution, be sure to signal and plan maneuvers ahead of time. This helps to forewarn other drivers on the road. This includes using your turn signals and hazard lights. Furthermore, try not to brake suddenly, and instead, plan ahead in advance.

Operate the clutch slowly and carefully so to not snap or snag a towing rope. This can cause the towed cargo to jerk forward suddenly, which can cause all sorts of dangerous situations. For the same reasons, do not suddenly change direction or use excessive maneuvers.

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Top Car Problems That Can Be Caused By Cold Air