Tips for Starting the Car in Freezing Fort Collins Temperatures
Winter mornings in Fort Collins are picturesque but can be tough on your vehicle. Low, frigid temperatures can challenge even the most reliable vehicles. It’s important to prepare your vehicle for cold starts and icy roads. Here’s how to keep your vehicle’s battery, engine and fluids in top shape, ensuring smooth and reliable performance throughout Fort Collins’ coldest month.
Start at the heart of your vehicle–the battery
Harsh cold weather can consume your battery’s power. It might even become unable to provide enough of a charge to start your vehicle. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s holding a full charge. Also make sure the terminal and connections are tight and clean. Corrosion can interfere with the current’s flow.
Warm up the engine, but not too much
The engine undergoes extra stress in freezing weather, but good care will keep it running smoothly. Take the time to check that the belts and hoses do not have any cracks or wear, as they can become fragile and brittle in the cold. Also, try not to let your vehicle sit idling in your driveway to warm up. Prolonged idling wastes fuel and isn’t good on the engine. You can drive gently for the first few minutes until the engine reaches its optimal temperature.
Top off fluids
Fluids thicken in freezing temperatures, which can hinder their effectiveness. To keep that from happening make sure to keep fluids filled. Ensure the antifreeze, transmission fluid and brake fluid are at the correct, recommended levels with no contamination (i.e., no dirt, metal particles, water or other chemicals in the fluid).
Be proactive
Small, everyday efforts can help keep your engine running smoothly during the winter. If possible, park in a garage or covered area to minimize exposure to winter’s harsh elements. Keep an eye on your gas tank level. Keeping it at least half full during the winter will help prevent condensation from freezing in your tank or fuel lines. If Fort Collins is expecting a real cold snap, consider getting an engine block heater. This plug-in device will keep your engine warm overnight, making morning start-up easy.
Fort Collins mornings can be brutal, but with a little mindfulness and preparation they don’t have to be brutal on your vehicle. Houska Automotive can help check your battery, fluids and anything else to give you peace of mind when it comes to starting your vehicle on winter mornings. Start here if you feel like you need service, or any winter preparation done.