Cold weather can have a strong effect on vehicle operations, sometimes leading to mechanical errors and even breakdowns that come with their own safety and security implications. In this blog entry, the towing experts here at Chicago Towing will detail the main reasons that vehicles suffer breakdowns during frigid Winter weather.

Batteries Dying

A common reason for people calling for Winter roadside assistance is a dead car battery. During cold days, the car’ battery might not be able to make enough energy to trigger the engine when keys are turned when this happens, often the car was left outside in the cold for too long. You can use a voltmeter device that allows you to check the voltage of your car battery, to verify that it’s not getting too cold. If the voltmeter reading is between 12.40 and 12.75, you can still start your car – but if it’s anything but this range, you’ll likely need to replace your car’s battery.

Tire Issues

Many people change their tires in Winter in order to be prepared for the potential driving and tire issues associated with cold weather or driving through snow. Properly maintained normal tires can do the trick even in cold weather though – sometimes. Makes sure to check your tire treads, and make sure that you’re not driving on tires with worn down treads. Tire treads provide traction and grip that allows you to better steer and control our car without road skidding.

Frozen Car Fluids

Car’s require filing with a range of fluids for proper operation. Many of these fluids won’t freeze as solid as water, but can thicken into a viscous texture in cold weather that interferes with the proper operation of your car, as it prevents the fluid from circulating right. This is the reason cars can still overheat even in Winter weather! If this is the case, have a mechanic check the fluid of your vehicle to verify everything is in shape – and consider switching to thinner car oils during cold Winter months.