United Tire and Service News

Human beings and other living things aren’t the only ones feeling the chill when the mercury drops in the wintertime. Cars, engines, and machinery can be affected, as well, and safe drivers need to understand how so that they can prevent potential issues and take prompt action if anything does happen.

Here’s a closer look at some of the more common winter driving safety concerns to be aware of, as well as a few tips on keeping them from becoming bigger issues.

 

Anytime freezing temperatures meet any kind of moisture, drivers everywhere wind up dealing with windshield wipers that have frozen to their windshields overnight or during their workday.

 

It doesn’t necessarily need to have been snowing or raining out for this to happen, either. Even small amounts of moisture can cause windshield wiper blades to freeze enough that they wind up ripping or tearing when a driver turns their wipers on.

 

Prevent this by making a habit of quickly checking your wipers before getting into your car, as well as keeping them clear of any built-up ice or snow. You may also want to upgrade to winterproof blades until things warm up again.

 

Dead batteries are actually one of the more common reasons drivers wind up stranded or otherwise in need of urgent road service during the winter, so it’s essential to keep an eye on yours. The further below freezing the temperature drops, the more battery power you lose, as a rule.

 

That said, it’s easier to wind up with a dead battery on your hands than you think. That’s why so many lists of must-know winter driving tips will urge drivers to order a battery check as part of a routine winter tune-up each year. Invest in a set of jumper cables to keep on hand in case of emergency, as well.

 

Frozen locks are nearly as common as dead batteries when it comes to reasons drivers need to call for help during the winter. And the sheer dampness of the season means it can happen anytime and with little warning. Solving it can also be a huge time and energy suck.

 

Keep a can of de-icer spray on hand throughout the winter to make short work of the issue if water does get into your locks and freeze. (If you run out, you can also try using hand sanitizer.) Never try to force a lock to turn or open, as you could damage your locking mechanism, key, or both.

 

There’s really never a safe or convenient time to deal with a flat tire, but it can be especially problematic when it comes to winter driving safety. Chilly or inconsistent temperatures can easily add up to sudden tire pressure changes. Once your PSI dips below safe levels, flats are more likely, as are issues with handling and traction.

 

Get into the habit of checking your tire pressure regularly, especially after sudden drastic temperature drops or weather changes. You can also temporarily swap out your usual tires for winterproof ones to be on the safe side.

 

You don’t always hear spark plugs mentioned when it comes to essential winter driving tips, but you really should. Just like your tires, wiper blades, and locks, your car’s engine needs a little more TLC during the winter. And spark plugs should receive extra attention, especially if yours are older.

 

Older spark plugs will naturally be more likely to fail when it’s colder, as they’re much more vulnerable to corrosion. Too much corrosion can easily mean your plugs don’t work. No spark, no engine power! So get into the habit of checking on yours, and always replace spark plugs on time. Never simply wait for them to fail.

 

Especially cold winters or climates can also lead to cars that won’t start at all, no matter what a driver checks or tries. Failed batteries or defunct spark plugs are the most common reasons for this, but it could also be your alternator or starter. (Sluggish engine oil or frozen gas can cause this, as well.)

 

In other words, a cold car can experience a lot of different issues, so it’s never a bad idea to keep your car warm when you can. For example, if you have access to a garage, park there instead of on the street. Or invest in a block heater to prevent any issues. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Being prepared for winter means keeping up with your regular maintenance schedules. All of our locations are independently owned and have been in operation for decades, so you know you're getting top notch service. Call your local United Tire or schedule your next appointment online.