Top 4 Winter Car Problems Spokane Drivers Should Watch For
- Silver Star Automotive Spokane
- Jan 13
- 4 min read
Winter in Spokane is no joke. Between freezing mornings, snow-packed roads, and the occasional deep freeze, your vehicle works a lot harder this time of year. At Silver Star Automotive, we see the same winter-related issues pop up every single season - often right when you need your car the most.
I asked some of our techs - Jay, Kurt, Thomas and the rest of our crew - what they see most often once the temperatures drop. Here are the top four winter car problems Spokane drivers should keep an eye on, and what you can do to stay ahead of them.
1. Dead or Weak Batteries
This is by far the most common winter breakdown we see.
Cold weather slows down your battery's chemical reaction, which means it produces less power - right when your engine needs more energy to start. If your battery is already a few years old, winter will expose it fast.
Warning signs:
Slow engine crank
Clicking sound when you turn the key - or on push button vehicles, a clicking noise, rapid warning chimes, or dash lights that come on but the engine doesn't start
Electronics acting strange
One of our techs, Jay - who has been a trusted technician of ours for many years, always like to say, "Winter doesn't kill batteries - it just exposes the weak ones" And he's not wrong.
Our advice: If your battery is 3-5 years old, have it tested before it leaves you stranded in a grocery store parking lot. You can have us test your battery if you're in for another maintenance or service appointment - or just give Greg or Kendall a call and we can squeeze you in if you're in the neighborhood!
Tire Trouble (Low Pressure & Poor Traction)
When temperatures drop, so does tire pressure. For every 10-degree decrease in temperature, your tires lose about 1 PSI. That may not sound like much, but it adds up fast in Spokane winters.
Low tire pressure can cause:
Poor traction on snow and ice
Uneven tire wear
Reduced fuel economy
Kur, who has been with Silver star since year four of Silver Star's journey, said he's seen firsthand how Spokane winters affect tires year after year. He'll tell you that properly inflated tires - especially winter-rated or all-weather tires - make a huge difference in stopping distance and overall control.
Our advice: Check your tire pressure regularly and don't ignore the TPMS warning light. If your tires are worn, winter conditions will make it much harder to maintain traction and control.
Brake Issues Made Worse by Winter Conditions
Snow, ice, sand, and road de-icer are brutal on brake components. Moisture can lead to rust, and colder temps can make already-worn brakes feel noisy or grabby. On top of that, if you've had brake work done recently, you might notice a different kind of noise or feel from your brakes compared with past seasons - and there's a good reason for that.
In 2025 a new Washington state law went into effect that changes how brake pads are made. Brake pads now must contain much less copper than they used to - which is great for the environment but can mean new brakes may squeak or sound different at first. Our Breaking News: New Brake Pad Law post explains what this means for drivers and why it shouldn't affect your safety when the pads are installed properly.
At Silver Star Automotive, we're staying on top of these changes so we can continue to provide brake services that perform and last, even in winter conditions. If you hear unusual noises or your brakes feel different after a service, don't assume it's a problem - but do bring it in for a quick check so we can make sure everything is working exactly as it should.
Shop Foreman Thomas sees these brake issues show up repeatedly during Spokane winters:
Rust buildup on rotors
Sticking calipers
Brake noise that only shows up in cold weather
While some winter brake noise can be normal, grinding, pulling, or vibrations are not.
Our advice: If your brakes feel different in winter, don't ignore it. Catching brake issues early can save you from much more expensive repairs later.
Thick Fluids & Cold-Weather Engine Stress
Cold temperatures cause engine oil, transmission fluid, and other vital fluids to thicken. This makes it harder for your engine to circulate lubrication during cold starts - especially if oil changes are overdue.
We also see more:
Coolant issues
Heater complaints
Check engine lights triggered by weather-sensitive sensors
At Silver Star, we specialize in European vehicles, and winter maintenance is especially important for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, VW, and other Euro cars that rely heavily on sensors and precise operating temperatures.
Our advice: Stay current on oil changes and make sure your coolant is properly mixed and tested for freezing protection.
Stay Ahead of Winter - Don't Let It Surprise You
Cold-weather breakdowns are stressful, inconvenient, and often preventable. A quick winter inspection or battery test can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
At Silver Star Automotive, we offer:
Battery testing and replacement
Tire inspections and pressure checks
Brake inspections
Fluid and coolant checks
Whether you drive a European vehicle or any other make and model, our experiences technicians are here to help you stay safe on Spokane roads all winter long.
Schedule your winter inspection today or text us at 509-835-5334 to book an appointment.
We'll help you catch small issues before winter turns them into big problems.
Winter car problems are frustrating, but most of them are preventable with a little preparation.
At Silver Star, our team takes pride in helping Spokane drivers stay safe and confident all winter long. Whether it's a quick battery test, a winter inspection, or diagnosing a problem before it becomes a breakdown, we're here to help.
If something feels off - trust your gut and give us a call or send us a text. Kendall and Great are standing by to help get you scheduled and taken care of, because we'd much rather catch it early than see you and your family stranded in the cold.
Stay warm, drive safe, and we'll see you at your next appointment.
Scott
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