JYNews-Winter Storm Fern has buried parts of the US in snow and ice, but the real danger isn’t just on the roads—it’s happening inside your parked car.
Even if your car was sitting safely in the driveway, the extreme freeze could have caused silent damage that you won’t notice until it’s too late. Mechanics are already reporting a spike in repairs.
Here are the 3 hidden damages you need to check right now before you drive.
1. The “Invisible” Windshield Cracks
Did you pour warm water on your windshield to melt the ice? Or maybe you blasted the defroster on “High” immediately? Bad news: You might have just caused “Thermal Shock.”
Extreme cold shrinks the glass, and sudden heat expands it. This causes microscopic chips—which you can’t even see—to suddenly expand into massive spiderweb cracks.
- What to do: Inspect your windshield closely for tiny chips before driving. Never use hot water; use a plastic scraper or alcohol-based de-icer spray.
2. The Silent Battery Killer (Check This Immediately!) ⚠️
This is the #1 reason cars are failing to start this week. Batteries hate the cold. At 32°F, a car battery loses 35% of its strength. At 0°F, it loses 60%.
If your battery is more than 3 years old, the freezing temperatures of Storm Fern likely drained its remaining life.
- The Warning Sign: When you turn the key, does the engine sound “sluggish” or slow to crank? Do not ignore this.
- The Fix: If it sounds weak, drive it for at least 20 minutes to recharge it, or get it tested at an auto parts store immediately. If you ignore it, you will be stranded in the next freeze.
3. The “Low Pressure” Danger
Have you noticed your “TPMS” (Tire Pressure) light is on? It’s not a malfunction. Science says that for every 10°F drop in temperature, your tires lose 1 PSI of pressure. With the massive temperature drop from Winter Storm Fern, your tires could be dangerously underinflated.
Driving on underinflated tires on icy roads is a recipe for disaster. It reduces traction and can permanently damage the sidewalls of your tires.
- What to do: Go to a gas station and fill your tires to the recommended PSI (usually found on the sticker inside your driver’s side door) before you get on the highway.
Summary: Winter Storm Fern is gone, but its damage remains. Take 5 minutes to walk around your car and check these three things. A simple check now could save you a $500 repair bill later!

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