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A long, cold and dark winter is tough on everyone, but it can be especially rough on your car.
The low temperatures, extra salt on the roads and wet conditions can all impact on the functionality of your pride and joy.
However, there are several things you can do to ensure your wheels make it through to Spring in tip-top condition. We’ve teamed up with Cavan Credit Union to give you some handy tips on how to winterproof your car and beat the cold this season.
Protect that paint.
A shiny car is a happy car, but winter occurrences like snow, ice and dirt, and the salt that will be laid on the roads over can damage the look of your paintwork.
You can combat this by using a good layer of wax to protect the exterior from these elements. A ceramic coating is also a great way to battle the cold weather and gives longer lasting protection.
Keep it clean.
While salted roads are a vital part of winter driving in Ireland, they can also be terrible for your car.
Salt is a highly corrosive substance and can cause your car’s metal to rust. Thankfully it’s easy to stop this from happening. Simply washing your car will wash away the salt, the more often you wash the less likely you are to see rust!
Check for chips.
Again, we’re going to mention the salted and gritted roads. However, the fact is you’re more likely to get a crack or chip in your windscreen or windows due to the extra debris around the place.
In colder conditions, these chips will worsen and lead to major cracks, so make sure you regularly scan your windows for damage.
Be wiper wary.
The more it rains, the more you use your wipers, the quicker they get worn out. The general advice on windscreen wipers is to replace them at least every six months but if you hear squeaking, then it is time to change them.
Being stuck with wipers that aren’t doing the job properly is not a scenario you want to be in.
Don’t freeze up.
This one is for when it gets reallllly cold. You don’t want ice forming inside your car, anti-Freeze or coolant helps to prevent that from happening. By mixing some with water and adding it to your car’s radiator, you’ll reduce the liquid’s freezing point. In turn, protecting your engine from long lasting damage. Win-win!
Check the important parts
While all parts of your car are important, some are absolutely critical and you need to ensure they’re going to be able to withstand a long and cold winter.
We’re talking about things like:
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Oil levels
- Lights
- Heating
A quick weekly check is a great way to give you peace of mind that everything is working how it should.
How’s your battery?
We've already mentioned this, but it's worth repeating. Car batteries and cold weather don’t get along.
A dead battery could leave you stranded with no heat and the capacity of your battery can be affected by cold periods. If a battery is more than three years old, it's advised to have it replaced.
Park smart.
Where you park your car can have a big impact on how it fares during winter. Plus, you can reduce the impact winter will have on your car by parking in smart places.
If you have a garage or a cover for your car, then use it. If not, try to park it in a sheltered space. Spots like in behind a tall hedge or a wall are perfect so your car will be protected from the elements.
Pack a blanket.
Let’s just say the worst happens. You’ve broken down by the side of the road and you’re going to have to wait for assistance…Well, in that case you’re going to be very glad you packed that emergency spare blanket under the seat or in the boot.
Thinking of upgrading your car in 2021?
If you think you could do with an upgrade or you just fancy a new set of wheels the team at Cavan CU could have a car loan that’s perfect for you.
You can learn more here.
