While the local groundhog says that spring is just around the corner, Chicagoans know that there is still a whole lot of snow and ice going on- at least for a few more weeks.
If your vehicle is looking a little worse for the wear, that’s pretty common. Cold temperatures, ice, snow, and the ever-present rock salt can take a toll on your ride.
Let’s talk about the dangers your car faces whenever you drive in bad weather or drive through the remains of what a blizzard leaves behind.
Snow, Ice, and Salt Damage
Stepping outside to go to work or school in the morning or heading out to the parking lot after work and you find your car buried under a huge pile of snow always gets under your skin, right?
If your vehicle is buried only for a few hours, you might find is some dirty slush under there, but if your vehicle is buried for longer than that, your car, truck, or SUV could sustain some serious damage, including:
- A dead battery. If your battery is marginal, all it takes is a good freeze to finish it off. Is there anything more annoying than clearing away all that snow only to find that the battery is dead?
- Blocked exhaust pipes. Once you get your vehicle started and it runs for a while, the snow will melt eventually, but in the meantime, if you are inside the car and you aren’t driving, you could risk carbon monoxide poisoning. Not only that, but the ice, snow, and salt are eating away at your entire exhaust system.
- Frozen and/or broken belt(s). Especially in early spring, the weather warms up a bit and the snow starts to melt. Water is splashed under your vehicle and on the belt(s). Then, a cold snap hits again and all that water freezes, leaving you with a frozen fan belt that could break or slip off the pulley when you try to start your vehicle.
- Damage to the braking system. While it may not be as common as a problem with the exhaust, snow, and ice can reach the braking system. This will cause metal lines to rust, even rust the brake pads and rotors, as well as damage seals that prevent water from entering the system. If the damage is bad enough, your vehicle could develop a brake fluid leak.
- Windshield problems. Large amounts of snow can put a real strain on your windshield. The weight can cause the adhesive that holds the glass in place to become weak, which can allow water to leak inside your vehicle. It can also cause stress cracks that will lead to a shattered windshield over time.
- Salt Damage. Ugh. If you have ever been on a recently salted road, you know how it tends to get caught in the wheels and get kicked to the car behind, causing scratched or damaged windshields, scratching the paint, or causing chips to happen, even tiny dents can happen if a big enough piece hits your vehicle. Salt is also well known for getting stuck underneath your vehicle and causing rust and corrosion over time.
If you’re reading this and wondering what you can do to help protect your investment, there is some good news on the horizon.
Best Ways to Protect Your Vehicle from Ice, Snow, and Salt Damage
Whether your vehicle has already sustained some damage or if you want to protect your vehicle to prevent new problems from developing, there are some fairly easy ways that you can give your car, truck, or SUV a helping hand.
- Test and/or Change the Battery.
You don’t have to live with the stress of worrying about the condition of your battery. The experts at My Mechanic will be happy to test your battery and the entire charging system. If your battery is OK, you can stop worrying. If your battery needs replacing or if there is a problem with the charging system, we can get your car back in good working order ASAP!
- Belts and Brakes.
Regular inspections can prevent items like serpentine belts and brake lines from cracking or breaking. The ASE Certified pros at My Mechanic can inspect your belts, hoses, and braking system to ensure that your vehicle is in top-notch condition, ready to take on whatever old man winter still has in store for us.
- Inspect the Exhaust System
Since the majority of your vehicle’s exhaust system is underneath your car, it’s no wonder that it takes a real beating from the weather. If you’re concerned about your upcoming emission inspection, our trusted professionals can inspect your exhaust system for rust, dents, broken pipes, or broken hangers, so you don’t have to worry once you drive to the emissions testing location.
- Scheduled Maintenance
Avoid breakdowns by having your regularly scheduled maintenance done by the professionals at My Mechanic. If it’s time for your vehicle’s preventive maintenance to be performed, don’t put it off until next week or next month, call our friendly staff for an appointment.
Even if you have an electric vehicle, there are still parts (such as the brakes) that can be affected by snow and ice. Don’t wait until you have a problem to think about having your vehicle inspected.
- Detail Your Vehicle.
Nothing will make you feel better than when you drive your newly detailed car. Find yourself a great car wash facility that will wash off all that dirty slush, ice, and make your vehicle shine like new with a high-quality wax. Make sure they wash the wheels and the undercarriage to ensure that road salt never gets a chance to do damage to your ride. My Mechanic also offers windshield replacement services if yours has become damaged, set up an appointment today.
The Bottom Line
While winter may be getting ready to make an exit, it’s never too late to help your car deal with the ice and snow damage that winter driving leaves behind.
Why not call us today for an appointment while you’re thinking about it? We have two convenient locations to serve you, Elmhurst and Clarendon Hills.
Drive carefully and be ready for anything with a seasonal inspection from the professional team at My Mechanic.
