The Effects of Wind Chill on Cars

Wind chill is a concept that was developed to help humans quantify the effect wind and freezing temperatures have on our bodies. When wind chill conditions are present, it has an effect on your car, because the car itself becomes colder, faster because of the wind.

Ignition

  • One major impact of wind chill on cars is how long it takes to start your car. When your car sits exposed for long periods of time on a cold day with wind chill effects, it will become more difficult to start. The cold air causes the engine oil to become thick, making it difficult to turn over, which causes the engine to start. Professionals recommend that a car be parked in a sheltered area in order to minimize the possibility of your car not starting.

Impact on Radiator and Water Pipe

  • There is no danger of damage to your car's radiator or water pipes because of wind chill, as long as they have been treated with anti-freeze. These components just get colder faster when wind chill conditions are present. However, these items will never get colder than the actual air temperature. For instance, if the air temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but the windchill is -15 degrees Fahrenheit, the radiator and water pipes will not drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Car Temperature

  • The same rules that apply to the car's radiator and exposed water pipes apply to the temperature of your car. Depending on where you park your car, you can minimize the impact the temperature has on your car. If your car is parked outside on a day when wind chill is in effect, it will take a matter of minutes before your car becomes as cold as the air temperature. Parking your car in a sheltered area, such as a garage, will prolong the amount of time it takes for the car to become as cold as the air temperature.