As winter gets closer, the weather will inevitably get colder by the day. While this is a welcome break from the summer heat, the winter cold can take a toll on your car.

The Effects of Cold Weather on Your Car

If the winter weather leaves you cold and shivering, imagine how your car feels after a full night out in freezing temperatures. Although your car may not be a living, breathing being, it can still suffer some negative consequences as a result of the freezing temperatures. If you're not careful, the cold can even lead to some serious road issues. To help you prevent these road troubles, check out these cold weather tips.

How to Cold Affects Your Car Battery

Your car's battery may be one of the most affected parts of your car this winter. The subzero temperatures can add to the strain your battery already deals with on a daily basis, causing it to lose power faster. What's worse is that if your battery is already quite old, the winter cold can basically finish it off with little warning. To avoid having your battery die while you're in the middle of running errands, get it tested. Batteries generally last anywhere from three to five years, but a volt test can let you know how much life it has left in it. Other than that, consider carrying jumper cables in your trunk just in case your battery won't start on a cold day.

Reduced Tire Pressure

As the temperature drops, this can cause your tire pressure to drop right along with it. Because this is a common occurrence, it's important that you make time to check on your tire pressure often. Tire pressure that's a bit lower than usual may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to reduced traction on the road. If you're driving on a rainy or wet road, this can turn dangerous very fast.

Cold Fluids Become Thick

It's very common for cold temperatures to cause the fluids in your vehicle to become thicker than normal. Since the cold tends to freeze fluids, this makes a lot of sense. Unfortunately for your car, thicker fluids means less efficient fluids. As your fluids turn into a molasses-like substance, they'll have a harder time performing their job, leaving your car exposed to wear. Check on all of your fluids and change them when needed. Keep in mind that there are certain fluids made for use in the winter to avoid these types of situations. For all of your fluid needs, check out AMSOIL's selection in their online shop. You can find everything from the perfect synthetic oil to transmission fluid. If you're not sure what products will be best of your car, contact AMSOIL Dealer Dwight Smith at (702) 561-3706. They will be happy to recommend products like Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil.

Frozen Windshield Wiper Blades

It may not be surprising to hear that freezing temperatures can lead to certain parts of your car freezing, including your windshield wiper blades. The rubber on your wiper blades can turn brittle and begin to crack the colder the temperatures get. As a result, they won't be able to perform their job properly. This can lead to reduced visibility on the road, especially during storms. What's more, if temperatures are seriously cold, your windshield wiper fluid can also freeze, leaving you with no way to wipe your windshield clean. Use a winter grade washer fluid and replace your wiper blades with new ones made for the winter cold.

Issues With the Fuel Line

Your gas isn't likely to freeze, but this doesn't mean you don't have to worry about your fuel system. Moisture can creep into your fuel line, freeze, and cause some troublesome clogs. An easy way to prevent this is by not allowing moisture to enter your fuel tank. Keep your tank at least halfway full at all times so that moisture doesn't have such an easy time developing in there.

Fogged up Windshield

Finally, the cold winter months will throw a lot at your car, including rain, snow, and fog. All of these can lead to reduced visibility and even a fogged up windshield. If your defroster isn't able to do its job properly, you'll be left struggling to see. If you're struggling to clean off your windshield with an old rag as you drive, your full attention won't be on the road. Avoid this messy situation by having your defroster serviced before the season arrives.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Ann Arbor

Don't let the fall end without first preparing your car for winter with a synthetic oil change in Ann Arbor. Contact AMSOIL Dealer, Dwight Smith at (702) 561-3706 to get all the products you need to prepare your car for winter.