Near freezing temperatures: in addition to the lubricants freezing up, the polyurethane compounds used in some coaster car wheels can get brittle in colder temperatures. Running the ride when the coaster wheels are too cold can cause splits and cracks in the wheels.

Roller coasters close in cold weather primarily due to physics and mechanical safety limits. As temperatures drop, the grease and oil used to lubricate the wheels and bearings become thicker and more viscous, significantly increasing friction. This causes the train to run "slow," which can prevent it from having enough momentum to clear hills or loops, potentially leading to a "valley" where the train gets stuck between two inclines. Additionally, the nylon or polyurethane wheels on many modern coasters can become brittle or lose their grip in extreme cold, increasing the risk of structural failure or a rough ride. Many manufacturers, such as B&M or Intamin, specify a "minimum operating temperature" (often around 4°C to 5°C or 40°F) to ensure the steel tracks and supports—which contract in the cold—don't suffer from excessive stress or cracking. In 2026, while some parks use "winter wheels" or heated storage bays for trains, most thrill rides remain closed during winter festivals to ensure that the rigorous safety margins required for high-speed operation are never compromised by the elements.