Winter is a time when people are more likely to jack their car in order to get it moving. However, this can lead to serious damage if not done correctly. In this article, we will outline the three most common problems that occur when someone jacks their car in winter, and provide tips on how to prevent them from happening.
What is Jacking?
Jacking is a term used to describe the act of forcefully yanking or pulling on a car’s door handle or lock. This can be done to gain entry into a car during cold weather, in order to warm up or fix something inside. While this may seem like a simple and quick fix, jacking your car can actually cause serious damage to the vehicle.
The force required to jack a car can cause the handle or lock to break, which then allows access into the car. This can result in snow and ice getting inside the engine, breaking down parts and causing significant repair costs. In addition, jacking your car can also damage the paintwork and bodywork of the vehicle.
If you find yourself needing to jack your car during winter, it is important to take precautions. Make sure you have a sturdy set of tools available, including an extension cable if necessary, and be aware of the dangers involved. If you do end up damaging your car while jacking it, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at The Car Workshop for help fixing the damage.
The Damage Jacking Can Cause
The winter weather can be a nuisance for drivers, but it can also be dangerous. One common hazard during the cold months is ice on the roads. Driving on ice can cause your car to lose traction and skid, which can lead to a crash.
When your car’s tires are losing traction, you may think of jacking it up to get back on the road. However, doing this can damage your car in several ways. First, jacking your car up can cause the springs underneath the vehicle to compress. This could weaken the suspension and cause it to fail later on. Second, jacking your car up can damage the CV joints in the suspension. These joints allow the front and rear of the car to move independently, which is essential for driving on snow or ice. If they’re damaged, they won’t be able to do their job properly and your car will become unstable. Finally, jacking your car up can damage the axle nuts and wheel studs. This can affect how well your tires grip the road and cause them to prematurely wear out.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to jack up your car, make sure to do it slowly and carefully.
How to Avoid Jacking Your Car in Winter
Jacking your car in winter can lead to costly damage. Here are some tips to avoid damaging your car:
1. Try to park in a garage or a secure area if possible. If you must park on the street, make sure to use a security system or lock your car using a remote.
2. Avoid parking in areas that are icy or snow-covered. These surfaces are difficult to walk on and can cause your car to go off the road.
3. Use extreme caution when driving in snowy or icy conditions. Even slight movement of the vehicle can cause it to go off the road.
4. Slow down when you reach an area where there is ice or snow on the ground. Don’t try to drive through it; instead, stop and wait for conditions to improve before proceeding.
5. If you have to jack your car, do it as quickly and safely as possible. Make sure all of the doors are closed before starting the process and use caution when raising the vehicle off the ground.
Conclusion
When it comes to winter weather, most of us know that it’s important to take care of our cars. But what do you do if you jack your car during winter? The simple answer is that jacking your car during winter can damage the vehicle and cause major headaches down the road. Here are some tips on how to avoid damaging your car while jacking it:
1. Make sure your tires are properly inflated – underinflation can lead to flat tires, which in turn will make jackging more difficult.
2. Use a sturdy jacking system – using inadequate equipment can lead to fractures or even theft of your vehicle.
3. Wear proper safety gear – including a face mask and gloves, safety goggles, and a work jacket/pants if necessary, will help protect you from potentially harmful debris and freezing temperatures outside.