Cold weather can have a major impact on your car’s performance and drivability. When temperatures drop below freezing, it puts extra strain on your engine, battery, tires, and other critical components. Driving in very cold conditions requires special care and preparation to keep your vehicle running safely and avoid potential damage. Here’s an overview of what happens if you drive your car when it’s too cold outside, and tips to protect your vehicle.
Engine and Lubrication Effects
One of the biggest issues driving in freezing temperatures is the effect on your engine and oil. Here’s what happens:
- Oil thickens in cold weather and becomes more viscous. This makes it harder for the oil to circulate and properly lubricate engine components.
- The battery also loses power more quickly in cold weather. This makes it harder for the engine to turn over and start.
- Cold temperatures cause metal engine parts to contract. This makes components like piston rings less able to seal properly, resulting in blow-by and reduced compression.
- Moisture in the oil can freeze overnight and clog passages in the engine when it’s started cold. This restricts oil flow until the engine fully warms up.
The net result is increased engine wear and strain. Letting your car idle to warm up helps get the oil flowing before driving. Short trips without fully warming the engine should be avoided.
Fuel System Effects
Freezing weather can also impact your car’s fuel system:
- Cold temperatures make gasoline more viscous. This can clog fuel lines, filters, and injectors.
- Condensation in the gas tank can freeze and block fuel lines.
- Ice on the air intake can obstruct airflow into the engine and affect the air-fuel ratio.
Using winter blend gasoline and fuel additives can help prevent cold weather fuel problems. Installing an engine block heater allows you to pre-warm the engine and improves cold starting.
Battery and Electrical Issues
Batteries struggle in cold weather. Here’s what you need to know:
- Chemical reactions in batteries slow down as temperature drops. This reduces cranking power and available voltage.
- A fully charged lead-acid car battery can lose up to 50% of its power at freezing temperatures.
- Lights, heat, wipers and other electrical loads drain the battery faster in cold weather.
Testing and charging your battery before winter helps ensure reliable starting. Drive long enough to recharge the battery after short trips. Using battery warmers or keeping the battery indoors helps maximize cold weather performance.
Tire Problems
Tires suffer in cold temperatures:
- Tire rubber becomes less flexible in cold weather. This reduces grip and traction on snow and ice.
- Underinflated tires are more susceptible to damage from potholes and winter road hazards.
- Colder ambient temperatures result in lower tire pressures. Each 10°F drop causes about a 1 psi pressure loss in your tires.
Checking pressures regularly and keeping tires properly inflated prevents flat spots and blowouts. Rotating to snow tires gives better winter traction and handling.
Steps to Prepare Your Vehicle for Driving in Cold Weather
Getting your car ready before winter hits helps minimize problems driving in freezing temperatures. Here are some tips:
Change Fluids
Use lower viscosity oil for easier cold weather starting. Check coolant antifreeze levels and use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water for maximum cold protection to -34°F. Top off windshield washer fluid with winter formula to prevent freezing. Consider using winter grade transmission and power steering fluid as well.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
Look for cracked or worn belts and brittle, swollen or leaking hoses. Have any suspect components replaced to prevent failure when temperatures plummet.
Service Battery and Charging System
Clean corrosion from battery terminals and inspect cable connections. Test battery charge level and condition. Recharge or replace as needed, especially if your battery is over 3 years old. Check alternator output to confirm it meets specifications.
Check Ignition System
Inspect plug wires, distributor cap and rotor for wear and cracks. Look for oil or carbon buildup indicating leaks. Replace worn components and address any issues to ensure reliable cold starting.
Check Antifreeze Strength
Use a hydrometer to test antifreeze for sufficient cold weather protection. Flush cooling system and replace antifreeze if concentration is low or if coolant is excessively dirty.
Check Tires
Examine tires for adequate tread depth and any damage. Rotate and properly inflate tires to spec. Consider installing winter tires for improved traction.
Address Any Mechanical Issues
Diagnose and repair any drivability, engine, or transmission problems before temperatures get frigid. Colder weather tends to magnify existing issues.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Assemble a cold weather car kit with gloves, hats, warm clothes, blankets, flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material, ice scraper, shovel and warning devices. Add any other supplies you may need in case you get stranded or stuck.
Driving Strategies for Cold Weather
Altering your driving techniques for icy, snowy, or freezing conditions helps keep you safe and avoid trouble:
Go Slow
Reduce your speed and leave plenty of stopping distance. Brake early and gently to avoid skids. Avoid sudden acceleration or turning which can cause loss of traction.
