The gist
The Dallas-Fort Worth region has seen an average of 29 freeze days each winter season since 1990, according to the National Weather Service. December and January see the most freeze days, but the average date of the first freeze occurs in late November.
Several vehicle components, such as windshield wipers and tire tread, can be affected by colder weather, said Anthony Moffa, air quality planner at the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Moffa is part of a team that manages the NCTCOG’s Car Care Awareness program.
The program aims to spread awareness about proper car maintenance throughout the year and offers tips on car care via its website. Moffa offered some tips for how cars can be affected by colder weather and how drivers can prepare.
Check it out
Drivers should take the chance to ensure they don’t have any warning lights on their dashboard, Moffa said. The “check engine” light can indicate potential problems with car systems, according to Car Care Awareness’ website.
Some automotive parts retailers, such as Autozone and Advance Auto Parts, can scan a vehicle’s “check engine” light and identify the issue free of charge. Preventative vehicle maintenance is always a good practice, Moffa said.
“The longer you wait to properly maintain your vehicle, the more likely the repairs will cost you more money,” he said in an email. “A worn vehicle is only going to become more worn and it may start affecting another system within the vehicle.”
If no warnings are lighted on the dashboard, drivers should also check their tires, windshield wipers and headlights.
Drivers can inspect their tires for worn treads using a penny as a gauge, Moffa said. Place a penny upside down within the tire’s tread, and if it doesn’t reach President Abraham Lincoln’s head, the tire should be replaced.
If windshield wipers leave streaks then that can indicate they need to be replaced, Moffa said. Drivers should also check wiper blades for any cracks or tears.
“For the winter, precipitation can become an issue, and windshield wiper integrity is critical for seeing the road amidst the snow or slush,” he said.
Also of note
Drivers should also:
- Check that headlights, including the bright lights setting, are working properly.
- Check coolant level. If it's low, it may cause a vehicle's heater to not work properly and can affect the window defrost function.
- Check vehicle battery. Colder weather can cause a weak battery to fail sooner, and the car won't reliably start.
Next steps
Some automotive repair shops can perform a “winterization” inspection of a vehicle if the owner is more comfortable with an expert looking at it, Moffa said. Individual components, such as windshield wipers and car batteries, can be purchased from auto parts stores as well.
For car owners who want to learn more about maintaining their vehicles, the National Car Care Council published a 75-page guide, including a maintenance checklist and overview of vehicle components.
