Winter Proofing Your Car
Winter Proofing Your Car
Winter proofing your car could require more than just being under the protection of a metal carport.
Winter Proofing Importance
Winter proofing your car during these harsh winter months is important to protect your vehicle from the elements. The salt from the roads, and conditions such as wind, precipitation, and downright cold temperatures can damage your car. Even if the damage is not immediately apparent it could severely affect the longevity and reliability of your car overtime.
To ensure that you will get the best out of your car for years to come follow these winter proofing suggestions to safeguard your vehicle:
Check Your Battery
Winter proofing your car should start with checking your battery. No one wants to be stranded in the harsh winter climate trying to jump start their car or waiting for the tow truck.
Car batteries generally last from about 3 to 5 years and keeping track of their longevity will help your car run its best. You should have your charging system checked and clean any corrosion off of your battery. Advance Auto Parts can help you with winter proofing your car by checking your charging system for free and that pesky corrosion can be taken care of in no time with a little baking soda, water and a toothbrush.
Fluids
Keeping track of the oil in your vehicle is important when winter proofing your car. Using the manufacturer’s recommendation for oil if not a higher quality product is of utmost importance to keep your car running smoothly.
You can avoid a costly mistake by keeping a full reservoir of 50/50 antifreeze solution. Antifreeze comes premixed from the gas station or the auto part store and will suit you for up to -34° F.
It is important to invest in windshield washer fluid with de-icer because it won’t freeze in the tank or on your windshield. While you’re at it you might want to think about replacing those worn out wiper blades too.
Tires and Brakes
Get peace of mind this winter by making your tires and brakes a priority on your winter proofing check list.
Checking your tire pressure is more important when winter proofing your car than you might think. When the tire pressure is low, the tread starts to compress and compromises the tread design that is supposed to increase traction.
Get your brake pads checked. Just do it. Do we really need to explain why?!
Hoses and Belts
Cold temperatures have been known to put a strain on belts and hoses. Winter proof your car by taking a look under the hood and making sure your belts and hoses aren’t cracked frayed or worn out.
Covering Your Vehicle
Covering your vehicle with a metal carport is not necessarily winter proofing per say, but it does make your job of optimizing your winter proofing efforts a little easier.
Keeping your car out of the elements will save you time and hassle from having to scrape all of that snow off your car. Also keeping your car under a metal carport will help you with “winter proofing” by protecting your car from threats such as snow plows and salt trucks. Having your car exposed to salt or dirty snow in excess could cause paint corrosion or rusting.
A metal carport will make winter proofing your car much easier for you when you need to take a look under the hood or check those tires.
Don’t be left out in the cold this holiday season. Start winter-proofing your car now before winter hits in full force. Take a look online at carport.com to learn how a metal carport or garage can help protect your vehicle.