Watch for Black Ice
Roads that appear wet may actually have a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that’s extremely slippery. Drive with caution, especially on bridges, overpasses and shady areas prone to black ice.
Don’t Jam on the Brakes
If you start to skid, carefully ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the car to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes as this will further upset the vehicle’s balance and prolong the skid.
Turn Correctly
Avoid sharp or abrupt turns. When turning, apply gentle throttle and smoothly turn the steering wheel in a consistent motion. This reduces the chances of fishtailing or spin outs on slick roads.
Watch for Wheel Spin
Accelerate slowly and avoid gunning your engine. If your wheels start spinning, let off the gas until traction returns. Trying to power through only makes the spinning worse and can leave you stuck.
Don’t Idle Too Long
While idling briefly helps oil circulate, extended idling just wastes gas. The engine doesn’t warm up much at idle. Drive slowly after idling for 30-60 seconds to warm the engine most efficiently.
Stay Visible
Keep headlights on at all times and clear snow off all lights, signals and windows. Use hazard lights when driving under 20 mph or stopped/disabled on the roadway.
Parking and Storage
When parking or storing your car in severe cold:
- Use coverings to protect exterior paint and trim against snow, ice, and salt corrosion.
- Leave fuel tank at least half full to minimize condensation problems.
- Disconnect the battery and store in a cool, dry place if vehicle will be unused for over a month.
- Jack up the vehicle or place on jack stands to reduce flat spotting if not being driven regularly.
- Inflate tires to maximum pressure rating on sidewall before storage.
Taking steps to protect your parked vehicle helps prevent problems down the road when you go to start and drive it after lengthy downtime.
How Low Temperatures Affect Critical Vehicle Systems
Here’s a quick overview of what happens to key components when the mercury plummets:
Engine
- Oil thickens and doesn’t lubricate as well
- Moving engine parts don’t seal as efficiently
- Piston rings lose compression
- Reduced fuel economy and acceleration
Battery
- Battery loses cranking power
- Voltage drops due to increased electrical load
- Repeated short trips drain battery charge
- Slow or no starting
Brakes
- Brake fluid moisture can freeze, causing poor performance
- Rotors and pads function less efficiently when cold
- Increased stopping distances
Tires
- Treads harden and lose grip
- Air pressure decreases 1 psi for every 10°F drop
- More prone to damage from potholes
- Reduced traction and stability
Being aware of these cold weather effects allows you to take steps to minimize problems driving your car when temperatures nose dive.
How Low Should the Temperature Be Before Driving?
There is no definitive cut-off temperature that makes driving inherently unsafe. But extra care should be taken once the thermometer dips below 40°F. Here are some general guidelines on driving based on outside temperature:
| Temperature | Driving Risk and Preparedness |
|---|---|
| 30°F to 40°F | Exercise added caution, inflate tires and check wipers/fluids |
| 20°F to 30°F | Road conditions may become hazardous, have good winter tires |
| 10°F to 20°F | Travel only when necessary, and with emergency supplies |
| 0°F and Below | Only drive if completely unavoidable |
Have your vehicle winterized before temperatures reach freezing. Adjust driving habits and speed for road conditions. Stay off the roads during extreme cold unless travel is unavoidable.
Can Driving in Cold Weather Damage Your Car?
Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can potentially damage components and lead to breakdowns. Here are some possible consequences of driving when it’s too cold:
Engine Damage
- Inadequate lubrication causes increased friction and wear
- Rubber seals and gaskets can crack or rupture
- Condensation in oil and fuel lines can freeze and clog passages
- Metal parts shrink and lose seal integrity
Electrical System Failures
- Weak battery can’t provide adequate voltage
- Slow cranking strains starter motor
- Cables and connections corroded by road salt
- Freezing rain/snow shorts ignition components
Transmission Wear
- Thickened fluid slows gear changes and increases slippage
- Seals stiffen and leak in extreme cold
- Delayed gear engagement when cold
Brake System Damage
- Moisture frozen in brake lines reduces performance
- Caliper seals and hoses can crack
- Ice prevents parking brake from releasing fully
Avoiding unnecessary cold weather trips minimizes risk. Pay attention for any symptoms indicating cold related damage. Schedule service promptly to diagnose and address issues.
Conclusion
Freezing temperatures transform normal driving conditions into situations requiring extra precautions. An unprepared vehicle is more prone to cold weather breakdowns. And reckless winter driving can easily lead to sliding off the road or collisions. Follow recommended maintenance and preparation steps before winter. Adjust speed and handling techniques to match conditions. Limit driving in severe cold when possible. Remaining alert and giving your car the protection it needs makes for safer travels during harsh winter weather.