10 Common Winter Car Problems and How to Prevent Them

Winter in Michigan can be a real pain for drivers. Snow, ice, and salty roads put your car through the wringer. At 616 Auto Repair, we’ve seen it all. That’s why we’re sharing the 10 most common winter car problems and how to avoid them. Stick with us, and your car will stay safe, smooth, and ready to roll, no matter the weather.

We’ve also packed in Winter Car Care Tips, tricks, and our special services, like Winter car diagnostics in Grand Rapids, to make sure you don’t get stuck in the cold.

Plus, stick around for FAQs and Winter Car Care Tips.

Why Winter Car Care Matters

Winter doesn’t mess around. Cold weather strains batteries, thickens fluids, and tests your tires and brakes. Ignoring small problems now can lead to big headaches later.

We get it. You’ve got work, school, and family trips. That’s why at 616 Auto Repair, we provide the best winter auto service in Grand Rapids. From oil changes to full Winterization Packages, we’ve got your back.

1. Dead or Weak Batteries

Cold weather can kill a battery fast. If your car struggles to start, this could be the culprit.

Tips to stay powered up:

 Grab our Winter Ready Package for a battery check.

• Keep jumper cables handy.
• Don’t leave lights or electronics on overnight.

A little prep goes a long way when temps drop.

2. Wiper Troubles

Snow and ice can mess with your visibility fast. Slushy blades make it worse.

Keep your windshield clear:

 Swap in winter wipers with your Winterization Package.

• Fill your washer fluid with a winter-rated solution.
• Never pour hot water on ice; it can crack your windshield.

3. Thick Engine Oil

Cold thickens oil, making your engine work harder.

What to do:

 Stick to regular oil changes + multi-point inspections.

• Use winter-grade oil that flows more easily in the cold.

4. Slippery Tire Problems

Snow and ice reduce traction big time.

Prevent slipping and sliding:

 Check tread depth and tire pressure regularly.

• Try our Tires + Alignment Bundle: 4 new tires, an alignment, and free rotations for a year.
• Rotate tires seasonally for even wear.

5. Brakes Acting Up

Icy roads demand brakes that respond fast.

Stay safe:

• Get a Family Safety Check for brakes and suspension.
• Replace worn pads pronto.
• Listen for squeaks or vibrations.

Our Winter Brake Inspection Service keeps you in control.

6. Heating and Defrost Failures

A cold car is no fun. A broken defroster is unsafe.

Fix it before it’s too late:

• Include heating/defrost diagnostics and repairs in your winter tune-up.
• Keep vents clear of debris.

Our Winter Ready Package handles this for you.

7. Frozen Fuel Lines

Ice in fuel lines can stop your car cold.

Prevent freezing:

• Keep the gas tank at least half full.
• Use fuel additives that prevent ice.

8. Salt Damage and Rust

Salt on roads keeps you safe, but it eats away at your car.

Stop corrosion:

• Wash your car weekly.
• Rinse undercarriage and wheel wells.

9. Suspension and Steering Issues

Potholes, ice, and snow shake things up.

Stay smooth:

• Schedule brake & steering/suspension checks.
• Replace worn shocks and struts.

10. Electrical Gremlins

Cold weather loves to mess with sensors, lights, and electronics.

Prevent problems:

 Check lights, fuses, and sensors often.

• Have our team do Winter car diagnostics in Grand Rapids

How We Can Help

At 616 Auto Repair, our full-service shop keeps you rolling in style in Grand Rapids, Rockford, Ada, and beyond. From custom lights and tires to engine diagnostics and vehicle restoration, we’re your one-stop solution.

Our ASE-certified technicians tackle jobs big and small on foreign and domestic cars. Looking for honest advice and solid service? You’ll get it here.

Promos:

• Early Bird (Nov 1–15): $25 off Winterization Packages
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday (Nov 29–Dec 2): $100 off 4 tires or 10% off brakes
• December: Free alignment check with any service; financing available

Winter Car Care Tips

• Book a Winter Ready Package before the first snow.
• Rotate tires with our Tires + Alignment Bundle.
• Don’t ignore weak batteries, brakes, or heating systems.
• Regular Winter car diagnostics in Grand Rapids save money and keep you safe.

Call Us Today!

Don’t let winter catch you off guard. Contact your nearest 616 Auto Repair location for expert advice, honest service, and peace of mind. Whether it’s brakes, tires, engine checks, or full winterization, we’ve got you covered.

Stay safe, stay warm, and keep rolling with 616 Auto Repair!

FAQs