Common Vehicle Problems that Can Occur in Fall and Winter And How to Prevent Them

Know What To Expect From Your Ford Vehicle in Kansas City’s Cold Weather

The arrival of cold weather is met with different responses by different people. Some people are excited for the holidays and the end of hot summer days, while others will be counting down until their next pool party. One thing we can all agree on is the effects that cold weather can have on your vehicle, making the arrival of fall a good time to get your vehicle maintenance up-to-date.

Your Kansas City Ford dealership has some common cold weather car problems for you to be aware of going into this fall and is ready to help you in our well-equipped and expertly-staffed Ford service center.

Deflating Tires on Your Ford Vehicle

Cold weather can cause tires to lose up to two PSI for each degree below freezing, even in new cars. Make sure you are checking your tire pressure on a regular basis when the weather starts to turn colder. Underinflated tires have been proven to “blow out” and cause fatal accidents. Never drive without your tires being inflated to manufacturer standards.

It is impossible to assess tire pressure by just looking at the tires; you must use a tire pressure gauge. Check your tire pressure at least once a month when the weather is cold to make sure your tires are still performing optimally, and never ignore low tire pressure alerts on your dashboard.

Thicker Car Fluids

In cold weather, the fluids in your Ford vehicle increase in viscosity, causing them to thicken. Thicker fluids move less freely and work less efficiently in your vehicle. Additionally, thicker fluids can cause more serious issues like internal seal tears.

To avoid negative results of thicker fluids, check your fluids regularly to make sure they are still in their original form. Kansas City Ford owners can also start your car 10 to 15 minutes before they leave to allow the engine to warm up, this lets the heat from the engine to loosen up the fluids to work at their normal efficiency. During colder months, our service technicians will use fluids, like oil, meant to stay the right viscosity regardless of temperature.

Dead Battery

Car batteries lose voltage in extreme weather, which can cause your car not to start if too much power is lost. The best way to avoid a dead battery in cold weather is to park indoors, but that is not always an option.

If your car will be forced to brave the elements outside this fall, a new battery might be in order. Getting a new battery before the weather gets too cold is a way to ensure you won’t be stranded in the snow needing a jump start for a dead battery this winter. Get your Ford vehicle into a Ford dealership near you for a new battery before you’re forced to.

Frozen Windshield Wipers

Windshield wiper blades break easily in the winter because extreme temperatures and inclement weather can cause them to stick to the windshield or crack. If the wipers can’t get free and you try to use them, they are subject to breaking, which can be the worst if you’re realizing this during a heavy downpour or snowstorm.

Winter wiper blades are made especially to operate in adverse weather conditions, making them perfect for Kansas City Ford drivers that know they will experience a lot of inclement weather.

Bad Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are vital to getting your car to start, and they work hard enough regularly. When the weather is cold, especially in cars that have been sitting in the freezing temps for hours, problems with your spark plugs can start to show themselves and leave you stranded and cold with a dead car.

On top of that, worn or cracked spark plugs are also not ideal as they reduce your fuel economy, which is already lower in the wintertime. Make sure to have your spark plugs checked before the weather turns cold and replace the plugs and cables as necessary.

Our Ford Dealership in Kansas City Can Have Your Car Ready to Tackle the Cold

Expert technicians should perform regular maintenance on Ford vehicles, or any vehicle for that matter. Zeck Ford, the top Kansas City Ford dealership, will complete all necessary maintenance tasks for your vehicle. You are always guaranteed to have a Ford-certified technician working on your car as well.

Schedule an appointment ASAP, and let our technicians get your car in the best shape possible ahead of the harsh winter weather.