Seasonal weather has a big impact on your vehicle — not just on how it drives, but also how it ages, wears down, or even develops damage over time. Here’s what you should know for each season, especially in places with harsh winters like Manitoba:
🌨️ Winter: Your Car’s Toughest Season
❄️ Road Salt & Slush
- Causes rust and corrosion, especially on undercarriage, wheel wells, and brakes
- Stays stuck in cracks if not washed off regularly
🧊 Cold Temps
- Tires lose pressure — lower grip and fuel efficiency
- Battery power drops (batteries can die faster)
- Fluids like oil and antifreeze thicken, making the engine work harder
🌫️ Visibility
- Salt spray can fog up headlights and smear windshields
- Icy windows can cause defrosters and wipers to wear faster
🌸 Spring: Wake-Up Call for Hidden Damage
💦 Melting Snow = Moisture Traps
- Rust may begin to show where winter left moisture trapped
- Potholes from freeze-thaw cycles can cause suspension or alignment issues
🌱 Debris Buildup
- Leaves, twigs, and dirt may clog drain holes or cabin air filters
☀️ Summer: Heat Can Be Brutal
🌡️ High Temps
- Overheating risk increases, especially if coolant is old or low
- Interior components like dashboards and leather can crack or fade
🛣️ UV Rays
- Can fade your paint and headlights
- Rubber seals and wiper blades may dry out and crack
🚗 A/C Strain
- Older A/C systems may struggle — and repairs can be pricey if ignored too long
🍂 Fall: Prep Season
🍁 Temperature Swings
- Cold mornings and warm afternoons can mess with tire pressure
- Foggy mornings = more reliance on your defogger and wipers
🛠️ Time for Maintenance
- Great time to inspect brakes, tires, fluids, and rust before winter hits again
🧼 Year-Round Tips to Protect Your Vehicle:
- Wash your car regularly, especially in winter
- Wax or seal your paint to protect from sun and salt
- Rustproofing or undercoating helps long-term, especially in snowy climates
- Seasonal tire swaps improve grip and safety
- Keep up with fluid checks and battery testing
