Under the hood: Does the cold weather affect your vehicle?
Winter is here in Brisbane, and while we may not face severe snowstorms, the cold weather still has notable impacts on your European vehicle. As Brisbane’s trusted specialists in European brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen, Accelerate Automotive is here to answer your winter car maintenance questions and help keep your car in peak condition through the cooler months.
How Cold is Cold Enough to Affect Your Vehicle?
Although Brisbane winters are relatively mild compared to southern states, even slight temperature drops can impact vehicle performance. Cooler weather, rain, and humidity can affect tyre pressures, battery efficiency, and visibility, making routine maintenance checks essential—even in our relatively mild climate.
Car Batteries: Why COLD Weather Means Higher Risk
Battery-related issues are among the most common winter problems, even in Brisbane's temperate winters. Cold temperatures slow the chemical reactions within your battery, reducing its capacity to deliver the necessary starting power. Additionally, increased use of headlights, windscreen wipers, defrosters, and cabin heating places further stress on the battery.
Tips for protecting your battery this winter:
- Regularly test your battery to ensure it maintains optimal charge levels.
- Minimise short trips, which can drain battery power without sufficient recharge time.
- If your battery is more than three years old, consider a preventative check or replacement.
Tyre Pressure and Cooler Temperatures
Cooler air contracts, causing tyre pressures to decrease, which impacts handling, fuel efficiency, and tyre wear. For every 1°C drop in temperature, tyres lose approximately 0.19 PSI.
What should you do?
- Regularly monitor your tyre pressures, ideally every two weeks during winter.
- Check your owner's manual or tyre placard (usually located inside the driver’s door) for recommended pressure levels.
Is a Winter Service Necessary for European Vehicles?
Yes, especially for European cars with advanced systems sensitive to even slight weather changes. At Accelerate Automotive, our mechanics specialise in European vehicles, providing targeted services:
- Fluid checks: Including coolant, oil, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid.
- Battery tests: Ensuring your battery handles increased winter usage.
- Brake inspections: Ensuring responsiveness during wet and cooler conditions.
- Tyre and suspension checks: Maintaining optimal grip and handling.
Enhancing Visibility for Safer Winter Driving
Shorter daylight hours, rainy weather, foggy windows, and aged windscreen wipers drastically reduce visibility. Here’s how to enhance your visibility:
- Upgrade headlights: Replace bulbs regularly and polish or restore cloudy lenses.
- Replace windscreen wipers: Choose high-quality blades suitable for European cars for maximum effectiveness.
- Use defrosters and heaters effectively: Regularly check and maintain these systems for clear windows.
- Avoid using hot water on frozen windscreens: Instead, use a safe de-icing solution or cover your vehicle overnight.
Myth-busting: Engine Warm-ups and More
Contrary to popular belief, extensive engine idling to warm up your vehicle isn't beneficial—it wastes fuel and increases emissions. Start your vehicle and let it idle for about 30 seconds, then drive gently until reaching operating temperature.
Additional Winter Care Tips
- Watch out for animals: During colder weather, local wildlife may shelter in engine bays or wheel arches. Inspect your vehicle regularly, especially if parked outdoors for extended periods. At Accelerate Automotive, we’ve found plenty of creatures taking refuge under car bonnets!
- Regular washing and waxing: Protect your vehicle’s paint from winter grime, rain, and potential corrosion.
Importance of Regular Oil Changes During Cooler Months
Cooler temperatures can also affect your engine oil, making it thicker and less effective in protecting your engine components. Regular oil changes during the winter months help ensure your engine oil maintains optimal viscosity, providing essential lubrication and reducing wear on your engine. At Accelerate Automotive, we recommend following manufacturer guidelines for oil change intervals, especially during winter, to keep your European vehicle operating smoothly and reliably.
Prepare Your European Vehicle Today
Don't leave your vehicle's performance to chance. Schedule your winter vehicle inspection with Accelerate Automotive, Brisbane's European car specialists, ensuring your drive is safe, comfortable, and reliable all season long.
