As temperature drops in Columbus, a lot of drivers begin to have a sudden experience when the check engine lights turn on more frequently around some places such as King Ave, River Road, Olentangy, Worthington, and Clintonville. It feels random, but winter climate influences not only your engine sensors but the car battery, so the alert does not necessarily only indicate the engine problem but this can be a combination of both.
In both locations we observe the same pattern at Premier Tire and Autocare every year. The cold air, the old battery and minor problems related to the small engines will reveal themselves on the dashboard warning a long time before drivers will realize that something is unusual with the way the car performs.
A clear explanation on why this occurs and when it is time to have your vehicle checked is given below.
1. Cold Weather Can Trigger Sensor Alerts
Contemporary cars are highly dependent on the sensors that are linked to the air intake, fuel mixture, emissions system, and ignition. These sensors become stressed during the freezing weather and might provide inaccurate data.
The most common cold-weather triggers include:
Incorrect air-to-fuel ratio
Stiff or clogged EGR valves
Loose or worn gas cap
Oxygen sensor response delays
Misfires from weak ignition in cold starts
According to Car and Driver, extreme cold thickens engine oil, slows combustion, and puts more load on ignition components.
Car and Driver report that in extreme low temperatures, engine oil is thickened, and combustion is slow and places an additional burden on the ignition parts.
When your check engine light switches on immediately after starting your car, then it is normally your vehicle telling you that something is not functioning within the normal range.
2. Weak Car Batteries Trigger The Warning Lights More than People Realize
At freezing temperatures, a cold battery loses up to 35% of its power, and even more than that in sub-zero conditions. With a drop in voltage, your car computer is unable to run all the systems that it should and therefore it can turn on the check engine light, even if the engine is fine.
This is observed on daily basis at both Premier branches:
Delayed Cranking
Dim Lights Before Engine Start
Occasional Electric Problems
Warning Lights Appearing Only When Mornings are Colder
Consumer Reports supports this claim by confirming that cold weather is one of the top reasons for premature battery failure.
If your car is not starting well, your battery is going to be dead soon.
3. Four Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Turns On
You may driving near Grandview Heights, Upper Arlington, Clintonville, or River Road, these are the problems that our technicians diagnose most:
A. Failing Oxygen or MAF Sensor
A contaminated oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor decreases the fuel efficiency and gives rise to warning lights. Winter causes more failure in these sensors because of condensation and temperature changes.
B. Ignition Misfires
The cold engines require more spark. Misfires are caused by weak coils, damaged spark plugs or excessive oil and this instantaneously illuminates the check engine light.
C. Issues With the Emissions System
The warning can be triggered by a loose gas cap, small vapour leak or a blocked EGR valve. The shrinkage of seals that occurs in winter increases the likelihood of leakages.
D. Low Battery Voltage
A weak battery might simulate engine issues, give a non stable reading, and might also generate false error codes.
We have the best Car diagnostics in Columbus OH and this helps our team to find out the precise causes, not the guesswork.
4. When Should You Replace a Cold-Weather Battery?
We suggest you test your battery at our King Ave and Olentangy/ River road locations in case:
When it is morning the engine cranks slowly
There are flickering lights when starting the car
You can observe electric glitches
Your car’s battery is over 3 to 4 years
You have already jump-started your car this season
A failing battery puts extra stress on your alternator, starter motor, and ignition coils. Early replacement of this weak battery avoids breakdowns and protects the engine.
5. Why Both Issues Need Quick Attention
When there is a check engine light during winter, it is likely to be the initial sign of a bigger issue. Ignoring it can lead to:
Higher fuel consumption
Hard starts and stalling
Damaged catalytic converter
Alternator failure
Complete no-start situations
An initial diagnostic or battery test would help avoid costly fixes in the future.
Columbus Drivers Trust Premier Tire & Autocare for a Reason
At both our service locations, we offer:
Accurate diagnostics
Honest recommendations
Replacement of the battery in the same day
Engine repair and tune-ups
Preventive maintenance of winter.
We will push you ahead of the problem, whether it is the check engine light that is continuing to flash on River Road, or whether it is your battery that is not performing very well on a cold morning in Clintonville.
Stay Ahead of Winter Problems and Visit Premier Today
When your check engine is on, or your battery is weaker in the mornings, then do not wait until you break down. Come to your nearest Premier Tire and Autocare and get a full diagnostic and battery check up.
Your car will thank you the next time the cold snap comes.
