The most common car problems in winter and how to avoid them

Written by MH Autoteknik Aps · Updated 22 April 2026

Winter is hard on your car. Cold, moisture, salt, and short trips can quickly create problems, and it often happens at the worst times, right when you just need to get going. Fortunately, many of the typical winter problems can be avoided if the car is prepared in time.

In this guide we go through the most common challenges in winter, and what you can concretely do to reduce the risk of breakdowns, poor performance, and unnecessary workshop visits.

1. The battery dies

Cold temperatures are one of the biggest causes of starting problems in winter. When it gets cold, the battery's performance drops significantly, and a battery that's already a bit weak is quickly exposed.

Typical signs can be:

• The car starts slowly
• You only hear a clicking sound when you turn the key
• There's almost no response from the car

You can reduce the risk by having the battery tested before winter, avoiding lots of short trips, and turning off unnecessary electronics.

2. Starting problems in the cold

Besides the battery, other things can also make it harder for the car to start in freezing weather. Worn spark plugs on petrol cars, glow plugs on diesel cars, and incorrect or old oil can all play a role.

• Make sure you get regular service
• Use the correct oil
• React to early starting problems in time

3. Fog and poor visibility

Moisture in the car often causes fog on the windows, which can be both annoying and directly dangerous. The cause can be a weak air conditioning system, moisture in the cabin, or a clogged cabin filter.

Here it can help to:

• Use the air conditioning in winter too
• Replace the cabin filter
• Make sure the cabin is kept as dry as possible

If the system isn't working as it should, it may be worth reading more about when the car should have AC service.

4. Poor road grip

Cold roads and slippery conditions place great demands on tyres and brakes. Poor road grip gives a longer stopping distance and less control over the car.

The most important thing you can do is:

• Use winter tyres
• Check tread depth
• Drive according to conditions

5. Brakes that rust or bind

Moisture and salt can affect the brakes during the winter half of the year. That can lead to rust on the brake discs or brakes that stick and don't work as they should.

Typical signs are:

• A grinding sound
• Uneven braking

Here it can help to use the brakes regularly and have them checked at service.

6. DPF problems on diesel cars

Winter driving with lots of short trips can cause problems with the particulate filter. If the car doesn't get properly warm, it has a harder time regenerating, and the filter can start to clog up.

• Clogged particulate filter
• Check engine light
• Reduced power

You can prevent it by driving longer trips occasionally, letting the car warm up, and reacting to warnings.

7. Frozen locks and doors

Cold and moisture can cause locks and door seals to freeze. It's rarely the biggest mechanical problem, but it's a classic winter annoyance.

• Use lock oil
• Avoid moisture in the locks as much as possible

That's why winter preparation matters

Many problems don't occur because the car is "bad", but because it isn't prepared for cold and moisture. By doing a little beforehand, you can significantly reduce the risk.

• Avoid breakdowns
• Save money
• Increase safety
• Get a more trouble-free winter