Car trouble in Spokane
Spokane's winters are long, cold and snowy, and the roads are treated heavily. NOAA's engineering weather data for Spokane lists an average of about 72 freeze-thaw cycles a year and a 50-year ground snow load of 42 pounds per square foot. Those numbers describe buildings, but they say a lot about what cars here drive through for months each year.
Deicer and corrosion
During one December 2021 snow event, City of Spokane crews put down 544 tons of granular deicer, sand and salt and 173,709 gallons of liquid deicer. That material ends up on the underside of every car on the road. Liquid deicers cling to metal and creep into seams and connectors. Over a few winters, brake lines, brake caliper hardware, exhaust parts, suspension bolts and electrical connectors can corrode. Rinse the underside regularly during the season. At brake service, ask the shop to inspect the brake lines and to clean and lubricate the caliper slides, which can seize with corrosion and wear pads unevenly.
Studded tires
Studded tires are legal in Washington only from November 1 to March 31, and the state allows no individual exceptions to those dates. The tire swap at each end of the season is a good time to have brakes, suspension and tire wear checked. Uneven wear can mean the alignment is off.
Freeze-thaw and potholes
Freeze-thaw cycles break up pavement. Potholes damage tires, bend wheels and knock suspension and steering parts out of alignment. If the car pulls, the steering wheel is off-center, or you hear clunks over bumps, have the suspension and alignment checked.
Batteries and cold starts
Long cold spells are hard on batteries and starters. A battery that's a few years old should be tested before winter. Use the oil grade the owner's manual specifies for cold weather. If the engine cranks slowly on cold mornings, have the battery and charging system checked before it fails.
Heat and defrost
A heater that blows lukewarm air, or a windshield that won't clear, is a safety problem in a Spokane winter. Weak heat can mean low coolant, a thermostat stuck open or a clogged heater core. A slow defroster may mean the air conditioning compressor isn't running, since the defroster uses it to dry the air. Get both checked before the first hard freeze.
Summer driving
Spokane summers can be hot and dry, and long highway trips load the cooling system and air conditioning. Check coolant condition and the AC before summer road trips.
Choosing a shop
Ask how the shop diagnoses problems, whether they charge for diagnosis, and whether they'll call you before doing anything beyond the estimate. Ask what the warranty covers, in writing.