Why Your Car Feels Different on Cold Mornings

Climbing into your car on a cold winter morning can sometimes feel different from starting the same vehicle on a warm afternoon. The engine may sound slightly different, the tyres can feel different on the road, and even the gearbox may initially seem less responsive.

There are several reasons for this.

Cars Feel the Cold Too

Lower temperatures affect many of the components and fluids inside a vehicle. Engine oil becomes more viscous when cold, while batteries can have a harder time delivering the power required to start an engine.

Tyre pressure can also decrease as temperatures fall. Drivers should therefore keep an eye on tyre pressures during seasonal temperature changes rather than assuming they will remain constant throughout the year.

Modern vehicles generally manage cold starts automatically through their electronic systems. There is usually no need to leave a modern car idling for an extended period before driving.

Instead, start the vehicle normally and give its systems a moment to settle. Driving gently while the engine reaches its normal operating temperature is preferable to immediately demanding maximum performance.

A cold Cape Town morning might be uncomfortable for the driver, but your car is adjusting to the temperature as well.