WEATHER CHANGE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS

Weather plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s maintenance and overall performance — sometimes as a friend, other times as a formidable foe. As temperatures dip in winter, the cold can seriously reduce your car battery’s capacity, turning those early morning starts into a struggle. The cold air thickens your engine oil and transmission fluid, making it harder for your vehicle to turn over and function smoothly.

On the flip side, the blazing heat of summer presents its own challenges. High temperatures put added stress on your engine, increasing the risk of overheating and breakdowns. Engine oil can degrade faster in the heat, leading to sludge buildup that clogs vital passages and hurts performance.

 

Winter Woes and Summer Strains

• Cold Weather Effects:

  • Reduced battery power makes starting your car more difficult.

  • Engines work harder to keep warm, lowering fuel efficiency.

  • Braking systems can be less effective due to moisture and road salt causing corrosion and rust — especially common in snowy or coastal areas.

  • Snow and ice create slick roads and can damage windshields or windows.

• Hot Weather Challenges:

  • Engine overheating risk increases.

  • Oil breaks down quicker, forming harmful deposits.

  • Wiper blades deteriorate faster from sun and rain exposure, leading to poor visibility.

  • Cabin air filters get clogged, reducing your HVAC system’s efficiency.

 

Seasonal Car Care Tips

• Maintain coolant levels to keep your engine from overheating or freezing.

• Use sunshades to protect your car’s interior from heat damage.

• Wax your vehicle regularly to shield the paint and body from UV rays and corrosion.

• Replace worn brake pads and rotors to ensure safe stopping power.

• Keep your HVAC system in check, including timely cabin air filter changes.

• Use winter tires in snowy regions and all-terrain tires in desert or off-road conditions.

 

Tire and Wiper Care in Any Weather

Tire pressure drops in cold weather, affecting handling and fuel economy, while hot weather can degrade your wiper blades, leaving you with streaky visibility when you need clear sight the most.

Windshield Wiper Issues?

• If your wipers smear, try cleaning your windshield or replacing the blades.

• If they don’t move, check manually: if stuck, it may be electrical; if free, it may be mechanical — either way, bring it in for service!

 

Extra Weather-Related Concerns

• Fuel Line Freezing: In winter, moisture can freeze in your fuel line, causing starting problems.

• AC System Strain: Hot summers can overwork your air conditioning, so regular inspections are vital.

• Cabin Air Filter: A clogged filter affects heating, defrosting, and cooling — don’t overlook it!

 

Protect Your Engine Year-Round

Regular oil changes using the correct oil type are essential to help your engine withstand temperature extremes and keep everything running smoothly. Being aware of how weather affects your vehicle helps you take smart, proactive steps to avoid breakdowns and costly repairs.