As a Utah resident, you probably relish the falling snow and chillier temperatures. But while this winter weather means you can finally spend a day on the slopes, it also means you have an increased chance of experiencing winter road hazards. From icy roads to corrosive salt, the conditions you encounter can cause lasting damage to your vehicle if left unchecked.
Understanding these hazards and knowing how to mitigate them can help keep your vehicle in top shape throughout the colder months and beyond. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common winter road hazards Utah drivers may experience to ensure you can protect your vehicle from avoidable damage.
1. Road Salt and Corrosive De-Icers
Some of the most common winter road hazards include road salts and de-icers. These de-icing agents are essential for preventing ice buildup and keeping roads drivable. However, they can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Salt accelerates the rusting process, especially on your car’s undercarriage, exhaust system, brake line, and wheel wells. Prolonged exposure to salt can lead to significant rust damage, which can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle. Brake lines, which are critical for vehicle safety, are especially vulnerable to this damage.
How to Protect Your Car
- Wash your car regularly throughout winter, especially the undercarriage, to remove salt and de-icing chemicals.
- Apply a protective wax or sealant before winter weather sets in.
- Consider applying an undercarriage rust-proofing treatment.
2. Potholes
As winter progresses, it isn’t uncommon for Utah drivers to experience road hazards like potholes. They are especially common in the winter and early spring due to the freeze-thaw cycle. As water seeps into cracks in the road and freezes, it expands and causes the pavement to crack and break apart, leading to potholes. Hitting a pothole can damage your suspension, tires, wheels, and alignment. Severe pothole impacts may even lead to bent rims, punctured tires, or damaged shocks and struts.
How to Protect Your Car
- Keep your tires properly inflated to absorb potential impacts better.
- Drive cautiously and avoid potholes whenever possible.
- If you hit a pothole, check for unusual vibration, steering issues, or visible tire damage, and have your alignment checked if needed.
3. Black Ice
One of the most dangerous road hazards Utah drivers may experience is black ice. Black ice is a nearly invisible layer that forms on road surfaces, particularly in shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses. It is one of the most dangerous hazards because of its unpredictability. Losing control on black ice can lead to collisions, which can damage body panels, wheels, and mechanical components. Even minor fender benders can lead to expensive repairs.
How to Protect Your Car
- Drive slowly and cautiously when temperatures are near or below freezing.
- Invest in winter tires for better traction on icy surfaces.
- If you encounter black ice, avoid braking suddenly; instead, gently ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want to go.
4. Ice and Snow Buildup
Utah sees an average of 500 inches of snow every year. While we might not get quite that much snow in the valley, it is still one of the most significant road hazards drivers can encounter. When this snow and ice builds up on your car, it can create major driving problems. Excess buildup can obstruct wheel movement, damage wiper blades, and strain suspension components. Ice chunks that fall off your vehicle can also damage other cars or your paint if they strike the body. Additionally, snow and ice can limit driving visibility, creating even more risk on the road.
How to Protect Your Car
- Check for snow and ice buildup before and after driving to remove it before it causes driving difficulties.
- Use a wiper fluid that is designed for below-freezing temperatures.
- Park in a garage or carport when possible to prevent snow and ice buildup overnight.
5. Freezing Temperatures and Battery Failure
January is Utah’s coldest month, with temperatures across the Wasatch Front ranging from 19 to 36 degrees. This cold weather can impact the battery’s efficiency. If your battery is older or weak, winter weather can cause it to fail when needed. A dead battery can leave you stranded, and repeated failure to start can stress your vehicle’s electrical system. Cold weather can also cause thickening of engine oil, making it harder to start the engine.
How to Protect Your Car
- Ensure you have enough oil in your vehicle before winter weather arrives.
- Park in a garage or enclosed space to protect your battery.
- Get your battery tested at an auto repair shop and replace it if it performs poorly.
6. Frozen Wiper Blades and Windshield Damage
In freezing temperatures, your wiper blades can stick to your windshield. Trying to use them when frozen can damage the blades or the motor. Ice and snow buildup can also lead to windshield cracks. Torn wiper blades reduce visibility or may damage the wiper motor, leading to costly repairs. Cracks in your windshield can spread, requiring replacement.
How to Protect Your Car
- While you might be tempted, keep your windshield wipers down during winter weather to avoid costly windshield arm replacements.
- Use a windshield cover or de-icer spray to clear ice.
- Replace worn-out wiper blades and repair windshield chips promptly.
Recover from Road Hazards at Paskett Auto
Winter road hazards are unavoidable, but with proper preparation and timely maintenance, you can reduce the risk of lasting damage to your vehicle. No matter what road hazards you encounter, our team at Paskett Auto is here to help you deal with it all. Since 1998, we’ve provided drivers across the Wasatch Front with the most reliable auto repairs. From minor body damage to major repairs, we can help you address it, ensuring your safety on the road again.
If you’re dealing with damage to your vehicle as a result of winter road hazards, contact our Paskett Auto team today to schedule an inspection and repairs.
