Will a Car Get Damaged if Left Outside in Winter?
1 Answers
Leaving a vehicle outside in winter will not cause it to freeze and get damaged, but low temperatures during the season often lead to various car issues. Common winter-related problems include cold-start failures, battery drain, and heating system malfunctions, all of which are temperature-dependent. Cold-start failures, for instance, manifest as the vehicle requiring multiple attempts to start or sometimes failing to start at all. Starting difficulties in winter may not only stem from a weak or dead battery but could also be caused by carbon buildup in the engine's intake system. It is recommended to clean the throttle body before winter to reduce the likelihood of such issues. Additionally, engine oil tends to thicken in cold weather, increasing engine resistance and contributing to starting difficulties. Switching to a less viscous oil can help alleviate this problem. Checking the antifreeze is crucial. Antifreeze, or coolant, is essential for the engine year-round, not just in winter. Its primary function is to cool the engine by circulating through the cooling system, dissipating heat generated during operation to maintain optimal engine temperature. The antifreeze property prevents the coolant from freezing in cold weather, which could otherwise damage the radiator and render the car inoperable.