January 2024: The Cold Shoulder

No matter what we want to say about these Midwestern winters, it's never wise to undercut any of the chance for cold or snow. When it comes to Fullserv, at least you can know that we're here to help so that we can get you through those rough artic blasts that love to find themselves in the Chicagoland area. Much like last months post regarding the cold and best ways to stay safe during it, this one is going to be focused around the cold and what systems are being affected by the climate. More importantly, to inform you on how best to develop habits for the cold season, and what can break down when we are talking extreme cold temperatures that reach sub-zero.

When we are talking vehicles in areas that are effected by cold weather, there are a lot of factors that find themselves coming up. Salt on the road, pot holes, cold air damaging crucial components, and ice or snow related accidents are all offenders to your vehicles health and each one can give you a serious repair bill in a different ways. Understanding each is crucial when it comes to being forward and honest about your car, and making sure you know each of the dangers that could come up when talking winter weather.

What to watch for when the weather gets wary!

• Ice. One of the major problems that comes with any winter weather is the ice that follows with the sleek wetness that freezes over. This is a leading cause in vehicle related deaths and injuries within the United States is cased by ice - so much so that 24% of accidents happen with icy or snowy conditions! Developing a routine of driving in these conditions is crucial, especially when you live in a busy town or city where thousands of people are passing through daily.
  

• Bitter Cold. Most of the complications with your vehicle come when the temperature reaches dangerously low levels begin to do damage to the crucial components in complex systems. While people think the heating issues are the prime concern for the cold, that is only on the surface level. Internally when temperatures get low, any weaker pieces can break apart and snap under pressure as the cold moves in. Hoses, tubes, filters, small plastic pieces, anything that is worn, they are all at risk for ruining or breaking systems into pieces - almost quite literally! We have seen it all month, and this is no joke.
  

• Taking in water. Cracks, seams, and holes in any type of body can cause water to seep through the vehicle and cause damage to plenty of core electrical systems. Sometimes we may think that a head light going out is the bulb and you go back and fourth to the shop and home with it not sticking. This is one example of many that could be internal damage done due to seams in the space between the assembly and the electrical. Always make sure to bring this up to your professional autoworker so that you aren't spending any extra time and money on something that could be a dead end.

• Hazardous Conditions. Driving is a normal part of our life, so much so that we sometimes think we are more than what we can truly handle! No matter an older vehicle that requires maintenance or a brand new one right off the lot - it is never advised to drive in a climate condition that is advised by the NWS as 'dangerous' or 'hazardous'. While a risk to your life in the more serious storms, there might be an even greater one with your vehicle if it is not prepared for such extreme events. Blinding conditions can cause crashes or howling wind can blow you right off the road into a ditch. Always try to be one step ahead of the weather!

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Remember, January is the first month of the year and more importantly is the last call to start thinking about any serious work needed for the spring and summer. It may be wise to go after your cooling problems within the next month or two that way when the heat wave rolls in, you're prepared for it. With Groundhog Day right around the corner, we'll see if winter is going to be around for another six weeks or if we'll be lucky to get some warm weather and sun!

Always a pleasure, and I hope you've had a fantastic New Year and make sure to keep your resolutions going into February.

Until next month.

Ron