The 5 Most Common Winter Car Problems

...and How to Affordably Fix 

#1 - Dead Batteries

Having your car battery die in the winter is one of the most common winter car problems across all makes and models. Car batteries lose roughly 35% of their power when the mercury inside dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When the mercury hits 0 degrees, the battery will lose about 60% of its power. To make things worse, starting your engine takes more energy the colder it is. 

It's always a good idea to make sure your battery is starting and charging correctly before winter comes. If you need a reliable battery (or backup battery) for a fraction of the cost, Sturtevant Auto can help. We recommend always keeping a set of jumper cables in your car to resolve battery issues when they occur.

#2 - Car Won't Turn Over

Wisconsin winter temperatures make everything more difficult for your car, and sometimes your car just won't start in the cold. Aside from battery and spark plug issues (most common), the other most common problem is thickened engine oil, frozen gas in your fuel line, a bad started motor, or a faulty alternator. 

Sturtevant Auto can help with all of these issues if replacement parts are required. Issues like these can be caused by just 1 night of frigid temperatures. We recommend parking in a garage or using an engine block heater to keep the engine warm. 

#3 - Failed Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are one of the most common sources for winter weather car problems. Ironically, spark plugs are also one of the least checked parts when prepping a car for winter. Older spark plugs can fail in the cold because they are more susceptible to corrosion, which will make it more difficult for them to produce a spark. If your car's spark plugs can't produce a spark, your car isn't going anywhere under its own power. 

Sturtevant Auto can help with all of these issues if replacement parts are required. We recommend buying brand-new spark plugs.

#4 - Flat Tires & Low Tire Pressure

Cold weather is the #1 cause of flat tires. In Wisconsin, where seasons bring highly fluctuating temperatures, your car's tire pressure will see high fluctuation as well. A 10 degree drop will drop your tire pressure by 1 PSI (general rule). So when fall turns to winter, a 20-40 degree temperature drop could bring your tires' PSI far below their recommended levels. Your traction, handling, tire wear, structural integrity of the tire, and more can all be compromised by low tire pressure. 

If you blow a tire due to low pressure, Sturtevant Auto is the best place to find affordable replacement tires. We recommend checking your tire pressures at the beginning of each season. Check your car's manual or tires for ideal PSI. If you're looking to replace your tires with bigger snow tires during the winter, Sturtevant Auto can help with that too.

#5 - Windshield Wiper Failure

Cold winter weather can break the rubber on your windshield wipers, freeze your washer fluid, or snow/ice can even crush them if too heavy. Be sure to clear your windshield of snow and ice before turning on your wipers. Winter windshield wipers are designed specifically for cold weather and added weight from snow and ice. 

If your windshield wipers break, Sturtevant Auto is a great place to find perfectly reliable used wipers for a fraction of the cost. Our inventory includes 1,500+ cars so chances are we have wipers that will fit your car.

#5 - Leakages 

Though less common, leakages, cracks, and other more substantial damage can be caused by constant temperature fluctuations - much like Wisconsin's seasonal temperature fluctuations. Extreme cold can cause water and other fluids to freeze, leading to cracks and leakages that cause complete malfunctioning. 

Damage like this is rare but can lead to exceptionally expensive repair costs. Sturtevant Auto is the place to go if your car requires more substantial repairs. Chances are, our inventory of 1,500+ cars includes the exact part you need...and we can sell it to you for a fraction of the cost. Need a replacement engine? Transmission? Suspension system? We can cut you a deal on all of it.

Contact Sturtevant Auto

Call or contact us to see if we have the part you need. Chances are we do. Or just stop by and see for yourself.