By Joe Anderson, Service Advisor | Published 12-7-25
Winter weather can be tough on vehicles. I've been a service advisor for many years, and every year I see the same cold-weather issues show up once the temperature really drops. At Nelson Auto, we appreciate everyone who trusts us to keep their vehicles running strong, especially during the winter months. To help you stay safe and avoid headaches, I put together the five most common winter car problems I see and what you can do to stay ahead of them.
1. Why Do Car Batteries Die in Winter?
Cold weather slows down your battery's power, and when that happens, your engine has a harder time turning over. If your battery is already weak, that first cold morning will usually expose it.
How to prevent it:
Get a pre-winter battery test
Replace older batteries before they leave you stranded
Have us check your charging system while you're in
2. Does Cold Weather Affect Engine Oil?
Yes, it does. When the temperature drops, oil thickens. That means your engine works harder to get going, and it doesn't get the protection it needs right away.
How to prevent it:
Keep up with regular oil changes
Follow manufactures recommendations for what type of oil to use in your vehicle
3. Why Does Tire Pressure Drop in Winter?
For every 10 degrees the temperature falls, you can lose about 1 PSI in your tires. Low tire pressure affects handling, fuel mileage, and traction on snow and ice.
How to prevent it:
Check your tire pressure once a week during the winter
Stop by Nelson Auto anytime for a free tire pressure check
Replace worn tires before winter hits hard
4. How Do You Stop Wipers and Washer Fluid From Freezing?
Regular washer fluid can freeze, and old wiper blades tend to stiffen up in the cold. When visibility drops, you want everything working the way it should.
How to prevent it:
Use winter rated washer fluid
Install fresh, winter ready wiper blades
Make sure the washer nozzles are kept clear of snow and ice
5. Why Do Heaters and Defrosters Fail in Cold Weather?
When heaters or defrosters struggle, it can be caused by low coolant, failing HVAC parts, or airflow blockages. Any of these can keep your windows fogged and your cabin cold.
How to prevent it:
Schedule a winter HVAC check
Make sure your coolant level is where it should be
Let us test for leaks or blower motor issues if something doesn't feel right
I love working at Nelson Auto in Fergus Falls, MN. Why? We are passionate about helping our community stay safe on the road. We offer full automotive service, collision repair, a well stocked parts department, and seven brands under one roof. You get the resources of a bigger dealership with the hometown care we've built our reputation on.
If you need help getting your vehicle winter ready, just stop in or contact our service department. We're always happy to help.