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Practical Steps to Winter Car Care

The following is a short guide to some practical winter car care steps
you can take to protect your car over the winter period.

Salt - One Of Your Cars' Worst Enemies

While most of us cringe at the thought of using a local hand wash
garage, most good hand car washes offer a high-pressure wash to
flush the underside of your vehicle if you ask them to. If you
don't have a hand car wash within your are or even one that will be
prepared to offer you an undercarriage wash, find a do-it-yourself
wash and use the high-pressure hose that you would normally use to
wash the body with, alternatively buy a head attachment for your
hose pipe at home to flush the underside of the car as best as
possible.

I would recommend you wash your car as often as possible in winter
as many of us tend to slack off from our regular wash routine in
the winter months because of the cold, wet weather. When you are
blessed with a dry day, try and find the time to wash or have your
car washed. Easier said than done, I know. But well worth the time.

Protect Against The Harsh Winter Weather

Keeping your car waxed and the rubber and vinyl treated is the best
way to maintain a healthy exterior finish. Traditional carnauba
based waxes may not hold up in harsh winter conditions, so if you
have not already done so, you may wish to change over to a
synthetic wax or sealant for winter protection. Unlike carnauba
waxes, a polymer or acrylic resin sealant can shield against water
and road salts. A high quality sealant should last through about
three months of a harsh winter.

We have now added a new section to the website which lists
some of the most popular Paint Sealants in one place.

Additionally application of wax is not as effective in the winter
months due to the low temperatures, unless of course you have a
heated garage you can work in. However I would recommend that you
still make this one of your winter care jobs as it is better to
have some protection, than none at all. Quick detailer sprays are
also a great way to buff up the paint and restore a thin film of
protection as well.

Other parts of your cars' exterior such as the bumpers, trim and
rubber door seals also need extra protection when the temperature
drops. These materials are affected by extreme temperatures and the
sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation causes fading,
hardening and cracking, especially in the winter with a reduced
ozone layer. When properly maintained, door, bonnet and boot seals
will maintain their shape and elasticity longer, providing a better
seal.

Interior - Although Inside, They Also Need More Care In Winter

Winter is also hard on car interiors. The cold, dry air of winter
also tends to pull out the moisture from your leather and vinyl. It
therefore also important to treat the interior prior to the onset
of freezing temperatures. Once the daytime temperatures dip to near
freezing, leather and vinyl will not gain a lot of benefit from the
application of leather conditioners or vinyl protectant at that temperature,
I would therefore advise you get this done now whilst we have a relatively
mild spell.

Wheels & Tyres - At The Sharp End Of The Harsh Winter Weather

Your cars' tyres are also exposed to the full force of winter
elements. Liberal use of a high quality tyre dressing not only
keeps them looking good during the harshest weather but also
provides a barrier to the elements and to ozone, that can cause
rubber to deteriorate. Use a dressing with good a UV protection
system built in to ensure adequate protection. Apply to both front
and back of tyres with a liberal application of dressing. Allow
the dressing to soak in for good 5 to 10 minutes before wiping off
the excess, during winter the tyre dressing make take longer to
cure, some in some cases the 5 to 10 minutes may not be long enough.

Inspect your windshield wipers before the snow and rain come.
Replace them if there's any sign of wear. While you're at it, check
your wash fluid and add a winter screen wash making sure you put at
least double the normal dose in due to the freezing temperature's
and check that antifreeze. A good winter screen wash will help cut
through road salt, road grime and mud.

Other practical steps to keep you safe and motoring

If your car is more than six years old, make sure you check the
battery. Every winter, there comes those especially brutal sub-zero
morning's that drains the last bit of power from any weak car
battery. Even if your battery is relatively new, you should inspect
it before winter arrives. Make certain the terminals and posts are
free of corrosion (clean with baking soda and water) and the
terminals are tight.

If you have a car or bike that is not used regularly over the winter
months - consider using a battery tender charger. These clever
devices will keep your battery topped up and in perfect condition
over the winter without over charging and can extend the life of
your battery.

Have the cooling system checked for the correct concentration and
level of antifreeze. If your vehicle needs additional coolant,
follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the ratio of water to
coolant. If your coolant is more than two years old, it should be
flushed and refilled.

Changing the oil and filter before winter is the single most
important step in prolonging your vehicle's engine life. Most
manufacturers recommend an oil change every 5,000 to 15,000 miles
or once a year, whichever comes first. Your oil service interval
will depend on the age and manufacturer of your car.

And finally to your rubber gear!

Worn tyres won't give you the traction you need on wet,
icy roads. If your tyres are worn, replace them with a good set of
all-weather tyres. For extra grip in the snow, get a set of snow
tyres. Snow tyres should always be used in a complete set of four.
If you live in a rural area you may want to keep a set of tyre
chains in your boot, just in case!. Likewise, correct tyre pressure
ensures optimum handling, stopping power and unnecessary wear.
Remember to check pressure frequently because cold air causes it to
drop.

When travelling in winter, remember to always carry with you an ice
scraper, waterproof jacket, warning signs, some small snacks to
eat, warm flask, boots and a thick blanket just in case you get
stuck in any snow.

We hope this has provided you with some useful information on
winter car care for your motor over the coming months.

Best wishes

Rob & Ali