How to Keep Your Car Healthy in the Cold

Caledon drivers should be aware that cold weather is brutal on the vital systems in your vehicle. If you didn’t take any measures to prepare your car for winter, read our overview of common issues that can arise, so you know what to keep tabs on. We’ll also explain why your car won’t start in extreme cold and go over how long a car battery can sit unused. If you think your vehicle has any of the issues we cover, please book an appointment at Mercedes-Benz Brampton. We can remedy any of these maintenance issues quickly and affordably before they become major repairs. 

Common Auto Issues that Arise in Winter 

Whether your car won’t start in winter or it’s something else, read on for a breakdown of the most common car problems that arise because of cold. If Orangeville drivers think they’re having any of these issues, get in touch with the mechanics at our garage for swift and effective service. 

• Sub-zero Ignition: If you start your car in subzero temps to let it idle, or you’re going on short trips, condensation will build up in your exhaust. If your muffler freezes, you’ll be unable to start your car.  

• Rotor Corrosion: Rotors that are regularly exposed to wet snow and frozen in sub-zero temps will see increased rust and corrosion. This will cause them to warp, which will cause your car to vibrate and steering to drift. 

• Hardened Wipers: When the rubber on your windshield wipers repeatedly freezes, it becomes hardened. This hardening makes your wipers much less effective. 

• Fuel Condensation: Short trips will cause fuel condensation in your engine to the point where the overall fluid levels in your engine block will rise, driving your oil level up too high. 

Problems Caused By Extended Disuse

We assume most people are driving less this winter during the pandemic. If you’re worried about how long an unused car battery can sit in the cold, or you’ve noticed odd welts on your tire treads, read on. We’ll cover the most common issues that result from leaving your car in the garage for extended periods: 

• Flat Spots: If you’ve been driving less or working more remote days due to avoiding harsh winter roads during quarantine, your vehicle is probably spending more time sitting in the garage. This can cause your tire tread to deform and flatten out in spots, which will create a vibration when you drive. 

• Voltage Drops: The charge in your battery slowly dissipates the longer your car is off. In fact, if you leave your car off for two and a half months, your battery is likely to be completely depleted—you won’t be able to start your car. Letting your battery charge drop this low is likely to cause permanent damage to your battery, in which case, you’ll need a replacement. 

Prepare Your Car for Winter at Mercedes-Benz Brampton

If your car won’t start in the cold, or you still have further questions about how long a car battery can sit unused in the cold, don’t hesitate to give Mercedes-Benz Brampton a call at (888) 845-4365. We’ll make sure Georgetown drivers know what they need, and arrange for them to have their car winter-proofed if necessary. Do you have other questions about car care? Don’t forget to explore our service tips for more informative reads about how many kilometres you can expect your tires to last and more!