After all of the snow that came with the “Beast from the East last year, everyone is on high alert for when the next lot of snowfall is due in the UK. Already there have been several rumours of the dreaded white stuff blanketing the UK in the coming weeks, and some places have already seen some snowfall. Needless to say that this has already caused plenty of disruption on the roads. Wintry conditions in general can take their toll on your car, so we’ve come up with a few recommended ways that you can weatherproof your car and get prepared for the cold season.
Battery Check
A bad battery can easily ruin your day in the winter. If you don’t want to run the risk of behing behind the wheel of a lifeless car either at home, or when you’re out and about, then the battery is the first thing that you should have checked and replaced if necessary. Although it’s easy for anyone to check for the obvious signs of corrosion on the battery, sometimes it’s not easy to check the efficiency by yourself, so it’s well worth taking your car to a professional. They will be able to check the voltages of your battery and ensure that it’s in tip-top condition so that it doesn’t let you down on those cold mornings.
Carry a Shovel
When driving in the snow, getting stuck is not something that you will want to happen. This is why it’s important to minimise your risk of getting stranded, even if you do manage to get stuck in snow. Carrying a shovel in your car will mean that you have the equipment to get yourself out of a sticky situation at a time when there are generally far less people our and about using the roads.
Change your Wiper Blades
Visibility is key when it comes to driving in any conditions, let alone severe weather conditions. Upgrading your wiper blades to winter ones is a great way to increase your view when visibility is typically at it’s worst. While you’re there, take the time to check your screenwash level and top up as necessary. Don’t forget that you’ll need a more concentrated solution at this time of year compared to the summer.
Heavy Duty Floor Mats
If you’re serious about keeping the interior of your car in good condition, then a heavy duty floor mat is a must. These door mats are designed to trap dirt, mud, road salt and sand so that it doesn’t all end up on your car’s carpets. These mats tend to be made of strong materials that do not crack harden or curl even in the most severe of conditions. As well as helping protect your car’s interior a heavy duty floor mat can even be used under the driving wheels of your car to gain traction and pull away if you get stuck in the snow.
Use Thinner Oil
The viscosity of oil changes with the temperature. Engine oil tends to thicken up in colder temperatures, which means that your car’s engine components have to work harder just to get the oil to circulate and lubricate all of the necessary parts. If possible, switch to a slightly thinner oil the next time you service your car and you will find that it runs a lot smoother in the colder weather. While you’re changing the oil don’t forget to change the oil filter as well.
Look after the Bodywork
When it comes to cars, rust tends to be a problem over time. The UK’s roads are treated with salt and other mixtures that contain salt during the colder months. These salts are great for maintaining grip and traction, but they can do serious damage to your car over time. Salt removes the fine layers of pant from your car, exposing the bare metal to the elements, which rusts quickly due to the fact that it goes from wet to dry frequently. To prevent your car from rusting as much as possible, give it a good polish and wax before the cold weather really sets in. This will give your car’s paintwork an extra layer of protection.