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Winter can do a number on your car. It’s no fun when your daily car maintenance involves scraping ice off of your windshield and door each morning, but what are the colder elements actually doing to damage your vehicle?

Ken Marcotte’s Professional Auto Service, the leading auto service provider in Loveland, OH, knows that wintertime can affect your car’s performance. They want car owners to know the different types of damage that cars can be susceptible to when the outside temperature is low.

Thickened Fluids

The colder temperatures make it more difficult for the fluids in your car to flow properly. As part of your weekly car maintenance, get into the habit of checking all of your fluids, including oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluids, to ensure they are at a sufficient consistency.

Low Tire Pressure

For every 10 degrees that the thermostat drops, your tires can lose one pound of pressure per square inch. This can spell big trouble when you’re driving in snow or icy conditions; give your tires a squeeze (or invest in a tire gauge) to test the pressure periodically.

Dead Battery

car maintenance Extremely cold weather pulls voltage from your battery and makes it more difficult for your car to start. To lower your chances of having a dead battery when you try to start your car, remember to get your car battery tested before the cold weather sets in. Batteries less than three years old are typically capable of withstanding lower temperatures.

Salt Damage

The salt used by road crews to help melt snow can also stick to your car’s metal components, causing them to corrode if it’s not cleaned. Wash your car frequently during the winter to get rid of salt, paying attention to the undercarriage as well as the brakes and wheel wells.

Weak Spark Plugs

Winter conditions can put a strain on your car and make it more difficult to start up; a faulty spark plug or wires might further affect the performance of your vehicle. Regular car maintenance can help you avoid these issues in the first place. Take a look under the hood or bring your vehicle into a certified auto repair shop to test the spark plugs, ignition component, and filters.

Have winter-related car repairs for your vehicle or need to undergo preventative car maintenance? Ken Marcotte’s Professional Auto Service has more than 30 years of experience and is staffed with ASE-certified mechanics. Learn more about their services online and call (513) 683-7852 to schedule an appointment.

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