Chicago’s Worst Winter in Years : What It’s Doing to Your Old Car

This winter has been merciless. Subzero temps, ice-slick streets, slush mixed with salt, potholes forming on every corner ; it’s a full stress test on your car. The cold doesn’t just make the drive miserable. It shines a spotlight on every worn-down, overlooked, or aging component your car has been limping along with.

Why winter pushes old cars to the limit

Batteries and cold starts: As the mercury drops, weak batteries struggle — slow cranks, delayed starts, or worse: a dead battery. That hesitation you get on a frosty morning isn’t just annoying, it’s risky.
Tires and traction: Old tires lose grip fast on ice or compacted snow. Worn tread, thin rubber, or under-inflation make every turn or stop a roll of the dice. Add black ice or slush and a worn-out tire becomes a danger.
Suspension and rough roads: Winter means potholes, uneven asphalt, and icy streets , the kind of roads that punish tired suspension, worn shocks, or weak struts. What might have been a soft bump pre-winter becomes a throw-you-around ride now.
Heating, defrost & comfort systems: A slow heater, weak defrost, or delayed warm-up isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a safety hazard when visibility drops.

When your car is already carrying wear and tear, winter doesn’t wait. It moves in, and flat tires, sluggish engines, poor handling, and icy commutes become part of the daily grind.

Why Now Is the Time to Upgrade : And What to Look For

Here’s the thing: a modern used SUV or all-wheel drive sedan isn’t just “nicer.” In a winter like this, it can be a real-world upgrade in safety, comfort, and peace-of-mind. That’s where Exclusive Autohaus comes in. If you’re thinking about trading up or ditching that winter headache, now’s a great moment. They’ve got solid, pre-owned AWDs, SUVs and sedans built to handle snow, ice, and cold and doing it at prices that make sense.

A few winter-ready rides from Exclusive Autohaus’s lot

2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i — AWD, newer model year, good mileage, and comfort features make this SUV a smooth ride through snow and cold.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee — a durable, rugged SUV built for tougher conditions, ideal if you hit unplowed streets, drive suburbs or rural outskirts, or want reliable winter performance.
2015 Honda CR-V LX — a practical, budget-friendly SUV that’s easier on payments but still offers extra space and stability compared to a compact sedan.
2021 Mercedes‑Benz GLB 250 4MATIC — AWD, premium features, modern safety and comfort, and more capable handling for snowy/subzero commutes.

These aren’t brand-new-car prices. They’re reasonable used cars built to handle winter — which means you can get real value and real performance without overspending.

What This Upgrade Buys You : More Than Just A New Car

Traction and control: AWD/4WD distributes power to all wheels, giving you better grip when roads are slick or snow-covered. That’s a huge edge when braking or accelerating on icy surfaces.
Reliability in cold conditions: Newer or well-maintained used cars often have stronger batteries, newer tires, and suspension that hasn’t yet been stressed — fewer breakdowns in the dead of winter.
Comfort and safety: Heated seats, defrost systems, and cabins built for winter make driving in harsh weather a lot less grueling — and help you stay alert, warm, and safe.
Avoiding unexpected costs: Instead of paying for a battery jump, towing fees, emergency tire or suspension repairs in freezing weather — you get predictable payments and a dependable ride.

This winter isn’t going anywhere soon. If your car has been acting up — slow starts, shivering engine, sketchy handling, or worn tires — you’re betting on luck every time you leave the driveway. Upgrading to a winter-ready SUV or AWD sedan now means fewer surprises, more control, and actual peace of mind for the rest of the cold season.

Confirm cars and features availability at Exclusive Autohaus; you will find more options on our website!