Back to all

How to Prevent Vehicle Damage from Cold Weather

April 24, 2017

 
Heads up:  AVOID Cold-Temp Vehicle Damage! 

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!
 
 
Here are a few tips to avoid cold weather issues with your car:

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
914 Fern Ave Reading PA 19607
Just off Lancaster Ave near Dunkin' Donuts

Need Service?

Request a Quote

More articles from Spartan Tire Brighton

TCB your PCV (PCV Valve Replacement)

March 24, 2024

Your gasoline engine goes through some exhausting work. Yes, it's truly exhausting, as in: it produces exhaust! And when your engine starts behaving like it's exhausted, such as running poorly or getting lousy fuel economy, the trouble may be something called a PCV valve. Did you know it's a ser... More

All Lined Up (Alignment Inspection)

March 17, 2024

When you head down a straight road, does your vehicle pull to one side? Do you feel vibration in any of the wheels? If you've noticed any of these things, it's probably time for you to get your wheel alignment checked. When your vehicle left the factory, its wheels were parallel to each other an... More

A Clean Start (Battery Cleaning)

March 10, 2024

You may be fanatical about keeping the outside of your vehicle clean. But what about what's under the hood? Have you ever thought about how dirt and grime may be affecting your engine's components? One of the most important parts under your hood to keep clean is your vehicle's battery. With a d... More