Winter is the busiest season for towing in Missoula — and that’s not by accident.
Cold temperatures, snow, and ice put extra stress on vehicles, often revealing problems drivers didn’t know were already there.
Understanding why car breakdowns in Missoula winter happen can help you prepare — and know when it’s time to stop driving and call for help.
1. Cold Temperatures Kill Weak Batteries
Cold weather reduces battery output. A battery that worked fine in summer can fail overnight once temperatures drop.
Signs of battery trouble include:
- Slow engine cranking
- Clicking sounds when starting
- Electrical glitches
This is one of the most common winter towing calls Speed’s Towing responds to.
2. Tire Pressure Drops Quickly
Cold air causes tire pressure to drop fast. Low PSI reduces traction, increases wear, and makes vehicles harder to control on snow and ice.
Underinflated tires also increase the chances of sliding off the road or getting stuck.
3. Fluids Thicken in Extreme Cold
Oil, transmission fluid, and coolant behave differently in freezing temperatures. Old or improperly rated fluids can cause:
- Hard starts
- Poor performance
- Overheating once the engine warms
These issues often show up during winter highway driving around Missoula.
4. Snow and Ice Hide Road Hazards
Winter roads conceal:
- Potholes
- Curbs
- Shoulders
- Ice-packed ruts
Hitting hidden obstacles can damage tires, suspension, or steering components — sometimes without immediate symptoms.
5. Drivers Push Vehicles Too Far
Many winter breakdowns happen because drivers try to “make it home” instead of stopping early.
Continuing to drive when something feels wrong often turns a minor issue into a full breakdown or recovery situation.
6. Winter Driving Errors Add Stress
Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and spinning tires place extra strain on engines and drivetrains — especially on icy Missoula roads.
Winter driving requires patience more than power.
7. Who to Call For Help
Speed’s Towing provides 24/7 help for winter breakdowns including:
- Dead batteries
- Vehicles stuck in snow
- Slide-offs
- Mechanical failures
When a Winter Breakdown Happens, Speed’s Towing Is Ready
Whether your car breaks down, slides off the road, or just won’t safely make it home, Speed’s Towing provides 24/7 tow truck service in Missoula for:
- Accident recovery
- Light & Medium-Weight towing
- Off-road winch-outs & Heavy Duty Tows
- Roadside assistance across Western Montana
When to Choose Speed’s Towing – (406) 529-7801
Choose Speed’s every time if you want the best of both world’s. We offer 24/7 towing because we know Montanans can need the best towing services day or night, rain or chine. For a local, trusted, and experienced tow truck company.
