What Winter Really Does to Your Car — And Why a Post-Winter Service Matters
- Andrew T
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Brisbane winters might be mild compared to the southern states, but that doesn’t mean your car escapes the season unscathed. Even short bursts of cooler weather can put unexpected strain on key components, especially if your vehicle hasn’t been serviced in a while.
As we head into spring, it’s the perfect time to give your car a check-in and make sure it’s ready for the months ahead.
Cold Weather = Extra Stress for Your Car
You might not notice anything obvious, but winter conditions have a way of creeping up on your car. From struggling batteries to sneaky tyre issues, here’s what could be going on under the surface:
Your Battery Works Harder Than You Think
Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside your battery. That means your car may take longer to start, especially first thing in the morning. And if your car has been sitting for a few days between uses (very common in winter), the power drain can be even worse.
Signs to watch for: sluggish starts, dim headlights, or the occasional warning light that disappears once you’re moving.
Tyre Pressure Drops in Cooler Weather
For every 10°C drop in temperature, your tyres can lose 1-2 PSI of pressure. That might not sound like much but underinflated tyres affect your grip on the road, wear out faster, and hurt your fuel economy. When combined with wet or slippery roads, the risk only increases.
Pro tip: Always check your tyre pressure when tyres are cold (like first thing in the morning) for the most accurate reading.
Moisture Can Build Up Where It Shouldn’t
Winter mornings in Brisbane often bring dew or light rain. That moisture can sneak into fuel lines, brake systems, and even air filters. Over time, this leads to corrosion, reduced performance, or annoying issues like hard starts or poor fuel efficiency.
A post-winter inspection can identify and flush out that hidden condensation before it becomes a problem.
Your Car Fluids May Not Be Performing at Their Best
Engine oil thickens in cooler weather, and older oil or neglected transmission fluid can degrade more quickly in temperature changes. If your fluids haven’t been checked or topped up recently, they might not be doing their job properly — which can increase wear on your engine.
Short Trips Add Up
Short drives with the heater blasting can put a surprising amount of strain on your car. Quick trips don’t give the engine time to reach peak operating temperature, which means more stress, faster fluid breakdown, and less efficient combustion.
If your driving habits changed over winter (more short trips, less weekend driving), it’s a good idea to get a mechanic to check over the engine and systems now.
Peace of mind. Less stress. More reliability.
Whether you’re gearing up for school runs, weekend drives, or just want to make sure your car’s in top shape, Kashy has your back. To book a post winter service, find an hinest mechanic at Kashy.com.au
If you have any questions about this blog post, would like a second opinion from a mechanic or would like to find an honest mechanic in Brisbane, check out Kashy here.
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