Cars are still the most affordable and convenient way to travel, even in cold weather. However, drivers must make some changes if they want to keep their cars from freezing during the winter. To avoid frozen engines and the constant fear of not being able to start your car again on a chilly morning, you’ll need to make some auto upgrades before fall leaves give way to wintry slush.
1. Fog Lights
Fog lights are the first line of defense against heavy fog, snow, or rain. With their bright light and wide coverage, they can illuminate the road better than headlights alone. They’re especially useful when visibility is reduced, such as when you encounter a foggy morning or a snowstorm. Most fog lights are white or yellow and can be seen from far away. They’ll also light up your car’s surroundings, so you don’t hit anything in poor visibility. Fog lights are a good safety investment for drivers who travel where the weather can alter visibility.
2. Winter Tires
Winter tires are specifically engineered to handle cold and slush. They’re made with materials that stay flexible in freezing temperatures, and they often have studs to help grip icy roads. A car with winter tires may not have to have any other winter auto upgrades. If you’re driving on all-season tires in the winter, you’re risking your car’s safety. After a certain point, all-season tires become too hard to grip the road. They create dangerous hydroplaning and can cause your car to skid. Winter tires are softer and are designed to stay that way, even in freezing temperatures.
3. Ceramic Brake Pads and Steel Brake Lines
Ceramic brake pads have become standard in many cars. They’re less squishy and last longer than older-model brake pads made of organic materials. The ceramic compound is harder, which allows drivers to brake harder into turns. Ceramic pads are much more abrasive, so you may want to upgrade your rotors and steel brake lines.
4. Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oil is a popular choice for people who are performance freaks. It’s usually more expensive than conventional oil, but it lasts longer and provides better lubrication in cold weather. If your car starts to shake or shudder while accelerating, or you see red or orange engine lights, the synthetic oil may help to prevent damage. It also works better in cold weather and can prevent a frozen engine when it’s time to park for the winter.
5. Better Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are responsible for initiating combustion in an engine. They are responsible for igniting the fuel and generating the power, eventually turning into the car’s horsepower. The more efficiently these work, the better your car will perform. Spark plugs are not designed for extreme temperatures. They’re designed to work best in temperatures between 200 degrees Fahrenheit and 800 degrees Fahrenheit. If the outside temperature is below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the spark plugs will run much more efficiently if they’re made of ceramic or a similar material that can withstand cold temperatures.
6. Adjustable Anti-Roll Bars
You can adjust how much your car rolls in turns with adjustable anti-roll bars. This lets you set the car’s handling as you want it without changing the suspension. This can be helpful in extreme conditions, such as driving through snow. You may want your car to maintain a stiffer stance, which would be more effective for turning in deep snow. If your car is equipped with adjustable anti-roll bars, you may be able to change the settings to suit the conditions. This can be helpful if you want to drive through snow and roll less.
Cars are still the most affordable and convenient way to travel, even in cold weather. Drivers must make changes to keep their cars from freezing during the winter. That’s why they need to equip their cars with fog lights, winter tires, ceramic brake pads, better spark plugs, adjustable anti-roll bars, and synthetic oil. These auto upgrades ensure that a car performs the best in cold weather.