New Jersey winters can be rough on vehicles. Not only do the ice, snow, and extreme temperatures impact your car or truck, but many things done to make roads safer for drivers, such as salting the roads or using de-icing compounds, can also cause damage. New Jersey auto owners can help their vehicles better endure the winter by taking the time to perform a few simple maintenance tasks.
The generous Butler Chrysler dealers at Precision Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram have been helping auto consumers in New Jersey with winter car maintenance tips for generations. By understanding New Jersey winters and how they affect vehicles, auto consumers can improve the reliability and longevity of their vehicles, allowing them to get more for their car-buying dollar.
New Jersey Winters
Because of its location along the Atlantic Coast and halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, New Jersey has highly variable weather, making it intermittently hot, cold, wet, and dry. Winters in New Jersey are usually rather cold, with average temperatures ranging from about 16 °F to 43 °F. It’s not unusual to see temperatures drop below 10 °F.
New Jersey is often rather humid, so snowfall isn’t unusual in the winter, particularly in the northern part of the state. 2013-2014 was one of the snowiest winters in New Jersey history, with an average statewide snowfall of about 54 inches. These winter conditions can have a big impact on vehicles, affecting a wide range of components including the tires, engine, battery and much more.
How Winter Affects Vehicles
Cold winter temperatures and conditions affect vehicles in many ways. Here are some of the most common examples:
· Engine air filter – During the winter months, the engine air filter can accumulate excess moisture, dirt, and grime, impairing its effectiveness.
· Paint and exterior – Salt and de-icing compounds used by municipal and state governments to keep roads drivable during the winter months have the unfortunate side-effect of eating away at paint and metal, causing car exteriors to rust.
· Wheel alignment – Potholes caused by extreme temperatures causing asphalt to expand and contract can cause wheel problems. Vehicles that hit potholes can develop alignment problems, which can cause tires to degrade at an accelerated pace.
· Brakes – Salt and de-icing compounds, as well as road debris, can build up on your vehicle’s brakes, causing them to become uneven and adding excess wear and tear.
· Tires – Extremes of cold can cause premature wear on your tires and can also impact the handling of your vehicle. Hitting potholes can also cause damage to tires.
· Hoses, seals and components – Cold weather can cause cracks in your hoses and other components, and over time antifreeze can break down and begin eating away at them.
· Battery – Extremes of cold can pull voltage from your battery, causing it to die before its time. In New Jersey winters, drivers need to regularly test their batteries to ensure that they have sufficient voltage to avoid being stranded.
· Fluids – Cold winter temperatures can cause important fluids to thicken, impairing their functionality. Some fluids that may be impacted include oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter
Much of the damage that winter can do to your vehicle can be prevented with a little extra maintenance and care. Butler Chrysler dealers recommend the following to help protect your vehicle during the New Jersey winter months:
- Schedule your vehicle for a tune-up before winter begins. Take the vehicle to your dealership or a trusted mechanic. Winter can exacerbate problems such as sluggish performance, slow starts, or engine pinging.
- Check your vehicle’s battery and alternator prior to the winter months. A cold snap can easily kill your battery, so make sure it’s at peak performance before winter sets in.
- Make sure you flush and replace antifreeze every two years to avoid having the chemicals break down and cause problems.
- Check your hoses and wipers and replace them if needed. Cold temperatures can make rubber and plastic parts contract and crack.
- Check your tires. Make sure they have appropriate pressure and tread depth. You need all the traction you can get on icy winter roads. If ice and snow are a problem in your area, you may want to purchase special winter tires.
- Make sure your brakes are up to par. Have the brakes checked and replace pads and rotors if needed. Brakes are a critical safety system of your vehicle, so making sure that they’re in good order is an important priority.
- Have your vehicle’s exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks. These can be dangerous in garages or in cold weather driving when your windows are kept closed.
- Make sure that headlights and interior lights are properly functioning.
- Make sure that your oil and air filters are changed at appropriate intervals and also be sure to flush and change the oil in your vehicle when needed. Old or dirty oil can cause significant problems in the winter months.
- Wash and wax your vehicle regularly. By washing your vehicle, you keep salt and de-icing compounds from accumulating, helping to avoid rust and corrosion. Waxing the vehicle can also protect its exterior.
Regular winter maintenance can help protect your vehicle’s looks and its functionality. Vehicles that are well-maintained retain their resale value better than those that are allowed to deteriorate, and will bring their owners a better trade-in deal when it is time to sell the vehicle. Also, vehicles that are properly maintained have fewer repair costs and also typically enjoy better fuel efficiency.
For more information about proper vehicle maintenance, consult with the dealer that sold you the vehicle. At Precision Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, service staff can provide you with all the details concerning how to maintain your vehicle, including some brand-specific information. With expert car care information, you can ensure that your vehicle won’t let you down in the cold winter months.
