With all the wild winter storms and freezing fronts we’ve seen across the U.S. lately, most of us are just happy if our cars actually start in the morning. However, these extreme cold snaps can be a lot tougher on our vehicles than we realize.
Beyond just the struggle of a snowy commute, the winter weather works behind the scenes on your car’s long-term health. The good news is that a few small, simple adjustments can make a huge difference in keeping your car on the road.
One of the biggest headaches during winter is actually "Road Salt Brine." While it’s great for keeping the roads safe, it can be pretty tough on your car's frame. Road salt is more than just a little white dust, it can form a crust that traps moisture against the metal, which is how rust gets a foothold. When you’re heading to the car wash, it’s worth looking for one that includes high pressure water for your undercarriage. Getting that salt blasted out from around your brake lines and frame before it has a chance to settle in will save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Beyond the salt on the outside, the cold also likes to play tricks on what's under the hood, especially your battery. If you pop the hood and notice some of that white, crusty buildup on the terminals, you don’t actually need to go out and buy a fancy cleaning kit. A simple DIY trick is to mix a table spoon of baking soda into a cup of warm water. If you scrub that on with an old toothbrush, it’ll neutralize that corrosion almost immediately.
Finally, keep an eye on your fluids and tires. In extreme cold, motor oil can thicken up, making your engine fight through extra resistance. It’s also worth checking your tire pressure manually. For every 10 degree drop in temperature, your tires naturally lose about a pound of pressure. Keeping your tires topped off is about having enough “grip” to actually stop if you come across a slippery path and/or black ice.
At the end of the day, winter car care doesn’t have to be a massive project. It’s really just about staying ahead of the elements before they have a chance to settle in. A few minutes of prep now does more than just get you through the current freeze, it keeps your car reliable long after the snow melts. Stay cozy and drive safe out there!
Already dealing with winter damage?
Sometimes, the salt and ice win despite our best efforts. If your car has already taken on too much rust or cold weather damage to keep it running safely, we can help. We buy cars in any condition, even the ones that didn't quite survive the winter front.