By Ronald Quaroni

winter car care

How the cold can damage your vehicle

Feb 2, 2019 | 12:01 PM

Dead batteries, gelled fluids, blown power steering hoses and frozen brakes are the latest potential risks to your car due to the bitter cold temperatures lately.

Gary Nemish, the owner and technician with Westview Steering and Brake in Prince Albert, said a little warm up helps resolve some of these issues.

“Five to ten minutes is usually fine. Usually just enough to get the frost off, so it’s safe to drive,” Nemish said. “If you can get a little bit of heat under and in your vehicle before you attempt to move it, I think it makes it a little easier on all the other hoses.”

Plugging in your vehicle is something Nemish recommends when temperatures drop below -18 degrees Celsius.

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He said a block heater helps reduce stress on the vehicle’s engine. Nemish said if you see a small spark when you plug your car in, it’s a good sign it’s in working order.

Nemish said starting the car and driving it immediately will cause the engine to wear out quicker, as the vehicle’s pistons won’t have sufficient oil.

Nemish said other than plugging your vehicle in, changing your driving habits will reduce problems.

“Basically drive gently. You don’t want to be stepping on the gas really hard, you don’t want to be stepping on the brakes really hard. Basically you just want to take it easy on everything. Just take it slow,” Nemish said.

Nemish said it’s important that your vehicle is topped up with fluids that are temperatures appropriate. If fluids freeze up or drop it can cause your engine to overheat.

ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni