Top Causes For Car Failure In Winter
As Winter wraps its icy fingers around the landscape, many drivers face a harsh reality: vehicle failure. The cold snap can turn your reliable ride into an unreliable headache. From unexpected breakdowns to frustrating trips to the repair centre, knowing what to watch out for could save you time and money.
Let’s explore the top causes for car trouble during Winter months and how to avoid them. Whether you're commuting or heading out on a road trip, understanding these issues will help ensure a smooth ride all season long. Let's drive in!
Most Common Vehicle Recovery Reasons
When winter arrives, vehicle recovery requests surge. Drivers often find themselves stranded due to a variety of issues that arise in the cold, these are the top reasons for customers calling Move It Recovery for assistance:
Battery failure: Cold temperatures can reduce battery capacity, leaving many unable to start their vehicles.
Flat tyres: Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions that lead to punctures or blowouts.
Mechanical failures: Components like belts and hoses stiffen in low temperatures, making them more susceptible to breaking down unexpectedly.
Fuel system problems: Water from condensation can freeze in fuel lines, resulting in starting difficulties or engine stalling.
Electrical faults: Connections can become corroded or damaged by harsh weather conditions.
Starter Motor and Alternator Issues: The increased strain of starting a cold engine with thick oil can reveal any preexisting flaws in the starter motor. In addition, a weakening alternator may struggle to effectively charge the battery during winter, when electric necessities such as heaters, lights, and wipers are in high demand. As a result, the battery can become drained regardless of being new.
Battery Failures
Cold weather can wreak havoc on car batteries. During winter months, the battery's capacity diminishes significantly as temperatures drop. This is particularly true for older batteries nearing the end of their lifespan.
When you start your vehicle in frigid conditions, the engine requires more power to turn over. Regular checks are essential. Inspecting terminals and ensuring connections are clean can prevent many issues. It’s wise to test your battery before winter hits to ensure it has enough strength for those chilly mornings.
If you're uncertain about its condition, consider visiting a repair centre for an evaluation. Taking these precautions can save time and stress when temperatures plummet outside.
Mechanical failures
Oil thickens in cold weather, making it harder for engines to run smoothly. This can lead to increased wear and tear on essential parts like pistons and bearings.
Additionally, belts and hoses can become brittle and cracked due to extreme temperatures. A broken belt can leave you stranded and in need of immediate vehicle recovery services.
Potholes filled with snow or ice are more likely to cause damage, like flat tyres and damaged suspension systems.
It is important to properly maintain and regularly service your vehicle in order for it to run smoothly. Additionally, remaining alert while driving is crucial for avoiding road hazards.
Fluid and fuel system problems
Cold weather thickens oils and fluids, making it harder for them to circulate properly. This sluggishness can lead to engine strain.
Fuel lines are particularly vulnerable during winter. If water gets into the fuel tank, it can freeze and cause blockages. A frozen line means no fuel reaching the engine, resulting in a frustrating standstill.
Antifreeze is another critical component that needs attention. Insufficient levels or degraded quality could spell disaster on a chilly morning when you need your car most. Without proper protection from freezing temperatures, various components may suffer damage.
Regular checks at your repair centre ensure everything runs smoothly through the cold snap. Addressing these issues early on helps avoid costly vehicle recovery scenarios down the road.
Electrical faults
Cold weather can cause battery terminals to corrode, reducing the flow of electricity. Additionally, wiring insulation may crack due to low temperatures, leading to short circuits or complete failures.
Modern vehicles rely heavily on electronic systems for everything from starting the engine to operating the lights and infotainment systems. When these systems fail during a cold snap, it often requires immediate attention from a repair centre.
If your vehicle starts showing signs of electrical trouble — such as flickering lights or difficulty starting — it's wise to address these issues promptly.
Starter Motor and Alternator Issues
Issues in cold weather with starter motors and alternators can be a combination of both mechanical and electrical failure. Tell-tale signs of a failing starter motor and alternator could be slow or weak engine cranking, clicking sounds when trying to start your car, dimming headlights or other flickering lights, slow or unresponsive power windows, a burning smell from the alternator, engine stalling or engine noises that increase when using electronics.
Prevention and Maintenance
Whilst we’re ready to assist you if you need vehicle recovery services, prevention is always better than cure! To avoid any potential issues during the winter season, give your vehicle a little TLC and check these key components.
Battery Check: Prior to winter, it is advisable to have your battery tested, especially if it exceeds three years in age.
Proper Fluids: Ensure all fluids are at their appropriate levels and suitable for winter conditions (such as the correct concentration of antifreeze, low viscosity oil, and winter-grade washer fluid).
Regular Checks: It is suggested to monitor tyre pressure on a weekly basis, keep your fluids topped up, ensure all lights are functioning properly - and you know where your fog light button is!
Park Smart: Whenever feasible, park your vehicle in a garage to shield it from severe freezing temperatures.
Gentle Operation: Do not exert pressure on frozen components like wipers, door handles, locks and avoid opening electric windows; instead, apply de-icer and wait for your car to warm up.
Winter Servicing: A Winter Service will assess essential elements such as the battery, brakes, and fluids, which are subjected to increased strain due to low temperatures. Additionally, systems like heaters and defrosters will be fully evaluated to ensure they are running optimally. Plus, it serves as a preventative measure to avoid expensive repairs by.
Understanding the common causes of vehicle failure in winter is key for every driver and being proactive about maintenance will identify any potential problems before they escalate - and ensure a safe journey ahead.
Of course, if you find yourself in a situation where you need vehicle recovery, we are happy to assist. Call us on 07870 861297 or ask us for a free quote to transport your car to a repair station here.