If you have ever noticed your engine hesitate when starting up on a chilly morning, you have probably guessed that cold weather isn’t your car’s favorite. What you probably don’t know is why exactly cold weather can affect the performance of your car and how.
As you probably know, your tires are made of rubber. When temperatures get extra cold, the rubber in your tires will stiffen. When your tires become stiff, they cannot mold to the road and get traction. In the coldest climates, most drivers opt for winter tires, which are made of a softer rubber, during the cold months. Another thing to watch is your tire pressure, which will drop sharply along with the temperature.
Cold temperatures are especially tough on your car’s battery. At zero degrees, your battery loses about 60% of its power, while needing about twice as much power to start up your engine. Cold weather combined with the technology present in most new cars is making the lifespan of an engine battery shrink. If your battery is already in the 3-5 year age range, a bit of cold weather could send it over the edge.
Your mileage will probably dip in the winter because fuel consumption will be higher in the colder months. Many factors contribute to the change in fuel efficiency, but a big factor is how much longer it takes your engine to reach the most efficient operating temperature in freezing weather.
Like with most liquids, the thickness of your engine oil will depend on the temperature of its environment. When the thermometer drops, engine oil becomes thicker and more viscous. This can cause your engine oil to move like molasses through your oil pump, negatively affecting performance. As a general rule, synthetic oils perform better in cold weather.
If your vehicle’s performance has been sluggish since the temperature dropped, call or stop by Alignment Center & Alaska Car & Truck in Anchorage, AK today. Our full-service shop is ready to diagnose and treat any cold-weather problems your vehicle may be having.
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