The Impact of Cold Weather on Car Batteries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Freezing temperatures cause everything to slow down. This includes the systems operating your car behind the scenes. Your battery is in charge of starting the chemical processes that make your vehicle run. In very cold weather, things slow down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your battery works harder to start, and your engine uses more power from the tired battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your cold car may lead to dead batteries<\/a>, which will lead to the engine crank or starter motor not working. This leads to you being late to work and your kids being late to school! There are some things you can do if you live in a place where freezing temperatures are the norm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as with everything else in the cold, car fluids slow down and become thicker. The oils and lubricants your engine depends on for smooth operations can become like molasses. When you start your car, oil coats all metal surfaces so nothing is grinding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting your car in cold weather takes longer, which is why it causes more engine wear. You\u2019ll notice your car running rougher, as well as reduced fuel mileage in this situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the right oil makes a big difference. Synthetic oil is a good option for those who live in very cold winters. It doesn’t freeze easily and maintains the same thickness. Always check your owner\u2019s manual for specifics around what oil you should choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some other fluids to consider are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are not all of the systems impacted by a winter of low temps. In order to avoid serious damage to your automobile, have a good understanding of how you can best prepare your car or truck and take care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n So, is it better to warm up your vehicle during a cold snap \u2013 or not? Well, it depends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mostly true. Most of today\u2019s cars and trucks do not have carburetors, which is why people in the past liked to give their vehicles a good warmup before driving. Those who love a classic may still have a carburetor car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a very simplified definition, carburetors power the engine through mixing air and fuel into just the right formula to cause combustion. When it\u2019s too cold, the air freezes and condensation may form and cause a moisture problem in fuel lines and on the carburetor itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Modern cars don\u2019t use a carburetor so they don\u2019t need warming up in cold weather. Experts say it\u2019s best to give it 30 seconds after you start it and let it warm up by driving it. For the most part, in a new car, the answer to the question \u201cshould you start your car in extreme cold?\u201d is no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n False. When you (and your car) are facing the cold conditions and low temperature of winter, it is not beneficial to go out and start your car periodically to let it warm up. Most likely, you\u2019ll be causing your battery to work overtime leading to a decreased charge and you\u2019ll be wasting gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because you are going to be asking a lot of your cold battery (unless you kept it warm with a battery blanket), turn off all components that get their power from the battery, such as windshield wipers, headlights, stereo system or radio, HVAC and defroster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you live in an area where winter brings extreme weather, you\u2019ll need to get your auto winterized<\/a>. Wherever you live, it\u2019s best to keep up with regular maintenance year round so your vehicle is always in good condition, but those who subject their rides to colder weather, snow and ice should take some extra precautions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before winter hits, make a stop at the shop for an inspection of and full charge for the battery. Inspect your tires to ensure they are winter ready and use appropriate snow tires when necessary. Swap out your wiper fluid for a specially-formulated winter mix. Change the oil to a winter-proof or synthetic type and replace the oil filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These simple solutions can save you time and money once that blizzard rolls in to town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like it is a fact that carrying the right insurance can protect you financially all year round, taking steps to protect your dependable steel steed in the depths of winter is also necessary. At Freeway Insurance, we can help you with cold weather tips as well as finding the insurance that fits your needs and budget, even if your driving record is less than perfect!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give us a call today at (800) 777-5620<\/a>, check us out for a fast and free insurance quote online<\/a> or stop by one of our convenient locations<\/a> for a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" People often use words like “brutal” and “ruthless” to discuss the harsh winter weather in certain areas. Certain regions experience extreme temperatures that can cause significant harm to both residents and their belongings, including vehicles. In the past, people used to let their old cars warm up for a few minutes on cold winter mornings. 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Effects of Low Temperatures on Car Fluids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/10\/Directive-cold-car2.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nDebunking the Myth: Warming Up the Car Before Driving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
True or False: “Modern Cars Don’t Need to Warm Up”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
True or False: \u201cFrequent Starts in Cold Weather are Beneficial\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Considerations of Starting Your Car in Extreme Cold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Practical Tips for Extreme Cold Weather <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Checking Winter-Readiness Condition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Protect Your Vehicle in Extreme Cold with Freeway Insurance CTA + Office Locator <\/h2>\n\n\n\n