No matter what kind of weather you are dealing with, a car breakdown can be a major hassle. Getting stranded in the middle of summer or the dead of winter, though, can be all the more stressful and, unfortunately, will be much more common. This is because extreme temperatures can put a massive strain on the components of your vehicle, whether they are hot or cold. Your car’s parts rely on an even, consistent temperature, and if the systems that handle that are overwhelmed by the weather, you are much more likely to experience a breakdown.

Knowing why vehicle problems spike in the winter and the summer and what you can do about them will help you be prepared when the temperatures start to get rough.

The Science of Temperature and Car Components

Your car’s components are meant to work optimally at a certain temperature. While your engine generates a lot of heat, your cooling system is there to help keep that heat at bay. The cooling system also helps prevent freezing, which can be equally damaging. When the weather gets to a point beyond the usual temperatures, you may find that the cooling system isn’t sufficient and that you are much more likely to develop car problems.

In extreme cold, the antifreeze in the cooling system can become overwhelmed, and you will end up with lower temperatures in the components. This slows down the chemical reactions needed for the battery to work, thickens engine oil and other lubricants, and makes rubber or plastic components brittle and more prone to breaking. In extreme heat, the coolant won’t be able to keep up, and your engine compartment can easily overheat. This increases chemical activity and increases pressure, causing coolant expansion, fuel evaporation, and tire swelling.

Winter Culprits: Batteries, Starters, Tires, Corrosion

• Batteries – Car battery problems are a serious issue in the winter. This is because cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions in the battery itself, and the alternator will not be able to charge it as efficiently as it should. It will also have a hard time delivering the right amount of power to run the starter and get the engine running.
• Starters – Thickened oil and weak batteries can also wreak havoc on the starter. Because of this, you may notice that you need to try the starter much more often in the winter. This may also cause it to wear out faster than it normally would.
• Tires – For every ten degrees of temperature decrease, your tires will lose one PSI of pressure. This can cause low tire pressure in the winter, which will lead to uneven wear and tire issues that can be a safety hazard, especially on ice or snow.
• Corrosion – Low temperatures will make plastic or rubber parts more brittle. Hoses and gaskets can be especially affected by freezing weather, and you may develop leaks or low compression during the winter months.

Summer Culprits: Cooling Systems, A/C, Tires, Fuel Issues

• Cooling Systems – Your engine is designed to work in a fairly narrow range of temperatures without overheating. When the weather heats up, your cooling system has to work much harder to maintain those temperatures. This, plus the expansion of rubber and plastic that comes along with heat, means you are much more likely to develop engine cooling issues as temperatures rise.
• A/C – The air conditioning system in your car demands a lot of power from the engine and since you will likely be using it more in hot weather, A/C breakdowns are much more common during those months.
• Tires – While colder temperatures cause air to contract, hotter weather or high temperatures cause it to expand. This expansion can cause premature tread wear and even blowouts, which are a serious safety hazard.
• Fuel Issues – High heat can have a big effect on your vehicle’s fuel system. When the fuel lines get too hot, gasoline can evaporate before it reaches the actual combustion chamber of the engine. This causes vapor lock and you will notice stalling and other power issues, even when driving at speed.

Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

In the winter and summer months, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for warning signs that will tell you that your vehicle is having problems in extreme temperatures or needs an auto repair. A slow engine crank is one of the most important things to look out for, as this can be a sign of a dying or dead battery, evaporated gasoline, or deteriorating components. It is also important to watch for vibrations or changes in the way your vehicle handles. This could mean that your tire pressure is either too low or too high due to hotter or colder weather than normal.

A 60-Minute Seasonal Prep You Can Do at Home

No matter what season you are about to go into, there are ways to check over your vehicle and make sure it is in good shape for the coming temperature changes. In the winter, check your battery for corrosion or battery fluid leaks, inspect the tire tread depth and pressure, and check the coolant levels to make sure you have enough antifreeze to prevent serious problems down the line. As the summer approaches, check the function of your air conditioning system, clean or replace the air filters, and top off the coolant. These simple steps can prevent serious problems as you get into the tougher parts of each season.

What to Keep in The Trunk Year-Round

Being prepared is your best bet when it comes to dealing with vehicle breakdowns during the most extreme times of the year. Whether you are expecting heatwaves or blizzards, an emergency kit can make a big difference when it comes to your safety on the road. The emergency kit in your trunk should include:

• Jumper cables
• Tire inflator
• Socket set
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Bottled water and snacks
• Phone charger and power bank

Even with preparation, the odds of a breakdown are amplified in the hot and cold weather. This emergency kit can help you navigate a problem and ensure that you come out of it unscathed and safe, no matter what.

Protect Your Car All Year With Endurance

When the weather starts working against you and your vehicle, it can be helpful to know what to expect and how to prepare. It is also essential that you have a protection plan in place so you can get the help you need when you need it most. Endurance offers a wide range of auto protect plans (commonly known as extended warranties) for cars and drivers of all kinds, including options for high-mileage vehicles and exotic luxury cars. Endurance will even cover vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a salvage or rebuilt title, and cars that are used for commercial purposes like rideshare or delivery.

On top of excellent coverage, Endurance customers also get a variety of extra perks that will be a lifesaver in a mechanical breakdown situation. These include 24/7 roadside assistance, towing service, help with rental cars, and trip interruption protection. For a small activation fee, you can also get access to Endurance’s Elite Benefits, which come with tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, windshield coverage, and more.

If you want the ultimate protection for yourself and your car when the temperatures rise or fall, get in touch with our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also shop online to see your price and make the right decision for your needs.

For more expert automotive advice, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find helpful car maintenance tips and tricks, provider comparisons, mechanical breakdown insurance information for California residents, and much more.