Is your car struggling to start on a cold winter morning? Winter can be extra tough on your car’s systems, especially on its electrical and engine components. However, proactive care before or during winter can save you from all the stress and expenses of potential winter breakdowns. In this guide, we will discuss how winter can affect the different components of your car’s engine and the measures you can take to protect your vehicle.
Battery
Winter can be particularly hard on your battery as the cold tends to slow the generating process, reducing the battery’s capacity and power output. In addition, your engine’s oil is more likely to thicken during the winter months, requiring more battery power to start up. This increased demand and decreased capability result in your battery failing.
Maintenance Tips:
- Battery Tests: Battery testing is the most effective way you can care for your battery. The test measures your battery’s capabilities, ensuring reliable starting and identifying any potential failures early on
- Cleaning: Cleaning your battery before and during the winter months is important to preventing corrosion and dirt. A clean battery performs better and prevents potential issues with the battery terminals.
- Replace: If your battery is having issues, it may need replacing. Contact an auto-electrician to organise a battery repair or battery replacement.
Unsure if your battery needs repairing? Learn the 4 Signs Your Car Battery Needs an Auto Electrician.
Alternator
Your vehicle’s electrical demands are most likely to increase during winter due to more often usage of the heater, defroster, windshield wipers and headlights. This puts extra strain on your vehicle’s alternators and can result in electrical problems if it is constantly working overtime.
Maintenance Tips:
- Checking the Belt: Cold temperatures make rubber more brittle, increasing the risk of breakage. Checking your car’s alternator belt can help detect any cracks or signs of wear early on, and have it replaced before it fails. The best way to get an alternator belt checked is through a qualified Auto Electrician, who will know what damage to look out for.
- Avoiding Overload: Being mindful of battery power usage can extend your alternator’s lifespan. This includes turning off the car’s electronics when idle or keeping the use of accessories like heated seats and music systems to a minimum
Check out our other blog for more Tips to Prevent Alternator Problems in Winter.
Air Conditioning
Your air conditioning plays a vital role in preventing your windshield from fogging up while also acting as a dehumidifier. Contrary to popular belief, eliminating the use of your air conditioning system actually does more harm than good as the refrigerant and oil need to circulate the keep the system lubricated.
Maintenance Tips:
- Run your A/C Regularly: Run your air conditioner for at least 10 minutes a week to ensure that your system remains lubricated
- Check your Air Filter: Checking your air filter improves efficiency as well as air quality
- Regular Checks: A professional A/C check can detect your refrigerant levels, ensuring it stays clean and working efficiently
Starter Motor
As your engine oil becomes more viscous during winter, it increases the resistance when running through your starter motor, putting extra strain on it. Although a weak starter can often mimic a dead battery, it can be identified by a grinding or whirring noise, or a single, loud click without the engine turning over.
Maintenance Tips:
- Professional Checks: Getting professional checks allows for an accurate diagnosis and quicker repairs
- Warm Up your Engine: When starting up your car, giving it a minute or two to warm up can put less stress on the motor
- Listening for Warning Cues: Listen out to the sounds your car makes when starting. A laboured start-up can signify that your starter motor is wearing out
Protecting Your Car with Chamberlain’s Auto Electrics
Protecting your car during the cold season doesn’t have to be difficult. At Chamberlain’s, we specialise in all types of electrical work and service throughout the Perth metropolitan area. Whether you need your car battery replaced or your car air conditioning fixed, our team can provide you with the support that ensures your car is back to running smoothly again. Contact us today for reliable and quality auto electrical services.
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