When the temperature drops, your car’s engine feels it, too. Winter weather brings unique challenges that can impact your engine’s performance and longevity. Understanding these effects and preparing your vehicle for the cold can save you time, money, and hassle. Here’s what you need to know about how winter weather affects your car’s engine and how to keep it running smoothly.

1. Cold Temperatures and Oil Thickness

Cold weather can make engine oil thicken, reducing its ability to flow through the engine and lubricate moving parts. This can lead to increased wear and tear, as the engine has to work harder to pump oil. To combat this, be sure that your car is up to date on oil change.

2. Battery Strain

Your car battery works overtime in the winter. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its power output. At the same time, starting a cold engine requires more power, putting additional strain on the battery. Regularly check your battery’s health.

3. Thickened Fluids

It’s not just oil that thickens in the cold—transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant can also become less effective. This can result in slower gear shifts, reduced braking efficiency, and inadequate engine cooling. Regular fluid checks and timely replacements are crucial to prevent winter-related issues.

4. Metal Shrinkage

Engines are made of metal components that expand and contract with temperature changes. In extreme cold, metal can contract more than usual, potentially causing small gaps or misalignments in engine parts. While modern engines are designed to handle temperature variations, letting your car warm up before driving can help prevent unnecessary stress.

5. Risk of Frozen Fuel Lines

In sub-zero temperatures, moisture in the fuel lines can freeze, blocking fuel flow to the engine. This issue is more common in older vehicles. Keeping your gas tank at least half full reduces the chances of moisture accumulating and freezing.

6. Engine Warm-Up: The Debate

Letting your engine idle for a long time to warm up might seem like a good idea, but it’s not necessary for most cars. Instead, gently driving after 30 seconds of idling warms the engine faster, reduces emissions and helps other components, like the transmission, get up to temperature.

7. Maintenance Matters

Regular maintenance is critical to avoiding winter-related engine issues. Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Oil change: Use winter-appropriate oil.
  • Coolant check: Ensure the correct mixture for freezing temperatures.
  • Battery test: Replace old or weak batteries before they fail.
  • Inspect belts and hoses: Cold can make rubber components brittle.

How LOF Xpress™ Oil Change Can Help

At LOF Xpress™, we understand how tough winter can be on your vehicle. Stop by for a winter-ready oil change, a battery check, or a complete fluid inspection. Our team will make sure your car is prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

Don’t let winter weather take a toll on your engine. A little preparation now can prevent big headaches later. Visit us today and keep your engine running smoothly all winter long!