Winter months can be very harsh on your vehicle, but there are lots of things you can do to protect your car from the elements. So, if you’re sick of constantly having to remove ice from your car then follow these steps to protect it from freezing over.
WINTER CAR PROTECTION
If you have a garage or a vehicle shelter then it makes a lot of sense to clear the space out and keep your car here during the winter months. It may be a bit of a drag, but it can save you lots of precious time in the morning, meaning that you can have a few extra minutes in bed.
Not only will this stop ice from forming on your windshield, but the temperature of the car will stay higher which can stop the engine from freezing and helps the car to start first time. This is particularly important if you have a diesel car, as they don’t tend to perform as well at low temperatures.
USE THINNER OIL
Changing your oil to different viscosity can be extremely beneficial during winter months as thicker oils can solidify, which will seriously damage your engine. When picking an oil, check your owner’s manual for the recommended type of motor oil and then match it with the correct ‘W’ rating for your needs.
On multi-grade oils, the ‘W’ stands for ‘winter’ and the lower the number attached to it, the better it is for winter months. For example, 0W, 5W and 10W will flow well even at low temperatures whereas ‘W’ ratings above 10 will struggle and can have a negative impact on your engine.
CAR COVERS
If you haven’t got a garage then the next best solution is to purchase an insulating car cover. This will simply fit over the top of your car and can stop the temperature plummeting too far and will keep the ice off your vehicle. This is a great, cheap fix but it can be hassle to cover your car every night and it won’t work quite as well as a garage, but its miles better than having it exposed to the elements.
PREVENT FROZEN DOORS AND LOCKS
Rubbing alcohol or WD40 can be used to prevent your doors and locks from freezing shut. You can do this by spraying WD40 into the lock itself or onto the key which then should be put straight into the lock.
When protecting the doors apply WD40 or a silicone spray lubricant directly to the rubber seals on your door. This will help to stop water from setting against these and freezing directly to the metal, which can cause the doors to be frozen shut.
GIVE YOUR CAR A WINTER CHECK
One of the best ways to ensure that your car runs efficiently throughout the winter months is to give it to a professional mechanic for a full winter check. This will ensure that everything on your vehicle is as it should be and you are using the correct type of oil, brake fluid and steering fluid to deliver the performance you need on the roads.
At Nathaniel Cars our winter check is just £9.99 and will ensure that you get the most from your vehicle this winter. Get in touch with us today on 01656 662255 to find out more about this service and to book your car in as soon as possible.