How Extreme Cold Affects Engines: The Cold and Your Engine

How Extreme Cold Affects Engines and How You Can Protect It

As an artic blast pummels the Northeast, we here in Happy Valley have the usual chilly days and frigid nights. And though we don’t have the extremes they are experiencing East of us, we do have some extreme cold that can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s engine. Because it can cause various issues that could leave you stranded in freezing temperatures. So, in this blog the experts at Meineke in Happy Valley take a look at what you need to know about how extreme cold affects engines, and what you can do to keep yours running smoothly.

Effects of Extreme Cold and Your Engine

Thickened Oil: Cold temperatures cause engine oil to thicken. And this can make it harder for it to circulate and lubricate the engine’s components. Worse yet, this can increase wear and tear and make starting the engine more difficult.
Battery Strain: Cold weather reduces a battery’s cranking power while increasing the energy needed to start the engine. And this makes it harder to turn over the engine in freezing conditions.
Fuel Line Freezing: Moisture in your fuel lines can freeze in extreme cold. And this blocks fuel from reaching the engine and prevents it from starting.
Brittle Belts and Hoses: Rubber belts and hoses can become brittle in freezing weather. And this increases the risk of cracks or breaks.

Steps to Protect Your Engine in Extreme Cold

Use the Right Oil: Switch to a winter-grade or synthetic oil that flows better in low temperatures. And you can call Meineke in Happy Valley if you need help recommending viscosity levels.
Keep the Battery Charged: Test your battery’s health before winter hits and replace it if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. And use a battery warmer or park in a garage to keep it from freezing.
Fill Up Your Gas Tank: A full tank reduces the chance of moisture accumulating in the fuel lines and freezing. Also, add a fuel stabilizer or antifreeze for extra protection. Because extreme cold affects engines and this goes a long way to protecting them.
Warm Up Your Engine: Let your engine idle for a few minutes before driving to help the oil circulate properly and prevent cold-related stress.
Inspect Belts and Hoses: Check for signs of wear or cracks in belts and hoses before the cold season begins, and replace any that are damaged.

Extreme Cold Affects Engines in Numerous Ways, But Meineke Can Help You Keep It in Good Condition

By taking these simple steps, you can ensure your car or truck’s engine is ready to face winter’s challenges. Because a little preparation goes a long way toward avoiding costly repairs and keeping your vehicle reliable all season long. But, if you do run into issues, the Meineke on SE 82nd Avenue in Happy Valley is here to help.

If the Meineke in Happy Valley is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 4 car repair centers in Oregon:

Meineke Car Care – SE 82nd Ave.
3635 SE 82nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97266
Call (503) 254-6539

Meineke Car Care – N. Lombard Street
206 North Lombard Street
Portland, OR 97217
Call (503) 283-9170

Meineke Car Care – SE 82nd Ave.
10717 Southeast 82nd Avenue
Happy Valley, OR 97086
Call (503) 652-9061

Meineke Car Care – S. Molalla Ave.
19368 South Molalla Avenue
Oregon City, OR 97045
Call (503) 656-2333

Meineke Car Care in Happy Valley, OR

#MEINEKECARCARE #LOCALCARCARE #HappyValleyCarCare #HappyValleyAutoCare #CarCareNearMe #MeinekeCares #Meineke #OilChangeNearMe #OilChange #ASEcertified #Diagnositics #EV #EVbattery #UsedCarRepair #Clutch #Brakes #BrakeFluid #SerpentineBelt #TruckMaintenance #TireRepair #Tires #Veterans #TireShopNearMe #MechanicNearMe #DiscountTire #MechanicalNearMe #TireShopsCloseToMe #NearMeTireShop #TireRetailerNearMe #BrakesNearMe #TiresNearMe #TransmissionShopNearMe #DiscountTireNearMe #TiresForSale #TireShop #AutoRepairNearMe #TireRepairNearMe #TireStoreNearMe #ACrepairNearMe #CarRepaiNearMe #BrakeRepairNearMe #CarMechanicNearMe #AutoShopNearMe #AutoMechanicNearMe #AutoRepairShopsNearMe #MechanicShopNearMe #CarRepairShopsNearMe

Meinek_Admin

See Full Bio