How Winter Can Damage Your Car Keep your car tip-top over the Winter season by being aware of potential ways it can damage your motor.
Introduction • The Winter season sometimes isn’t a lot of fun for anyone – least of all your car! • The perils of Winter weather can leave your car ravaged, but if you’re aware of what they are and how to keep on top of them you and your car can see it through.
Road Grit • There’s no denying that grit’s a great thing in the winter – it’s hard to even imagine how many accidents it prevents on the roads each year. • Unfortunately, it isn’t always the kindest on your car’s paintwork, and it also leads to plenty of people having to repair their auto glass. • Take care of your paintwork and underside of your car throughout the Winter while grit’s on the road – there are thorough instructions on how to do so here.
Tires • Depending on where in the world you are, you might need to upgrade your tires in the winter. • At the very least it’s advisable to switch to a pair of winter tires during the cold season, as standard tires might not offer the level of protection you need in changing conditions. • Some countries insist on using snow chains – and even if they’re not a legal requirement where you are, they certainly offer a benefit.
Things to check and replace • Before Winter takes its hold make sure your windscreen wipers, heater, jack, lights, high beam lights and defrosters are running at optimum levels – the last thing you want is for them to flake out mid-drive.
Locks • Over the winter months you’ve got to be prepared for locks to freeze up on occasion, especially when there’s been snow and ice. • It’s tempting to try to force the key into the lock and turn, but don’t – imagine the position you’ll be in if the key snaps or lock breaks completely. • The best bet is probably to carry a lighter with you. Warm the affected lock with this and wait for the ice to melt away. Alternatively, you can use a de-icer.
Car battery • Your car’s battery is one of the most important components of the entire vehicle, yet it’s unfortunately overlooked by many. • Winter weather will heavily effect your battery’s performance, so check it regularly. Batteries are only meant to run for a finite period of time, and the last thing you need is for it to fail when you need it most.
Anti-freeze • A staple of the Winter season for drivers, make sure you’ve always got plenty of anti-freeze in the car to defrost your car windows – you need to be able to see where you’re going at the best of times. • Another less-known form of the liquid is gasoline anti-freeze. This will ensure that the fuel in your tank performs at optimum levels even when the conditions outside would normally put a dampener on it.
Wrap up! • Finally, wrap-up warm yourself! Okay, it’s nothing to do with your car, but make sure that you’re warm enough at all times. The heaters in your car will go a long way, but if they unexpectedly malfunction with you wearing just a sweater and jeans you could be looking at a cold drive! • Always make sure there’s a warm coat in the car with you.