Winter is a notoriously tough time for cars – as you may have been unlucky enough to discover yourself. The chilly weather brings a range of challenges that can affect your car’s performance and overall lifespan, including freezing temperatures, icy roads, and extreme conditions like frost or hail. The particularly annoying thing is that many of the issues caused by winter aren’t always immediately visible, but can lead to costly repairs if they’re not addressed in time – so a little knowledge goes a long way!

The impact of freezing temperatures on engine performance

When temperatures plummet, it can cause a range of issues with your car’s engine. Engine oil in particular often misbehaves in the cold; as the temperature drops, oil thickens, which makes it more difficult for the engine to turn over. This means your car may struggle to start, or you could experience increased friction between engine components, which may cause wear and tear over time.

In addition to oil issues, your car’s battery is another component that famously doesn’t like the cold. (More on that in a moment.) Together with the oil problems, that can contribute to “cold start” incidents – which are amongst the most common issues drivers face in winter.

How road salt damages your car's bodywork

Road salt is a necessary evil in winter, helping to prevent ice from forming and keeping roads safer for driving. However, it can be pretty unkind to your car's bodywork. As the salt melts ice and snow on the road, it ends up splashing onto your car, where it can stay for days if not cleaned off.

Over time, the salt causes corrosion on the car’s undercarriage, wheel wells, and other exposed parts. If left untreated, this can lead to rust, which then leads to unpleasant stains on your car. If you like it the way it looks already, the good news is that you can prevent this by making sure to wash your car regularly in the winter, paying special attention to areas where salt tends to accumulate.

The importance of tyre maintenance in winter weather

Tyres are your car's only point of contact with the road, so it’s extremely important not to overlook them, particularly in winter. (Of course, lots of people still do – in fairness, it’s an easy mistake to make!)

Cold temperatures cause the rubber to harden, reducing the tyre’s ability to grip the road. This means your car may be more prone to skidding or losing control on icy or snowy surfaces. Plus, underinflated tyres are more likely to experience wear and tear in colder conditions, and over time, this can lead to blowouts or a loss of traction. If you’re already driving on an icy road, that puts you in a near-certain position to have an accident.

If you can, it’s a good idea to switch to winter tyres. These are designed to perform better in cold, snowy conditions because they’re made from a special compound that remains flexible even in freezing temperatures. The tread patterns are also designed to grip ice and snow better than regular tyres.

Why your car’s battery is at risk in the cold

As we touched on above, freezing temperatures can have a significant impact on your car’s battery. We’ll spare you the detailed chemistry lesson, but the upshot is that as the temperature drops, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down. This reduces its capacity to deliver power, and in turn makes it harder to start the car, especially if the battery is already older or weakened.

One of the most common signs that your battery is struggling is slower engine cranking or dimmed headlights. If you notice these signs, it’s a good idea to have your battery tested before the weather turns colder. Some preventive measures can help maintain its temperature and prevent cold-weather issues – for example, keeping your car in a garage or using a battery blanket. Regular maintenance, such as checking battery terminals for corrosion and ensuring your charging system is working properly, can also extend the life of your battery during the winter months.

Those are our top suggestions. Of course, sometimes the snow and ice can take its toll on your car – and if you eventually decide that it’s costing you more than it’s worth to run, that’s exactly where we can help here at EMR Vehicle Recycling. It’s never been easier to scrap your car with us – all you need to do is enter your car reg and postcode on our homepage, for an instant online quote before you can say “cash for cars”.