02/06/2026
As the winter chill settles over South Africa, your car feels the temperature drop just as much as you do. Cold weather can be tough on mechanical components, and staying proactive is the secret to avoiding a morning where your engine won't turn over. At Markon Motors, we want to make sure your winter driving is smooth, safe, and reliable.
Here is how the winter season impacts your vehicle and what you can do about it.
BATTERY HEALTH: THE COLD WEATHER CHALLENGE
Your battery is the most common victim of winter. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its ability to hold and deliver a charge. At the same time, a cold engine requires more power to start because the internal oil has thickened.
TECH TIP: If your car takes an extra second to crank in the morning, have your battery tested immediately. It’s better to replace an aging battery now than to be stranded in the cold later.
TYRE PRESSURE FLUCTUATIONS
Physics dictates that air contracts when it gets cold. For every 5 to 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tyres can lose about 1 to 2 PSI. Driving on under-inflated tyres increases fuel consumption, causes uneven wear, and reduces your grip on the road -which is especially dangerous on frosty or wet winter mornings.
TECH TIP: Check your tyre pressure once a week during winter when the tyres are "cold" (before you've driven long distances) to ensure they are at the manufacturer's recommended levels.
ENGINE OIL AND FLUID VISCOSITY
In freezing temperatures, engine oil becomes thicker and flows more slowly. This means it takes a few extra seconds for the oil to reach the top of the engine and provide full lubrication after you start the car.
TECH TIP: Avoid "redlining" or heavy acceleration immediately after starting your car in winter. Give the engine 30 to 60 seconds to idle so the oil can circulate properly.
WIPER BLADES AND VISIBILITY
Winter often brings frost and condensation. Using your wipers to clear a frozen windshield can tear the delicate rubber blades. Furthermore, if your washer fluid doesn't have a proper cleaning concentrate, it could freeze inside the lines or on the glass.
TECH TIP: Never use boiling water to clear frost from your windshield, as the thermal shock can crack the glass. Use lukewarm water or an ice scraper instead.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTS
With shorter days and longer nights, you’ll be using your headlights more often. Winter is the time when a blown bulb or a foggy headlight lens becomes a major safety hazard. Ensure all your lights (including fog lights and indicators) are bright and clear.
At Markon Motors, we believe a little bit of winter preparation goes a long way. Stay warm and drive safe!