LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Mother Nature's icy grip has roared back, and the cold, snow, and ice can damage your car.
The bitter cold can cause the air inside your tires to contract, resulting in a decrease in tire pressure and possibly flat tires.
The bitter cold can cause the air inside your tires to contract, resulting in a decrease in tire pressure and possibly flat tires. The cold air can also put stress on your car's battery. With more ice this winter, that means more road salt has been used, which can cause your car to corrode. Ice on your windshield can tear up your wipers if not cleared, and running over potholes can knock your car's alignment off. With all these hazards, automotive experts say there are several things to keep an eye on.
“Every vehicle inside the driver's door has a tire placard that will tell you what the best tire pressure for your vehicle is so just keep the tire pressures up to that is the best thing to do. A battery that's no more than 4 or 5 years old is a good idea to have it tested regularly, at least once a year. If you do leave your car sitting for periods of time, trip the charger to keep it maintained is a good idea also. We see cars up in that area, Michigan, Canada; the undersides are just corroded terrible from all the salt and stuff. So, if you can get a car wash, a lot of local ones have the undercarriage wash; keep that clean. That'll help you out a lot,” says Keith Shockency, Service Manager at the Lima Auto Mall.
It's also important not to turn your wipers on before the windshield has defrosted, as ice buildup can damage them.
It's also important not to turn your wipers on before the windshield has defrosted, as ice buildup can damage them.
