Frozen Locks and Windows: Dealing with Winter’s Chill to Your Car

Winter can place a special kind of strain on the modern motor vehicle.

03:07 22 December 2024

Winter can place a special kind of strain on the modern motor vehicle. A whole series of problems is more likely to occur at this time of year – mostly as a result of increased moisture and cold weather. Let’s consider a few of the more common issues, and how they might be addressed.

Dead Battery

The battery in your car relies on chemical reactions, which take place within the device. These chemical reactions are inhibited by cold weather. This can prevent the battery from effectively holding a charge. While the effect of this is relatively minor, it can make a critical difference in batteries that are already losing power because of age.

To prevent this, it’s a good idea to clean your terminals, and to test the charge before winter arrives. If it looks like the battery is about to die, then get it replaced before it has a chance to inconvenience you.

Frozen or Inefficient Fluids

Your car relies on a number of different fluids to operate. These include screenwash, coolant, and engine oil. As the temperature changes, so too does the viscosity of these fluids. To put it simply, an engine oil that’s loose and runny on a hot summer’s day might be gloopier when it’s cold. Screenwash, meanwhile, might actually freeze inside the pipes. 

The best approach here is to shop for products that have been formulated with winter temperatures in mind. Winter-grade oil and screenwash can make a big difference. When changing your fluids, make sure that the caps are free from dirt and grime – this will reduce the risk of the reservoir being contaminated. 

Tyre Issues

During winter, the road surface will be slicker, thanks to freezing rain, snow and frost. This will cause your traction to suffer – particularly if your tyres are not up to the standard. Inflating them properly, and ensuring that the tread depth is well above the legal minimum, can help your tyres to perform better. You can also rotate them to ensure even wear.

If you know that you’re going to be doing a lot of driving at this time of year, it might be a good idea to switch to winter tyres. These are made from a special kind of rubber that’s been formulated to remain pliant, even when the surrounding air is freezing.

At this time of year, your alloy wheels might also be more prone to collecting dirt and grime. Learning to clean them effectively can be worthwhile or getting your car serviced in time for the new year will ensure your car is looking fresh. 

Frozen Doors, Locks, or Windows

When moisture creeps into the seals around locks and windows, it can cause problems. Don’t try to force these things into motion – doing so can often cause damage. Boiling water from a kettle should also be avoided. Instead, silicon-based lubricants, and cans of de-icer, can do the job.

This issue is prevalent in modern electric cars, like Teslas – and in many cases it can be solved with a simple software update.

Road Salt Corrosion

During winter, road surfaces are often treated with a sprinkling of salt. When this salt sprays up at the undercarriage, it can accelerate rust. You can deal with this by applying a coat of sealant to the undercarriage, or by simply cleaning the car frequently using a pressure washer.