Manchester – September 12, 2026 -- Neglecting winter car maintenance in New Hampshire can turn a few dollars of savings into hundreds of dollars in repairs, according to Lewis Fortin of D & L Auto, Inc. in Manchester, NH.
Road salt quietly corrodes brake lines and suspension parts
Manchester's freezing temperatures, slush, and constant road salt accelerate corrosion underneath vehicles. Without regular undercarriage washing, salt and grime buildup can eat away at brake lines, exhaust systems, and suspension components, eventually compromising both cost and safety.
Cold air drops tire pressure and cuts stopping power
Cold air lowers tire pressure, reducing traction and control, while underinflated tires wear unevenly and struggle to stop safely on icy or wet roads. Fortin recommends switching to winter tires early in the season, since their rubber stays flexible in freezing temperatures for better grip than standard all-season tires. Once temperatures fall below 45 degrees, even good all-season tires lose effectiveness, and worn tires on slick roads can double stopping distances.
Frozen fluids and weak batteries lead to breakdowns
Engine oil thickens, transmission fluid becomes sluggish, and non winter-grade washer fluid can freeze in cold weather. Routine maintenance should include a cold-weather oil change, correct antifreeze levels, and topped-off washer fluid. Batteries also lose strength in freezing conditions, and terminal corrosion can prevent reliable starts, making a seasonal battery check and terminal cleaning essential.
Potholes from freeze-thaw cycles can bend rims and knock wheels out of alignment
Repeated freezing and thawing crack pavement, creating rough surfaces that stress suspension parts. Hitting a deep pothole can bend rims or damage shocks, so a tire inspection and alignment check after major snowstorms helps keep vehicles driving straight.
Preventive care costs a fraction of major repairs
Corroded brake lines, worn tires, and rusted suspension parts can each cost hundreds of dollars to replace, while undercarriage cleaning, brake inspection, and tire maintenance cost far less. Fortin recommends scheduling a maintenance appointment before the first major storm, followed by a mid-season checkup that includes tire rotation, battery testing, brake inspection, and fluid checks. Running the vehicle through a high-pressure car wash after heavy snow or salted roads also removes damaging residue. Neglected winter care can additionally lower resale value, since rust spots and visible corrosion signal poor maintenance to potential buyers.