5 Common Issues Every Car Owner Faces During Winter (With Solutions)

The winter season has arrived in India and it can be tough on cars.

Cold weather can cause a lot of problems, like dead batteries and frozen locks. This can make it hard to start your car and get where you need to go. 

Whether it's the high-altitude roads of Himachal or the chilly plains of Delhi, these winter challenges catch many drivers off guard. The demands of heating systems, low temperatures and frost buildup can put a strain on even the most well-maintained vehicles. But don’t worry, we will show you how to get around these common winter car problems.

We will explain why they happen and give you simple tips to keep your car running smoothly all winter long. Here are five common car issues every driver faces in colder months and their solutions.

Common car problems and their solutions

Issue: Car not starting

The first and most common problem that a car owner faces on a cold winter morning is troubles with the engine ignition. One of the many reasons why this could be a dead battery. Low temperatures could slow down the chemical reasons, thereby draining all its power. All this leads to low electric current flow across the battery nodes, resulting in inadequate power for the ignition process.

Moreover, car batteries are under a lot more stress owing to the increasing use of seat warmers, heaters, defoggers, etc.

Solution: How to fix the starting issue

Hence, if you witness a lack of power in your electrical systems, the idea is to get your somehow try breathing life into your vehicle's electrical system and get the engine running. Once the engine is up, the alternator supplies enough power back to faulty batteries to give another go at the ignition process. Alternatively, it is suggested to replace the battery and check for chemical health at a service station. Generally, a car’s battery has a lifespan of three to five years, so if your battery is somewhere in this range, we recommend you get your battery replaced. If you have a secondary car, then you can also use the jumper cables to start it.

If you have a covered parking space, it is better to park it there instead of an open one to keep the frigid temperatures from hurting crucial internal components. Before starting your car, avoid turning on some creature comforts like a blower, media player and headlights, particularly on a high beam. 

Issue: Low tyre pressure 

During winter, tyre pressure decreases as the temperature drops. Although under-inflated tyres enhance grip, they could add to handling woes and negatively impact the fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tyres, when treated to the rough Indian conditions, can affect the health of tyre construction. 

Solution: How to fix flat tyres in winters

It is recommended to check all tyre pressure including the spare one weekly. Make sure that all the tyre pressures (PSI) lie between the manufacturer's recommended range, you can find that on the side frame of your door.

If it’s not there, you can get help from the service manual of your car model. There are certain car tyres that are designed for colder weather conditions, you can check them out too.

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Issue: Thick engine oil

In winter, the engine oil becomes thicker and struggles to flow through the engine, especially in areas where it snows. This leads to engine stalling issues since the pumps are clogged with sediments. The cold temperatures add pressure on the battery to start the car, which is especially problematic with an old battery.

Solution: How to fix engine oil flow issues

The only solution to this problem is to replace your regular car engine oil with winter-grade or synthetic engine oil with a lower viscosity. These oils have lower viscosity meaning lower 'W,' e.g., 5W-30.. You can easily find them on e-commerce websites like Amazon, Flipkart, or your nearest garage. 

Issue: foggy windshield and windows

Cold weather and warm interiors create condensation on windshields and windows, fogging them up and limiting visibility. This can lead to dangerous driving conditions if left untreated.

Solution: How to defog windshield

To prevent fog buildup, keep your car’s interior temperature balanced and avoid wet items inside the cabin. Make sure that you bring down the cabin’s temperature and turn on the Demist/Defrost mode. 

You can read our detailed guide on how to defog your car windshield like a pro this winter. 

Issue: Icy or Frozen Door Locks

Imagine reaching your car, ready to drive, only to find the door handle frozen from the extreme cold. This is common for car owners in Northern parts of India like Kashmir or Himachal and we know it can be frustrating, especially if moisture trapped inside the keyholes prevents you from inserting or turning the key.

Solution: How to unlock frozen car doors

You can blow hot air on your car doors using a hairdryer and an extension cord. If that’s not possible, try a lock de-icer spray or apply hand sanitiser to your key before inserting it. Avoid pouring hot water on the lock, as it can damage the mechanism. If possible, park your car in a garage or use a car cover.

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FAQs

Why does my car battery die faster in winter?
Cold weather reduces the battery’s ability to hold a charge, and starting the engine in low temperatures requires more power, leading to faster battery drain.

What can I do if my car locks are frozen?
If you have an air blower or hairdryer, use that first. Otherwise, try using a lock de-icer or heating the key gently with a lighter to unfreeze the lock.

How can I prevent fog buildup inside my car in winter?
Keep the air circulation set to fresh air and use the defrost setting. Wiping the glass with an anti-fog solution can also help.

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