The Most Common Car Problems in the Winter

When you live in Canada, you’re faced with drastically changing weather that can wreak havoc on your life, and your vehicle. And in British Columbia, this is especially true.

The Lower Mainland may be known for its typical rainy weather. But what many people don’t mention is that we are also faced with harsh winter winds, below freezing temperatures, and weather that is so unpredictable, that it goes from sunny and 14-degree Celsius weather, to windy, snowing, and –3 Celsius degree weather in the span of 8 hours.

All of the variances, extreme temperatures, and crazy busy roadways in Metro Vancouver can really put a strain on your vehicle. And when your vehicle is aging or has high mileage, this only adds to the problems.

Cash For Cars BC is a professional used car buyer that has served Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island since 1998. And as such, we’ve seen it all. Today’s blog post is all about the most common car problems in the winter that you’ll face in the Lower Mainland.

What Are the Most Common Car Problems in Winter in Canada?

Canada can get pretty cold when it wants to. That may have something to do with El Nino, El Nina, or whatever weird pressure system you want to name. But more than likely, it has to do with the fact that we are higher north than most other continents.

Metro Vancouver may be beautiful, but in true Canadian fashion, it gets cold, and in an instant. Below are some of the most common car problems in the winter that British Columbian residents face every year. Like it or not, we all signed on for this when we chose to live here! 😊

1. Battery Issues

You know it’s cold when your car won’t start and there’s nothing mechanically wrong with it. When temperatures get well below freezing, hard starts are a common problem amongst Lower Mainland residents. Particularly in areas that are more inland like the Fraser Valley. When the temperature drops below freezing, your car can definitely feel lit.

Regardless of how good your battery is, starting your car up after it has been outside in the cold all night can be tough. But when you’re driving an aging vehicle or one that’s battery hasn’t been replaced in 3 or 4 years, it can be tougher.

Furthermore, if you have other electrical problems happening within your vehicle, like voltage issues caused by a bad alternator, a mystery wiring issues that no one can get to the bottom of, of anything in between, it can become impossible to start your car.

A good way to be prepared for hard or impossible starts is to have your battery, starter, and alternator checked by a mechanic, like our friends at Cloverdale Auto Repair Centre. Additionally, owning a battery booster pack is another great way to be prepared to get your car up and running in the cold.

Many newer vehicles have remote starters and brand-new weather stripping. So, getting into your car, no matter how cold it is, is usually a breeze. But if you’re driving something 10 years or older, you’ll notice a big difference.

This is because over time weather stripping breaks down and windows and doors don’t close like they used to. No matter how much you maintain your vehicle, these things can and do happen.

You can walk out to your car with a bucket of warm water every morning before heading out to work. Or you can simply sell your car for the MOST cash, and get into something newer. Something with a remote start feature perhaps. So that no bucket is necessary, and you’ll immerse yourself into a warm and comfortable car every morning. Just call our car buying team and we’d be happy to provide you with a free in-person appointment and an instant cash offer on your car.

3. Freezing Fluids

You might think that the only fluid that could freeze on a vehicle is washer fluid, but that’s actually not the case.

Antifreeze or coolant can also freeze at extreme temperatures when the water-to-coolant ratio isn’t quite right. And running frozen fluids through any vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Moreover, it only takes a few minutes to check your fluids. And your mechanic can do it during a routine oil change for free as well.

The correct ratio for coolant or antifreeze to water is 50/50. However, many newer vehicles run on a pre-made mix of antifreeze. Thus, eliminating room for error. And that is another great reason to sell your aging vehicle to Cash For Cars BC.

We buy vehicles from $100 – $100,000+, regardless of age or condition. No matter what little imperfections your vehicle has, no matter how big the mechanical issues might seem, you’ll get TOP dollar for your car, truck, SUV, van, or motorcycle when you sell it to Cash For Cars BC. NOBODY Pays More!

4. Low Tire Pressure & Tire Damage

Something the majority of us know is that when the temperature drops, so does our tire pressure. We all remember learning in science class that hot air expands and that cold air does not. And when it comes to your car’s tires, science will definitely apply this winter.

Shifting suddenly from summer heat to winter chill in Vancouver is very much a reality. Just last week we had 2 days of sunshine and 12-degree Celsius temperatures, only to wake up the next day to –1-degree Celsius temperatures, which felt like –11 with the wind chill factor.

It’s these massive fluctuations that can lower the tire pressure on your car’s tires. And lower tire pressure can lead to inadvertent damage. Additionally, if you’ve already got your winter tires on your car, but have perhaps been driving on them for one too many seasons, consider getting new ones.

Older tires, no matter how little they are used, can be just as detrimental as not using appropriate tires at all. Check for bulging, cupping, cracking, fraying, and any signs of extreme wear. The condition of your tires could indicate a bigger problem like suspension issues, so take a few minutes to check them out this holiday season before hitting the road.

5. Damaged Wiper Blades

Regardless of whether or not you’re using the –35- or -40-degree Celsius washer fluid, none of it will matter if your wipers are damaged or have frozen to your windshield. And in BC, usually wipers get damaged from being frozen to the windshield 😉.

One of the best things you can do (and you’ve probably noticed this around town during snowstorms) is leave your wiper blades sitting up when you leave your vehicle outside overnight.

Many Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island residents do this to make scraping the snow off the windshield easier after a big snowfall. However, it also prevents damage to your wipers from freezing and adhering to your car’s windshield.

