Whether you are an ICE or EV driver, a sudden drop in temperature can spell trouble for your vehicle. But with the British climate being somewhat unpredictable - especially here in Devon - it can be difficult to know how best to prepare for those Winter months. We asked experts from across Murray Group how cold weather can affect your vehicle and how to combat the effects of ice, snow and rain.
It puts your battery under strain
This is true in both electric and internal combustion engine vehicles. Cold weather forces your battery to work harder and impacts its ability to hold charge. Both ICE and EV car batteries rely on chemical reactions to keep them running and these naturally slow in colder weather. In traditional engines, lower temperatures can cause engine oil to thicken, which, in turn leads to your battery working harder just to keep things moving. In electric cars, the added strain on the battery can result in the overall range being reduced by up to 20%.
The good news is, there are a few things you can do to minimise the effects of Wintery weather on your car's battery...
An ICE vehicle battery should be replaced approximately every 3 years and it is good practice to regularly check for any corrosion on clamps and cables, which could slow down the firing process. The average EV battery boasts longevity of 10-20 years but its efficiency will decrease over time, so it is advisable to keep an eye on this.
Cold mornings can take their toll on batteries, with the harsher conditions requiring an extra effort to get the vehicle properly warmed up. Ensure that you allow plenty of time to get your engine running before driving - which is even easier in EVs with smart technology such as the Skoda Connect, Hyundai Bluelink, Kia Connect and Volkswagen We Connect apps. These allow you to remotely pre-condition your car from the comfort of your own home, so you can get behind the wheel of a perfectly warmed up vehicle and drive away safe in the knowledge that your battery will be functioning at optimum levels.
Sadly, human error often plays a big part in battery drain - so always, always check your interior lights before leaving your car for the night! In addition to this, simply switching off heaters, lights, wipers and the radio before killing the engine can make a huge difference to your battery's efficiency.
Problems starting the engine
The most common causes of engine issues are, as you would imagine, battery related. However, cold weather also causes fluids such as engine oil to become more viscous. Thicker fluids take longer to warm and therefore move more slowly around your engine, meaning sluggish turn over. This, in turn uses more fuel to get the firing processes working correctly. Most available oils contain preventative additives that help reduce thickening, however it pays to select the correct viscosity of oil for your engine. A thinner oil in the colder months will help your engine run more smoothly. Always check your handbook, but as a guide, a 5W-30 is a safe bet year-round.
Unless you are taking advantage of remote connectivity and pre-conditioning features on a chilly morning, it is advisable to avoid switching on your heating as soon as you get into your car, as the energy used to heat the vehicle with detract from the engine, resulting in a longer warm up period. Our advice? Wrap up warm before you get behind the wheel!
Windscreen damage
Fluctuating temperatures can cause glass to expand and contract, so keep an eye on any existing chips in your windscreen. Never use hot water to clear frosted windows, as the moisture can enter the chips, freeze and end up causing a much bigger issue in the form of a cracked windscreen.
In fact, when dealing with icy windscreens, it's best to avoid any 'old wives' tales' and stick to the following methods of clearing the glass:
- An ice scraper
- De-icing fluid - did you know that if you spray this onto your windscreen at night when you park up, it can actually prevent a frosty windscreen the following morning?
- A windscreen cover - either a blanket or purpose made cover can help to reduce the effects of extreme temperature changes, however, don't be tempted to ad-lib with newspaper or cardboard, which can easily become damp and stick to the inside of the glass.
- In an emergency, try a homemade de-icing fluid. All you need is a clean spray bottle, filed with one third water and two thirds vinegar. Spray on, leave for 30 seconds and remove with an ice scraper.
- Never scrape ice with objects that aren't specifically designed for that purpose! They may scratch your windscreen and do more harm than good in the long run. The classic makeshift 'payment card' scraper is also a bad idea - not only can it scratch but they are too small to be particularly effective and are prone to breaking too.
Preparing your car for Winter - what to remember
A simple 6 step check should be all you need to make sure your car is roadworthy this December. All you need to remember is the handy acronym FORCES:
F - Fuel. Sounds obvious but ensuring that you have enough fuel (or battery charge in an EV) to get your vehicle warmed up AND to get you to your destination will make life a great deal easier.
O - Oil. Keep it topped up and always make sure you use the correct viscosity for optimum engine performance.
R - Rubber. Tyres should adhere to the legal minimum tread of 1.6mm but in extremely icy or wet weather, the RAC recommends 3mm tread for grip. Keep an eye on tyre pressure too, as cold weather can cause the air inside tyres to condense by 1 PSI every 10 degrees. Resulting deflated tyres, less grip and depleted vehicle efficiency. Regularly checking the blades of your windscreen wipers is a must. As a guide, they should last between 6-12 months, however if you notice any splits, it's time to replace them! Until the end of December, Murray Skoda are offering 20% off all wiper blades, so get in touch today to upgrade yours!
C - Coolant. Coolant levels should sit between the 'min and max' markers on the side of the tank. Any sudden drop in levels could indicate a problem. Remember to check regularly when the engine is cool.
E - Electrics. Visibility in the darker months is key, so be sure that your lights and indicators are fully functional.
S- Screen wash. Adverse weather conditions lead to an excess of dirt and grime on the roads, which can quickly cause your windscreen to get dirty. Make sure your screen wash is topped up to combat this.
Preparing your car for Winter couldn't be easier at Murray Group, with competitively priced health checks and offers on service plans available. Offers vary by brand, contact us to find out more.