Fall in Wisconsin means cooler mornings, shorter days, and the reminder that winter isn’t far behind. It also tends to be the time of year when small vehicle problems suddenly become much more noticeable.

Cold weather puts extra stress on several systems in your vehicle. A battery that seemed fine all summer may struggle to start the engine. Tire pressures begin dropping. A cooling system leak that was barely noticeable can become a much bigger concern.

Here are five common car problems that often get worse as temperatures fall.

1. A Weak Battery

Your battery has to work harder to start your engine when it’s cold, while at the same time cold temperatures reduce the battery’s available power.

That’s why a battery that started your car without any trouble in July may suddenly leave you with a slow crank or a no-start on a cold October or November morning.

Some signs of a weakening battery include:

• Slow engine cranking
• Clicking when you try to start the vehicle
• Interior or dashboard lights dimming during startup
• Needing an occasional jump-start

If your battery is several years old or you’ve noticed slower starting recently, fall is a great time to have it tested before Wisconsin winter temperatures arrive.

2. Low Tire Pressure

If your tire pressure warning light seems to appear every fall, there’s a reason.

As outside temperatures drop, so does the air pressure inside your tires. A tire that was properly inflated during warmer weather can become several PSI low after a significant temperature change.

Driving with underinflated tires can affect handling, tire wear, and fuel economy.

It’s a good idea to check all four tires when temperatures begin dropping, even if your tire pressure warning light hasn’t come on yet.

And remember, colder weather doesn’t necessarily mean your tire has a leak. But if one tire is losing pressure much faster than the others, it’s worth having it checked.

3. Cooling System Problems

It may seem strange to worry about your cooling system when the weather is getting colder, but your vehicle’s cooling system is important year-round.

Coolant doesn’t just help keep your engine from overheating. It also protects the cooling system from freezing and plays an important role in your vehicle’s heating system.

Problems such as:

• Low coolant
• Small leaks
• Aging hoses
• A weak thermostat
• Contaminated or old coolant

can become more noticeable once temperatures start falling.

If you notice a sweet smell, coolant underneath the vehicle, fluctuating temperature readings, or poor heat inside the cabin, don’t ignore it.

4. Tires With Marginal Tread

A tire that feels perfectly acceptable on a dry summer road can behave very differently in cold rain, slush, or snow.

As we head into fall, it’s especially important to pay attention to remaining tread depth and overall tire condition.

Look for:

• Low or uneven tread
• Cracking or dry rot
• Bulges or other sidewall damage
• Unusual vibration while driving

Waiting until the first major snowfall to discover that your tires don’t have enough traction isn’t ideal.

Fall gives you time to evaluate your current tires and decide whether they’ll make it safely through another Wisconsin winter.

5. Heating and Defrost Problems

You may not think much about your heater or defroster during summer, but that changes quickly on the first cold, damp morning.

Your HVAC system isn’t only about staying comfortable. Being able to properly defrost and defog your windshield is an important part of maintaining visibility.

If your vehicle:

• Takes a long time to produce heat
• Doesn’t get very warm
• Has weak airflow from the vents
• Struggles to clear the windshield
• Produces unusual smells when the heat is on

it’s better to find out now than during the first week of freezing temperatures.

Fall Is a Good Time to Catch Problems Early

You don’t necessarily need to do anything special to your vehicle just because winter is coming. But fall is a great opportunity to address small issues before colder temperatures make them worse.

At Van Wyk Auto in Sheboygan, we can help with everything from battery testing and tires to cooling system, heating, brake, and general vehicle repairs.

If something hasn’t seemed quite right with your vehicle lately, now is a good time to have it checked before another Wisconsin winter arrives.

Need to schedule service? Contact Van Wyk Auto or schedule an appointment online today.