As temperatures drop across Middle Tennessee, your vehicle faces challenges it doesn’t experience during warmer months. Cold weather affects everything from tire pressure to battery performance — and waiting until something fails often means being stranded at the worst possible time.
At L.A.W. Inc Auto Repair, winter is one of the busiest seasons we see for preventable breakdowns. Here’s what every Nashville driver should know — and what maintenance should be done now, not later.
How Winter Weather Stresses Your Vehicle
Cold weather doesn’t just feel uncomfortable — it physically changes how your car operates.
Winter temperatures:
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Thicken engine oil
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Reduce battery efficiency
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Lower tire pressure
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Increase strain on starters and alternators
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Expose weaknesses in cooling and heating systems
Even mild Tennessee winters create enough temperature swings to cause issues, especially overnight.
Tire Pressure Drops Faster Than You Think
One of the most overlooked winter issues is tire pressure loss.
For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure decreases by about 1 PSI. That means a cold snap can leave all four tires underinflated within days.
Low tire pressure causes:
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Reduced traction
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Longer stopping distances
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Uneven tire wear
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Lower fuel efficiency
What to do:
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Check tire pressure weekly during winter
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Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (not the number on the tire)
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Don’t rely solely on the TPMS warning light — it activates after pressure is already low
At L.A.W. Inc Auto Repair, we recommend checking pressure early in the morning when tires are cold for the most accurate reading.
Why Winter Is Hard on Your Battery
Cold weather significantly reduces battery output. A battery that worked fine in summer may struggle once temperatures drop.
Signs of winter battery trouble include:
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Slow engine cranking
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Flickering lights on startup
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Electrical glitches
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Intermittent no-start conditions
Cold starts demand more power — and older batteries often can’t deliver.
Smart winter move:
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Have your battery tested before the coldest weeks arrive
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Replace weak batteries proactively instead of waiting for failure
Engine Oil Matters More in Cold Weather
Cold temperatures cause oil to thicken, making it harder to circulate immediately after startup.
If oil is old or dirty:
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Critical engine parts don’t get lubricated quickly
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Internal wear increases
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Cold-start damage accelerates
Winter is not the time to stretch oil change intervals.
Why Warming Up Your Car Still Matters (But Not Like It Used To)
Modern vehicles don’t need long idle warm-ups like older cars — but some warm-up is still important.
Best practice:
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Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds
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Drive gently for the first few miles
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Avoid hard acceleration until the engine reaches operating temperature
This allows oil to circulate and components to expand properly without unnecessary wear.
Heater, Defroster & Visibility Checks Are Safety Issues
Your heating system isn’t just about comfort — it’s about visibility and safety.
Before winter:
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Test heater output
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Ensure defrosters clear the windshield quickly
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Check wiper blades and washer fluid (use winter-rated fluid)
Poor visibility is a major cause of winter accidents, even in light frost conditions.
Coolant Still Matters in Cold Weather
Coolant isn’t just for preventing overheating — it also prevents freezing.
Old or diluted coolant can:
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Freeze in extreme cold
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Crack radiators or engine blocks
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Cause heater failure
A proper coolant mixture protects your engine year-round.
Brakes and Traction Matter More in Winter
Cold pavement, moisture, and road debris reduce traction. Worn brakes become far more noticeable in winter conditions.
Winter brake checks should include:
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Pad thickness
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Rotor condition
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Brake fluid moisture levels
Stopping distance matters more when roads are cold or slick.
Winter Preventive Maintenance Checklist
Before winter is in full swing, make sure your vehicle has:
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Proper tire pressure and tread depth
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A tested battery
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Fresh engine oil
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Correct coolant mixture
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Working heater and defrosters
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Functional brakes
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Good windshield wipers and washer fluid
Why Nashville Drivers Trust L.A.W. Inc Auto Repair in Winter
Middle Tennessee winters may be unpredictable, but vehicle maintenance doesn’t have to be.
At L.A.W. Inc Auto Repair, we help drivers prepare before problems happen — reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving money long-term.
Winter driving starts with winter readiness.