How to Prevent Vehicle Damage from Cold Weather
April 24, 2017
Cold temperatures cause the fluids in your vehicle to thicken, which reduces their ability to lubricate. If you've ever seen that Thanksgiving gravy turn into "glop" when you put it the refrigerator, then you get the basic idea. When it's warm, gravy flows; when it's cold... no go!
1. Drive slowly for the first few minutes, so your vehicle has a chance to reach normal operating temps and fluids start flowing & lubricating as they should.
2. We know what you're thinking, but NO! DO NOT let your car idle for long periods of time. We like a toasty passenger compartment, too, but idling runs your engine rich which could damage your catalytic converter (a potentially expensive repair in its own right). It also wastes expensive fuel & gets you nowhere.
3. But even more - Idling can also damage the internal components of your engine. Some transmissions won't circulate the Automatic Transmission Fluid until you place the shifter into "Drive." That means the internal transmission components are spinning & spinning without any lubrication! Not good. Not. Good. {Really not good, got it? NO IDLING!}
Genesis Lee Myles Transmissions & Auto Care
Need Service?
More articles from Spartan Tire Brighton
Avoiding Exhaustion (EGR Valve Replacement)
January 12, 2025
No, ERG isnt the sound a pirate makes. Its a part in your vehicle that recirculates exhaust gas to reduce certain gases and pollutants in the atmosphere. In fact, ERG stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. One gas our vehicles may make when they burn fuel is nitric oxide, which can play a big ro... More
Differential Essential (Differential Fluid Exchange)
January 5, 2025
What's the dif? To an automotive technician, it's the differential, a part of your vehicle that helps direct power from the engine to the wheels. The differential is a gearbox that enables the drive wheels to turn at different speeds (they do that when you turn). Inside the differential is a f... More
Do I Need Brake Service? (Brake Service)
December 29, 2024
Think of how many times you put your foot on your vehicles brake pedal every day. And think of how much you rely on your brakes to slow down and stop your momentum. When it comes to safety systems, your brakes are at the top of the list, and thats why its so important to keep them in top condit... More