Hectic Winter Car Issues & Solution! - 2023 Canada

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Hectic Winter Car Issues & Solution! - 2023 Canada

Posted on March 23, 2023

If you own a car in Canada, then you’re aware of the common car problems in winter, which are never fun and can make you late to work or school and could even damage your vehicle.

 

The harsh winters in Canada affect the car’s fluids and steel frames, resulting in corroded parts and affecting the overall paint colour in the long term. 

 

These problems can happen to any vehicle. However, the solutions can be simple most of the time. So, let’s go through the significant winter car issues in 2023 and how to solve them.

 

Frozen Windshield

 

Night-long snow can get crammed on the windshield and freeze. Even if you scrape the snow off, the frost usually remains, which is harder to remove. However, this is one of the more typical winter car problems, and the solution is simple.

 

First, turn on the car and switch the heating on. Most cars have heating flow towards the windshield, so make sure you turn that on and wait a couple of minutes for the windshield to defrost.

 

If this doesn’t work, try pouring hot water on the windshield to melt the ice quickly. Also, you can spray a de-icer solution if you have one or rub an alcohol-soaked cloth on the frozen windsheild.

 

Frozen Doors and Windows

 

Doors get frozen, and you may be unable to insert the key into the stuck lock. Don’t try to force the key inside the lock, and don’t turn the key if the lock is stuck because of the ice; this could break the key inside the lock.

 

You can heat up the key using a lighter or match stick and gently slide the key into the lock. Additionally, you can spray alcohol or hand sanitizer onto the lock to melt the ice.

 

Low Tire Pressure

 

You may be surprised, but low tire pressure is among the most common car problems in winter because the fluctuating temperatures affect the air pressure inside the tire.

 

This is especially true in Canada, where the temperature can fall very low. When this happens, your tire pressure can drop below the recommended pound per square inch (PSI), causing deteriorated performance and handling issues. 

 

Make sure you equip your car with winter tires, which are thicker and more resistant to temperature, to avoid driving on low or flat tires. 

 

Failing Spark Plugs

 

It’s easy to overlook engine parts while preparing for winter car problems, but the spark plugs are essential to run the engine. Snow may corrode spark plugs, especially if they’re old. When this happens, you won’t be able to turn on the car.

 

Include the spark plugs in your routine maintenance and replace them whenever necessary. Don’t wait until they’re totally damaged because you may get left out in the cold.

 

Dead Battery

 

Your car’s battery consists of several fluids, including mercury, which falls dramatically in cold weather. When the temperature drops below freezing, the battery can lose more than 50% of its power and will struggle to start.

 

Other auto parts get their power and energy from the battery, and if the battery is already struggling, these other components may also fail. Make sure you replace old batteries, and if your battery is new, then be sure to inspect it or charge it while you prepare for the snow season.

 

Low Oil Level

 

Extreme low temperatures can cause the engine oil to thicken. When this happens, the oil level drops, and the engine fails to turn on.

 

If you can’t find a warm place like a garage to park your vehicle, try replacing your traditional oil with a winter-use one that is more resistant to cold.

 

Receive Winter Maintenance!

 

These vehicle problems can happen every winter, and the only way to avoid them is to prepare your automobile. Check your car’s parts and fluids before the snow season hits you, and call us today to receive the best maintenance from our experts or book a service appointment today to resolve your issues.