If you notice your wipers aren’t wiping the way that they used to, try giving them a quick wipe with a clean cloth. Then, look for nicks or damage, and if any are present, be sure to switch them out. You can get a great and affordable pair for almost any vehicle at Canadian Tire for under $30 on average. And it’s worth every penny!

Typically, condensation or frost on the inside of your car indicates that moisture and air are getting inside your car, even when the vehicle is completely closed up.

This can happen when weather stripping is damaged or worn down, or when there are cracks or chips in your windshield or windows.

If you’ve noticed that parts of your truck are wet, even though it’s been left close on rainy days, that’s a clear indicator that you have weather stripping issues. Also, if your doors don’t close as easily as they once did, you’re looking at another way for moisture to enter your car on a cold or rainy day. And in Metro Vancouver, we are subject to cold and rainy days all winter!

Selling a vehicle with a leaky trunk or mildewy or mouldy smelling interior can be difficult. And it’s also not good for your own health, should you continue to drive it. Instead, consider selling your older vehicle for something slightly newer. It will be more affordable, and overall, a great investment. Cash For Cars BC can offer you the MOST cash for your car, even if it’s mouldy.

What Can I Do to Protect My Car from Winter This Year?

There are lots of preventative measures you can take to avoid damaging your vehicle and leaving yourself stranded in the snow. Moreover, performing a few simple actions can make your mornings (or nights) easier when it comes to starting and entering your vehicle. And it can even help prolong the life expectancy of your vehicle.

As a professional car buyer that’s been buying cars in the Lower Mainland since 1998, we can certainly tell when a vehicle has been cared for and when it hasn’t. Vehicles that sit outside or aren’t tended to with a little TLC are very noticeable to us. So, if you want to preserve the resale value of your vehicle as well, take small steps now into keeping your car in the best shape possible.

Steps to Protect Your Car This Winter:

• Park inside or under cover whenever possible
• Buy a car cover for vehicles not being driven and sitting outside over the winter
• Check your fluid levels regularly and ensure you have the correct ratio for antifreeze and the correct washer fluid for conditions
• Make sure you’ve got proper winter tires or all-season tires on your car (and that they are in good condition)
• Check your wiper blades for nicks, damage, or excessive wear, and change them accordingly
• Periodically check your weather stripping, as well as any glass for chips and cracks
• Buy a booster pack to jump start your car when the temperature gets really low
• Invest in BCAA coverage if you’re driving an older vehicle, or one with exceptionally high mileage

All of the steps listed above are a great way to prevent further damage to your vehicle during the winter months. However, despite your best efforts, your vehicle could be beyond repair, depending on how much drive time has been put on the vehicle.

If that’s the case, or if you’re tired of trying to prolong the inevitable, give Cash For Cars BC a call today. We can provide you with a free quote at a time that works best for you. And if you’re considering selling a scrap vehicle, we can actually provide an instant cash offer right over the phone for that.

Cash for Cars with Mechanical Issues in Vancouver

We are a highly experienced and professionally trained used car buying company that offers a more diverse way of selling a vehicle than others can. Because while many car buyers only want to purchase vehicles of a certain age, certain condition, with certain mileage, and free from any noticeable damage, Cash For Cars BC buys them ALL.

We buy vehicles ranging in price from $100 – $100,000+, from scrap cars to Supercars, we truly buy them all. From daily drivers with high mileage, to worn out work trucks, and even collision cars with major damage; at Cash For Cars BC, you’ll get the best offer on your car, no matter what condition it is in.

Simply give our car buying team a quick call or even send us a text message. We’ll get a few basic details about the vehicle you’re selling, then arrange an in-person appointment in some cases. Once we see your car firsthand, we’ll make you an instant offer right on the spot. Call today, have your car sold TODAY.

How Much Can You Sell Your Vehicle For to Us?

Every vehicle that we purchase has a different value all its own, because every vehicle has a different history. Despite what the Canadian Black Book says your vehicle is valued at, we consider everything that it brings to the table.

If you’ve recently replaced the engine, have done expensive suspension modifications, or even put in a high-end custom stereo, we know that all of that can add value to your car. Which is why we feel it’s important to see your car firsthand before ever making you an offer on it.

Provide our car buyers with the make, model, year, condition, mileage, and location of your vehicle. Then, let us know of any modifications or enhancements, as well as any needed repairs or any recently done ones.

We’ll collect all the information, then determine if we need to see your vehicle before making you an offer on it. But once we do, you’ll be offered instant cash right on the spot. If you accept our offer, we’ll fill out the paperwork, pay you cash in hand, then leave with your vehicle. From start to finish, the entire process usually takes only 20-30 minutes.

Call Cash For Cars BC Today & Sell Your Car!

Curious as to what your vehicle might be worth? Or perhaps you may be shopping around for the best price? You could even be dead set on driving your vehicle until it simply won’t drive anymore. However, knowing what it’s worth is never a bad thing.

If you’ve been considering trading in your aging vehicle for something a little bit newer, or even a lot newer, DON’T. Sell your car to Cash For Cars BC instead of trading it in to a dealership or online car buyer. We can almost always more cash for cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles than anyone else in the industry.

Get a free quote today and find out where the value lies in whatever you’re selling by speaking with our professional car buying team. Once you use our services, you’ll see what we’ve become the #1 used vehicle buyer in the Lower Mainland since 1998. Plus, we handle all the paperwork, we come to you, and NOBODY Pays More!