Many drivers unknowingly make a common mistake in cold weather that could ruin the engine. According to experts, failing to take the right precautions, especially in freezing temperatures can lead to severe damage to the engine.
The Cold Weather Mistake That Could Ruin Your Engine
When it’s very cold, drivers find it uncomfortable to wait in a cold vehicle thus rushing to start the engine and other heat conditioning features immediately after they hop in. According to veteran mechanic Scotty Kilmer, cold temperatures cause damage to engines because it affects engine oil.
How? In cold weather, engine oil thickens significantly becoming more viscous and harder for the oil pump to distribute it in all parts of the engine. When the engine is cold, oil settles at the bottom of the oil pan and the pump has to push it to the top so that camshafts can get lubricated to avoid getting damaged.
When drivers start the vehicle and immediately rev the engine or accelerate, they risk damaging critical components that could not have been lubricated fully. The lack of lubrication causes overheating due to increased friction and eventually engine wear.
Role Played by Engine Oil in Cold Weather
Engine oils play a vital role in the engine’s internal parts by reducing friction and preventing overheating. However, in cold weather, oil thickens thus delaying its ability to move fast throughout the engine and lubricate all moving components.
When a driver revs the engine before moving components of the engine are lubricated, they rub against each other creating excessive wear. When this happens severally, the car starts to experience damaged bearings, engine sludge, and engine failure.To prevent this from happening in cold weather, drivers are advised to take a few precautions before starting their drive.
How to Prevent Engine Damage in Cold Weather
Below are some expert-recommended steps to protect your vehicle in cold weather;
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Allow the engine to warm up
Allowing the engine to warm up for at least 30 seconds to a minute allows the oil to have ample time to circulate in the engine and grease all the movable parts of the engine.
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Avoid revving the engine immediately after starting the car
Revving the engine immediately after starting the engine can cause excessive wear and tear because some parts might not be properly lubricated.
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Use the appropriate oil for cold weather
It is important to use the appropriate winter-grade motor oil to improve the engine’s efficiency and performance during cold weather. Most manufacturers advise using a viscosity oil such as 5W-30 or synthetic alternatives that maintain their viscosity in cold temperatures.
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Drive gently for the first few kilometers
Since cold temperatures reduce the flow of the oil, it is important to accelerate smoothly at moderate speeds to allow the engine oil time to reach all movable parts and attain its optimal operating temperature.
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Ensure regular maintenance
Ensuring that your car never skips maintenance schedule, especially during cold months ensures that the oil land filter is changed at recommended intervals, the battery is well charged, and that the coolant is filled with the appropriate antifreeze mix.
Extra Tips for Driving in Cold Weather
Besides avoiding the common mistakes that cause damage to the engine, below are essential steps to ensure safety and efficient performance in freezing conditions;
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Always keep the fuel tank at least half full
Although gasoline can’t freeze, water vapor can condense inside the tank and freeze creating ice buildup in fuel lines. To prevent this it is essential to keep the fuel tank at least half full.
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Check tire pressure regularly
During cold weather conditions, tire pressure tends to decrease and sometimes tires can be underinflated this can affect braking, handling, and fuel economy.
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Defrost using de-icer spray and ice scrapper
People make the mistake of removing ice from the windshield using hot water which is dangerous because it can break the windshield. Instead, use proper de-icer spray and ice scraper to clear frost safely.
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Regularly check your battery health
Cold weather reduces the efficiency of your battery. If a battery is more than 3 years old, it is advisable to replace it during winter to avoid breakdowns.
Are Electric Vehicles Affected Too?
Yes! EVs also require extra attention in cold temperatures because battery efficiency tends to drop, reducing performance and range. To avoid performance issues of EV cars during winter it is important to;
- Preheat the battery while plugged in to warm it before driving. This can be done via a mobile app.
- Use seat heaters to minimize overdependence on cabin heat to conserve energy.
- Allow the car to charge longer for longer times since cold weather slows down the charging process.
Whether driving a gasoline-powered or electric vehicle, it is important to allow the engine to preheat. Besides that, it is impossible to check other things like tire pressure, and battery to ensure that the car engine runs efficiently all winter long.