February is when winter damage starts showing up, and as we move toward the end of February, one thing is consistent across all of our Nielsen locations: winter leaves a mark on vehicles!
Even if your car seems fine, this is the time of year when we see the most hidden issues start to show up. The cold temperatures, potholes, road salt, and the constant stop-and-go traffic throughout Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Southern Maryland take a toll.
Across our Alexandria, Springfield, and Falls Church shops this month, we’ve noticed a clear pattern. When we run diagnostics, here’s what our technicians are actually seeing in the shop right now.
1. Weak Batteries
Cold weather is hard on car batteries. When temperatures drop, the life and power of the battery decreases. If your car battery is already a few years old, winter can push it over the edge even quicker.
We’re seeing:
- Dashboard warning lights
- Vehicles that won’t start after sitting overnight
- Slow engine cranks
If your battery is 3+ years old, late winter is a great time to have it tested before it leaves you stranded on the road.
2. Pothole Damage
Winter + potholes are no joke in our area. Our technicians are constantly seeing steering wheel vibration, uneven tire wear, and clunking noises over bumps. Even one hard pothole hit can shift the alignment of your vehicle. Over time, this leads to premature tire wear.
3. Low Pressure and Tire Wear
Fluctuating temperatures cause tire pressure to rise and fall. Many drivers start seeing the TPMS light come on during the winter.
We’re seeing:
- Underinflated tires
- Uneven tread wear
- Tires nearing replacement after winter traction demands
Proper tire pressure improves safety and gas mileage. Get your vehicle ready before the spring rain arrives.
4. Break Wear Showing Up
Winter driving in heavy DMV traffic means more braking.
We’re seeing:
- Thinner brake pads
- Light grinding or squeaking
- Warped rotors from temperature changes
If you’ve noticed any brake noise, don’t wait. Addressing the problem early will prevent more expensive repairs later.
5. Rust Wear from Road Salt
Road salt protects us from icy winter storms, but it’s rough on vehicles.
We’re seeing:
- Surface rust on suspension components
- Corrosion starting on brake lines
- Underbody wear that often goes unnoticed
A routine inspection helps catch issues early before they become safety concerns.
Final Thoughts
Winter is when small issues become bigger ones. Our goal isn’t to overwhelm you with repairs, but to help you plan ahead and keep your vehicle reliable for many years to come! Whether you’re commuting daily from Virginia to Washington DC for work, driving from Maryland into Virginia, taking the kids to after-school activities, or planning spring travel with spring break right around the corner.
You need your vehicle to be up to speed, safe, and reliable for the miles ahead. At Nielsen Auto Care, Nielsen Fleet Services, and Nielsen Collision Center, we treat every vehicle like someone we care about is riding in it! If winter’s been tough on your car, we’re here to help you move confidently into spring.