What are the effects of cold temperature on a vehicle? The extreme winter cold strains most parts of your Truck, such as the engine and also creates hazardous driving conditions. In case you have parked your truck in the garage or on the street, it is essential to know the extreme effects cold weather has on your engine. Here are some of the effects of severe colds on your truck. 

Effects Of Cold Temperature On Your Truck

Even though most truck owners live in areas that experience winter, not all of them know the adverse effects of cold on their trucks. Therefore, changing and giving your truck proper care during winter is essential. Doing this will protect your truck from damages related to cold weather. After reading this guide, you will understand the effects of cold weather on your truck.

Corrosion

The metallic body of your truck can get serious damage from the salt used to melt snow on the roads during winter. As you keep driving during winter, more salt accumulates in the brakes, wheels, and undercarriage. 

To avoid rust, consider washing your truck regularly with an emphasis on the abovementioned parts. Never wipe the salt and scratch your car.

Little or No Traction

When the temperatures are low, tire pressure goes down after driving for a short while. Similarly, during summer, the tires warm up and gain pressure. All-season tires become hard when the temperature drops. The constant deflation and inflation and the freezing of tires interfere with them, leading to loss of traction. Winter tires are the best to guard against this since they are soft and stick on the road during winter.

Reduced Fuel Economy

During winter, trucks usually struggle, and the engine finds it hard to function normally. For this reason, you will realize that the fuel you will be spending will go high. Loss of traction makes your truck move slowly and thus consumes more fuel. Leaving your truck to idle also leads to an increase in fuel consumption.

Thickening Fluids

During winter, fluids like engine oil, transmission fluid, and antifreeze will thicken. Thickening makes such fluids not flow freely during winter, which can lead to engine malfunction. Consider topping up fluids before winter starts.

Cold Can Crack Your Engine Block

The frozen coolant can easily cause cracks in your engine block. Use a float-ball tester to check the freeze–up protection. Using the right coolant can save and protect your engine from cracking. Avoid mixing the regular green 2 – year antifreeze with long–life coolant since this solution results in a shorter lifespan. 

Conclusion

Living in areas experiencing winter is normal, but you never know the effects of cold temperature on your truck. Once you own one, it is essential to know the possible effects all seasons have on it. Cold season is the toughest and you should take care of your truck to give you a reliable and long service span. Consider following the tips in this guide, so you spend less to maintain your truck during and after winter. Another golden tip, let the experts handle and take care of your truck during winter.