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

The Untold Truth About Blinker Fluid: Why Your Car Desperately Needs It
May 10, 2026
If youve been ignoring your dashboard, your mechanic, and that one guy at the gas station who muttered bro your blinkers sound dry, then buckle up because today we dive into the critical world of blinker fluid maintenance. What Is Blinker Fluid? Blinker fluid is a high-viscosity, luminescent com... More

See the Light (Bulb Replacement)
April 15, 2026
When you notice one of your headlights has gone out, its important for the safe operation of your vehicle to get it changed and working again. Not only is replacing a headlight important for your ability to see in the dark, but its also vital that it be lighting your way and aimed correctly so o... More

Losing Your Cool (AC Condenser Replacement)
April 14, 2026
Its always more comfortable in your vehicle when you can control temperature and humidity in the cabin. Air conditioning, which is standard on most newer vehicles, is a vital part of that comfort, and a key component of that system is the condenser. The condenser converts the refrigerant gas into... More
