Depending on where you live, winters can be particularly brutal. The thought of spending all of your time out in the freezing cold doesn’t sound very appealing, but that’s what millions of us subject our vehicles to throughout the season. The unfortunate reality is that the winter months can do a lot of damage to our vehicles, but thankfully, we have some tips for protecting your car from the cold. A small amount of preparation can make the rougher months a little easier.
Wash Your Car
Winter weather can be especially rough on your car. Piled-up snow may melt and then freeze and harden, which can damage your paint, while snow, dirt, and road salt can cause deterioration and rust. We often think of washing the car as a summer activity, but it can be equally vital in the winter. One of the advantages of washing your car in the winter is that it gives you an opportunity to identify salt damage to your vehicle. Catching the warning signs of salt damage early makes it easier to reduce the risk of long-term damage.
Monitor Your Tires
Cold air often causes your car’s tire pressure to drop. It’s easy enough to check your tire pressure with a gauge, and many gas stations or car washes have air pumps that you can use to get things up to an optimal pressure. One of the facts that you may not know about your car is that regular maintenance can help prevent most significant problems. Low tire pressure can cause your tires to wear out even faster and increase your fuel consumption, forcing you to spend more at the pumps.
Utilize Protection Options
When we get cold, it always feels good to wrap up in a big blanket. Interestingly, one of the best tips for protecting your car from the cold is to utilize the same principle. Some protective tarps or covers can help keep ice and snow off your parked car. If you don’t want to invest in a protective cover, many body shops can apply a clear ceramic coating that helps snow and water slide off your vehicle rather than stick to it.