How To Keep Your Cars Protected From Bad Weather

Although most modern cars are built to withstand pretty much anything that the weather can throw at them, it is still prudent to ensure your vehicle is protected when not in use. As with anything, if you take care of it, it will last longer, and as your car is likely the most expensive item you have ever bought, you probably want to keep it in good shape. In that regard, what are some things you can do to keep your car looking and performing at its best?

Keep It Inside When Possible

Nowadays, very few people store their automobiles in garages; most garages are too cluttered to accommodate them. Unfortunately, the conditions that your car will be subjected to by leaving it outside during the winter will reduce the life of your vehicle over time. Therefore, if you own a home with a garage, your best option is to keep your vehicle inside when it is not in use. There are many benefits of keeping your car inside your garage during bad weather. It prevents your vehicle from getting damaged due to snow, ice, and other forms of precipitation. Not only does it save your car from incurring damages, but it also saves you the hassle of having to clean up after snow or rainstorm.

If your garage is full of clutter, you should make an effort to clean it up, so you are ready to park your car inside. If you have two vehicles in your household, you might even want to consider upgrading your door to a standard two car garage size to accommodate the second vehicle. Fluids in your automobile thicken when the temperature drops, making driving less efficient. This applies to all fluids, including antifreeze, oil, power steering, gearbox, and braking fluids, among others. Keeping your automobile in the garage will keep those fluids warm, allowing your vehicle to function correctly. There are different types of issues with hot weather, such as cosmetic damage, that can still be very costly to repair. So do yourself a favor and create space in your garage to store your car.

Before The Bad Weather Hits, Wash And Wax It

Ok, so to be honest, nobody enjoys spending time and effort getting their car looking its best only for the heavens to open and ruin all of your cleaning work. Nevertheless, if you know that bad weather is approaching or coming into a harsh winter, washing and waxing could help keep your paintwork in top condition. The idea behind waxing your car is to protect it from bad weather conditions. You can use a protective layer of wax on top of your paint to help prevent rain, snow, and pollution from doing damage to your vehicle. Waxing your car will not only protect the paint job but also make it look shiny and new. Waxing your vehicle will help protect the paint job by keeping water out of the cracks in your car’s paint. You can also use wax as protection against insects attracted to the vehicle’s shine.

Refill And Replace Old Fluids

Winter weather puts additional demand on your vehicle’s fluids. Fluids that aren’t built to withstand the cold will travel more slowly or freeze in your system when the temperature drops. If you reside in an area where winter temperatures are below freezing, ensure your car’s fluids are up to the task. This even includes replacing your windscreen washer fluid with something more suited to the cold and contains some form of antifreeze. This will also make your life much easier when it comes to cleaning off the ice and snow each morning!

Tire Pressure Should Be Checked

When you’re anticipating a snowstorm, your tires must be in good operating order. When the weather turns chilly, the pressure drops. When this is combined with treacherous, icy roads, it may result in a slew of problems for your vehicle and your safety. To avoid this, check your tire pressure often and get it to the correct pressure when it drops too low. In certain conditions, you may want to deflate them slightly to increase the surface area on the road. However, before you do anything, make sure that you refer to your manufacturer’s handbook for details.

Purchase A Car Cover For The Winter

As mentioned in the first point, parking your car inside a garage is the best option. However, what can you do if you don’t have access to one? Well, fortunately, the solution is affordable and straightforward. You can buy a car cover for your particular model online, and while not as good as being indoors, they can go a long way in protecting your pride and joy from harsh weather conditions. It is vital that you spend a bit of money and get a high-quality one as they will be made from more durable material that will protect your car better and allow you to use it for many years.

Purchase A Car Umbrella For The Summer

If you have never heard of a car umbrella before, you are in for a treat. Basically, it is just what you might imagine it to be, and you place it on top of your car while it is parked. While you can use a full cover, these umbrellas are far more convenient. They are only really suitable during the summer months as they are not incredibly durable; however, they are still beneficial to protect against heat damage and falling debris. Regarding the latter point, they are helpful for people who have to park their cars on the street underneath trees, as they will stop falling leaves and other detritus from damaging your paintwork.

Look After The Battery

As a whole, car batteries are pretty durable pieces of equipment that can hold up to most things thrown at them. However, it is still wise to regularly inspect your battery for signs of wear and tear and how it is performing. Checking your battery is the quickest method to prevent ending up with a vehicle that won’t start when you need to get to work! Therefore, make it a point to check your battery regularly.

The best way to keep your car safe from all types of bad weather is to keep it in a garage. If this is not possible, you can always use a cover as a substitute. In any case, you should check your fluids, tires, and battery to make sure they remain in good working order.

Author Bio: Ester Adams is a farmer of words in the field of creativity. She is an experienced independent content writer with a demonstrated history of working in the writing and editing industry. She is a multi-niche content chef who loves cooking new things.

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash