5 Reasons To Arrange Car Servicing After A Cold Winter
If you're in a part of the country that regularly experiences cold winters, you'll already appreciate how nice it is when the temperatures finally begin to rise. As nice as that is for you, it's just as much of a relief for your vehicle since those colder temperatures can place many parts under additional stress. As such, it's always a good idea to arrange servicing for your vehicle after a particularly cold winter, even if it seems fine.
Here are just five reasons why.
1. Your Battery Has To Work Harder
The chemical process that goes on within your car's battery is going to be affected by any extreme temperatures. When it's cold, the battery will have to work harder to keep the vehicle going and won't be able to hold a charge as long. These issues are often exacerbated by the fact that most drivers will use their batteries more during winter. A defective battery can leave you stranded, so it is best to get it checked.
2. Your Wipers Will Take A Beating
It's easy to forget about your windshield wipers, but they're another part that tends to suffer during the colder months. The rubber compounds are weakened by cold weather, and any snow, ice or road salt can cause further damage. This makes your wiper blades more brittle and less effective.
3. Road Salt Can Cause Corrosion
If there's a risk of snow or ice, road salt will often be used to melt any build-ups and provide additional traction. Unfortunately, the corrosive nature of that salt can damage the frame and body of your vehicle; it can also corrode several parts, including exhaust systems and brake systems. This can lead to very expensive repairs if not addressed quickly, so it makes sense to have the entire vehicle checked by a professional after a cold winter.
4. Your Tires May Need Replacing Or Re-Pressurizing
Your tires will also be under added strain during winter, and one thing many people fail to consider is their interior pressure. Air contracts when it's cold, meaning tire pressure will decrease. When things heat up, the pressure in your tires may no longer be optimal. If that isn't addressed, they won't grip the road as effectively as they should.
5. Your Fluids May Need Replacing
Modern vehicle fluids are designed to put up with a lot of stress, but it's still worth having them checked after a prolonged stretch of colder weather. That's because fluids such as oil and transmission fluid will become thicker during cold weather. As well as reducing the effectiveness of the fluids themselves, this can also cause additional damage to internal seals.
For more info, take your vehicle to a car service, such as a Mercedes-Benz servicing company.