As winter strikes, people who live and drive in cold areas should be aware of the potential impact that freezing temperatures can have on their vehicles. One part of your car that can be significantly affected by cold weather is the engine. Explore ways cold weather can damage your engine and review some helpful tips to prevent such damage.
Thickening of Engine Oil
Cold temperatures can cause engine oil to become thicker and more viscous, which makes it more difficult for the oil to circulate throughout the engine. This can lead to inadequate lubrication of engine components, resulting in increased wear and tear and even engine failure in extreme cases.
Prevention Tip: Using an engine oil with proper viscosity for your vehicle and the climate conditions can help reduce this risk. Choosing a synthetic oil can provide additional cold weather protection, as they generally perform better in extreme temperatures.
Those who drive vehicles with diesel engines may need to utilize anti-gel additives to prevent the thickening of fuel and oil in their engines. There are also several tips for starting up diesel engines in the cold that may differ from ways of starting traditional gasoline engines.
Weakening of Battery Performance
Cold weather can significantly reduce your car’s battery performance, and a weaker battery won’t provide enough power to crank the engine. A weak battery can result in a slow or failed engine start, causing additional strain on the engine components.
Prevention Tip: Regularly check your battery for corrosion and ensure that the connections are tight. Buying a battery with a higher cold-cranking amp (CCA) rating can help improve performance during cold weather starts. Also, consider using a battery tender or charger if you don’t regularly use your car during the winter months.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Another way that cold weather can damage your engine is by impacting engine performance through the thickening of fuel, making it more difficult to vaporize. This can result in poor combustion and lead to reduced fuel efficiency and possible engine damage over time. You may also experience problems such as condensation in the fuel tank that may cause water to mix with the fuel, which can damage the engine if it freezes.
Prevention Tip: Keeping the fuel tank at least half full and using fuel additives designed for cold weather can help reduce fuel-related issues. Regularly changing your air and fuel filters also ensures optimal fuel combustion, especially during winter months.
Straining on Belts and Hoses
The freezing temperatures in winter can lead to increased pressure on the belts and hoses within the engine compartment. The materials may become more brittle and susceptible to cracking or breaking, leading to leaks and potential engine damage.
Prevention Tip: Inspect your engine belts and hoses for signs of wear and replace them as necessary. It’s often a good idea to do this before the onset of winter to ensure all components are in top condition.
Submitted by: (Kelly Schoessling)
DISCLAIMER
- The Mount Vernon Grapevine does not endorse, nor guarantee the accuracy of any articles submitted by third parties, or the sites to which these articles may link.
- While every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of these articles, The Mount Vernon Grapevine is not responsible for such accuracy, which falls within the domain of the originating third party.