As the weather shifts to winter, sub-zero temperatures can become a formidable challenge for any vehicle. The various engine components, battery power, and fluid level are all impacted when temperatures plummet, which can lead to a slew of issues from hard starts to total engine failure.
However, by taking proactive steps to protect your car’s engine this winter, you can avoid a mechanical breakdown and costly repairs. It’s important to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly during the upcoming frigid months. Check out these six methods to ensure your vehicle survives and thrives even when the winter temperatures are at their worst.
1. Check and Maintain Antifreeze Levels
First and foremost, to keep your engine protected during periods of extreme cold you will need to ensure your antifreeze level is where it should be. Antifreeze, sometimes known as coolant, is a critical fluid in your car’s engine system with the primary role of regulating the temperature of your engine. This fluid absorbs heat from the engine and helps dispel it all while having properties which enable it not to freeze.
However, if there is not enough coolant in your vehicle or if the mixture is off then your engine can suffer serious damage in sub-zero temperatures. Regularly check your antifreeze level using the markings on the side of your coolant reservoir. Also be sure to check that you have a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze which should provide enough protection to the cold weather. Top this fluid off or perform a coolant flush in accordance with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
2. Use the Right Engine Oil for Winter
The second tip for protecting your vehicle when weather conditions drop below zero is to ensure you are using the right type of oil for the season. Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine, and using the wrong type of oil during winter can have serious consequences. Colder temperatures cause oil to thicken, which makes it harder to circulate throughout the engine to lube the various parts. This increased viscosity puts added strain on the engine, which can potentially lead to premature failure.
Look at your owner’s manual to see what the recommended oil is and if that recommendation changes during the wintertime. Many manufacturers recommended synthetic oil during winter as it has a greater resistance to thickening as compared to conventional oil, but double check in your manual first.
3. Keep Your Battery in Good Condition
Car batteries are especially vulnerable in winter weather as the freezing temperatures can dramatically reduce their ability to hold a charge. In fact, most batteries lose 20% of their capacity at just freezing temperatures, with that number quickly getting worse the lower the temperature goes. To ensure your battery remains in peak condition, try to have it tested before the worst of the weather months hit so that you can see what its health is currently looking like.
To maintain your battery in cold temperatures, assuming its current health is fine, clean any corrosion off the battery terminals and double-check that the connections are both tight and secure. If your battery does happen to be nearing the end of its lifespan when you check, consider replacing it entirely before the cold weather becomes too severe. Finally, always keep jumper cables in your car’s emergency kit, and consider investing in a portable battery charger as a last resort.
4. Warm Up Your Car Properly
It’s a common misconception that you should leave your car idling for a very long period of time to warm it up in extreme cold weather. In reality, modern cars are designed to warm up more efficiently when they are driven in the coldest temperatures rather than when they are left idling.
Therefore, to avoid wasting fuel and potentially harming your engine, turn on your defroster and only let your car idle for about 30 seconds to one minute so that the oil can circulate through the engine adequately. Once the engine warms, drive it gently for the first few miles until your engine reaches its optimal temperature. This will help to reduce the wear and tear your engine’s components suffer while still ensuring your engine gets warmed up.
5. Consider an Engine Block Heater
For those who live in regions of the world where temperatures regularly dip well below freezing during the winter months, an engine block heater can be a lifesaver. For those unfamiliar with it, an engine block heater is a device that warms the engines and fluids prior to starting the car, thus reducing stress on the components and making it easier to start the vehicle in extreme cold.
These devices are usually plugged into a standard electrical outlet and programmed with a timer to run for a couple hours before your car starts. The device will preheat the engine block and fluids, thus avoiding a cold start, which makes it easier for oil to flow and reduces the energy needed to start the car in low temperatures.
6. Secure an Auto Protection Plan for Mechanical Issues
Even the best of preparation can fall short in harsh winter conditions, leading to unexpected breakdowns that strand you in an unknown area and empty your wallet. By purchasing an auto protection plan, like those offered by Endurance Warranty, you can have peace of mind on the road. The Superior, Supreme, and Secure Plus plans offered by Endurance all provide protection for the engine and electrical components, with the first two plans going a step further and offering coverage for the fuel system and cooling system as well.
This means that with one of these customizable plans, you can be financially protected from mechanical breakdowns on the road due to hazardous weather. If your car refuses to start in the cold or if engine trouble strikes, it’s beneficial to know you’ll have support to get back on the road safely and quickly.
Protect Your Vehicle During Winter with Endurance
Winter driving can be extremely difficult for your car, but with the right preparation, you can keep your engine running reliably for years to come. From maintaining antifreeze levels to using proper oil, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is ready for the winter months.
Adding an Endurance vehicle service contract can be the icing on the cake by keeping you protected against the unexpected, with the added perk of receiving 24/7 roadside assistance and Elite Benefits for a year.* These Elite perks include reimbursements for up to four tires per year due to road hazards, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, and much more.
As you gear up for the winter season, consider an Endurance Warranty plan to safeguard against a weather-induced mechanical breakdown. Contact our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote online. You can also shop our eStore to see your personal plan recommendations and pricing.