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What Can Cause Your Vehicle to Breakdown In The Winter?

Car driving across a road covered with snow during winter

We know that winter driving can be stressful, especially when you try to stay off the roads in times of winter storms and snow. The best thing you can do to be as prepared as possible when hitting the road in the winter is by ensuring that your vehicle is ready to handle the cold weather. 

An inspection at our shop can help guarantee that your vehicle is in the best condition to stay reliable through the winter weather, and if not, we can help make the repairs necessary to get your vehicle where it needs to be. 

Here are some of the top causes of winter vehicle breakdowns: 

Engine overheating - Motor oil runs thicker in cold temperatures, making it harder for it to circulate and keep your car running smoothly—and prevent it from overheating.


A dead battery - It’s harder for car batteries to produce a charge in winter — meaning it might not be able to produce enough energy to start your car when you turn the key.


Radiator failure - You left your vehicle out overnight. Your engine won’t turn over, you hear loud squealing, warning lights come on or steam starts pouring from under the hood shortly after you turn it on. Any one of these things may mean that your radiator may have frozen and cracked.


Bald tires - Treads help channel snow and water away from the contact patch to help your car grip the road, and proper tire pressure helps your vehicle dig into loose surfaces (like a snowy road). Without either, your car may have trouble staying on the road or coming to a stop when you hit the brakes.


All of the car problems listed above are some of the top reasons for winter vehicle breakdowns. An inspection here at Ervine's & Grand Rapids Hybrid can prevent these things from happening and protect you from having to deal with a car breakdown this upcoming winter.

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