Most Common Fall and Winter Car Problems in Canton CT
You’re undoubtedly well-versed in coping with the fall and winter weather changes in Canton CT. Ultra-warm clothes? Check. Waterproof snow boots? Check. Endless hot cocoa? Triple check!
But is your car going to fare just as well in the cold, wet, and oft-snowy weather? Maybe not. Even after getting your vehicle prepped for the season, car troubles abound, especially as temps drop well below freezing.
Fortunately, you can stay ahead of the game by learning about the most common cold-weather car problems and when to come in for auto repair. Here’s what you need to know.
Dead Battery
As temperatures drop below freezing, your chances of walking out to a dead battery increase considerably. Your car battery loses 35% of its power at just about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. And when temps drop to 0 degrees, the battery is 60% weaker than usual, leaving it struggling to start your car.
You can avoid that problem by getting a battery blanket, parking in the garage, or charging it back up. But if it’s too late, go to your trusted Canton CT auto repair shop for a new battery.
Spark Plug Failure
If your spark plugs are already on their last legs, cold, wet weather can push them over the edge. Fall and winter conditions accelerate corrosion on the electrode, preventing the spark from jumping the gap. The fix is easy, thankfully. Just come into the shop for replacement spark plugs and true peace of mind on all your travels.
Frozen Fuel Lines
While your fuel won’t freeze solid, any moisture trapped inside the lines definitely can. The ice blocks fuel from traveling through the system, resulting in an inability to start and drive your car. You will then have to wait until it naturally thaws before you can drive your car again. Prevention is key, so prevent moisture buildup by keeping your fuel tank half full through the winter.
Low Tire Pressure
As temperatures drop, so will the air pressure in your tires. Cold air condenses, after all, causing tire pressure levels to decrease by about one PSI for every 10-degree difference. If your car has a tire pressure monitoring system, your dash lights might come on to let you know.
Always check the pressure when your lights come on, but you don’t necessarily have to add more air. As you start driving, the air will warm up and bring your tires back up to their ideal PSI levels. Unsure if you’re safe to drive? Contact our Canton CT auto repair shop for assistance.
Icy Door Handles and Locks
Moisture in your door locks and handles often freezes overnight. When that happens, locks won’t disengage no matter how much you press the button. And your door handles are liable to snap right off if you try to open the door anyway.
The best way to handle this is by using a can of de-icer, not hot water. Spray the de-icer around the handles and in the door lock. Then, wait for the formula to work its magic before gently testing the lock and trying to open the door.
Infotainment System Lag
Upon finally getting in your car and starting it up, infotainment system lag can appear, ready to put a damper on your day. Your LCD touchscreen may feel like it’s taking forever to load or may not even respond to your taps.
The only way to get around that problem is by cranking up your heat and getting the cabin to a comfy temperature. If your infotainment system still continues to lag after that, a trip to the auto repair shop for car service Canton CT can get it sorted out.
Experiencing Car Trouble? Come to Our Auto Repair Shop for Service
Is the fall and winter weather in Canton CT taking a serious toll on your car? If so, we’re always happy to help. All you have to do is give us a call at (860) 693-4588 or fill out our online form to get on the schedule.
Our team at Collinsville Auto Repair has what it takes to diagnose and repair all major car problems and get you back on the road fast. We’re a certified NAPA AutoCare Center, so you can trust that we only have ASE-certified techs on the job and use the highest quality parts.
We always love to see you walk through the doors. But when you don’t have time to visit our shop, feel free to ask about our before and after-hours drop-off and pickup service.
