From dead batteries to poor handling, temperature swings can damage your vehicle, plus create safety hazards.
Here in Colorado, it’s common for temperatures to swing from freezing to 50 degrees over the course of a day. I remember one night it even dropped down to -10, before rising to a balmy 70 the following afternoon. Changes like that can be rough on our bodies — but even much smaller temperature swings can be equally as rough on our cars.
“If you live in a region with quick weather changes, don’t ignore new smells, sounds or anything unusual under the hood,” says Duane “Doc” Watson, a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. “This is a good time to be extra observant. Pop the hood periodically for a visual check and look under the vehicle for any signs of leaks.”
Here are some other issues to watch for with parts and systems, for how temperatures can impact your car — plus what to do to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly, and avoid costly repairs.
Engine Performance
Engine oil is thicker in cold temperatures, which can make your car feel sluggish until it warms up. To prevent damage, idle your engine for a minute or so before driving, so the oil can lubricate its parts, and use the recommended engine oil weight for your vehicle’s model and seasonal conditions. A new set of spark plugs can also help.
Overheating Risks
Rapid hot and cold shifts can damage your cooling system. Components contract in cold temperatures and expand in warm temperatures, weakening older hoses and breaking brittle parts. Sudden warm days also force the radiator, thermostat, coolant and fan to regulate more heat. If these components are compromised, you might notice your car overheating, steaming or loosing coolant.
Battery Health
Batteries are readily impacted by temperature swings, which accelerate chemical breakdown inside the battery. In cold weather, reactions slow down, decreasing power. In hot weather, they speed up, causing corrosion. As your battery ages, it becomes even more susceptible to failing.
“Slow cranking, dim lights or any electrical issues are early warning signs to take seriously,” says Watson. “No one likes dealing with a dead battery, and it’s especially miserable when you’re stuck outside in the cold.”
To help keep your battery in good shape, periodically clean corrosion from the terminals, check that the connections are solid and get the battery tested before the deep cold sets in.
Tire Pressure and Handling
Tire pressure shifts about one PSI for every 10 degrees of outside temperature, which means that on seriously cold days, your tires are probably under-inflated, and on hot days, they may be over-inflated. Either way, your fuel economy, traction and handling can suffer.
To keep your tire pressure in a safe range, check it at least once a month, as well as after major weather changes. If you live in an area where extreme temperature fluctuations are common, a set of all-weather tires will perform better than winter tires when it comes to handling those temperature changes, says Alan Gelfand, owner of German Car Depot.
Fluids and Lubrication
Beyond engine oil, most other fluids in your car also thicken in cold weather. To avoid straining and damaging components, use coolant, transmission, power steering, brake, and windshield-washer fluids rated for winter temperatures in cold weather. “Fast temperature changes will produce small leaks and performance issues, which result in stiff steering during cold mornings and reduced braking power,” says Gelfand.
Windshield Wipers
Since they’re made of rubber, wipers harden in cold weather and soften in hot weather. That creates warping, which reduces their contact on the glass, along with your visibility. If the wipers freeze to the windshield, that can also damage them. When parking in freezing weather, lift them up and away from the windshield for the night.
“If your blades streak, chatter or show signs of cracking, or if it’s been a year since you last replaced them, it’s time for new ones,” says Watson. If you live in a snowy place, invest in a set of winter blades, which will last longer under harsh conditions, plus not be as affected by snow and ice.
Air Filters
Temperature swings can stir up dust, pollen, road salt and other debris, which clogs air filters faster. “Because clogged filters impact engine health and fuel economy, it’s important to stay on top of this routine maintenance,” says Watson. HEPA cabin filters will also help reduce allergens, dust and other particles.
Sensors
Modern vehicle safety systems, like parking assist and lane departure warnings, can become nonfunctional when ice, caked-on dirt or condensation forms on their lenses. Get to know where your sensors are and how to properly wipe them down before starting your vehicle on icy days.
Interior Components and Exterior Finish
Temperature changes can cause cracks in interior materials, including the dashboard and seat upholstery, as well as create stress patterns on exterior paint and clear-coated surfaces. “Paint surfaces will develop fine cracks, and oxidation will speed up when your car experiences direct sunlight after being in snow,” says Gelfand.
To help prevent exterior damage, apply UV-protective wax or ceramic coatings and park in the shade when possible. On the inside, condition the leather seats regularly and use a windshield shade to protect the dash and other front-seat components.
Driving
A rapid drop in temperature can create dangerous black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses, which freeze more quickly than the rest of the road. “Cold tires also have less grip until they warm up, so be mindful when you first start driving in winter conditions,” says Watson.
While driving, as temperatures approach freezing, avoid quick turns, give yourself extra stopping distance and accelerate and brake more gradually. “The safety features of ABS and stability control systems provide assistance, but they cannot defeat the fundamental laws of physics,” says Gelfand.
How to Mitigate Any Issues the Changing Temp May Cause
To reduce the temperature’s impact on your car:
- Stay proactive with vehicle maintenance, especially as temperatures fall.
- Switch to winter-rated oil, coolant, washer and other fluids.
- Test your battery before it gets too cold to ensure it has enough power for winter starts.
- Monitor tire pressure closely, especially when temperatures drop suddenly.
- Give your car a brief warm-up in cold weather to allow oil to circulate. However, “Idling for a long time isn’t necessary with most modern cars and will only waste fuel,” says Watson.
“And most importantly, don’t ignore new sights, sounds or smells,” says Watson. “Addressing issues early can prevent much larger, more expensive problems down the road.”
About the Experts
- Duane “Doc” Watson is a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. He has more than 45 years of experience in automotive repair, has trained thousands of technicians and earned many industry awards.
- Alan Gelfand has been the owner of German Car Depot for more than 30 years. His business is an independent automotive service center in Hollywood, Florida, specializing in the service and repair of German vehicles.
