As the winter days continue and the snow and ice come and go there are things to keep in mind to ensure your safety as well as maintaining your car in top condition. The cold temperatures have an effect on your vehicle just as they do on everything else.
Ensure your car is washed regularly. The salt in the road grit can damage the finish on your car and will induce rusting. Take care the undercarriage is cleaned very well to prevent rust from forming on unpainted surfaces. A good wax will also protect the finish from both the elements and salt.
On very cold days allow the car to warm up a minute before driving off. The oil and transmission fluids protect best when warmed so they will not be so thick. The extra minute after starting but before driving your vehicle will prevent excessive wear and tear on internal lubricated parts of the engine and transmission.
Often times you do not drive as often in the winter months. The extra time sitting combined with cold moist air can cause corrosion on battery terminals. If there is a white flake or build up give the terminals a good cleaning so the battery can charge properly when driving to prevent a dead battery from delaying you. A baking soda and water mixture can be used to scrub the posts and cable ends clean with very little effort and far less time than arranging for a jump start on a cold day.
Check your tire pressure regularly as is tends to vary a lot more in cold weather. Under inflated tires will wear excessively fast and reduce control of your vehicle in wintery conditions. Over inflated tires will not stop as fast.
Check your hydraulic struts on the bonnet and boot. Cold weather can cause them to leak or wear and replacing them prior to accidently shutting fingers in or having them bump into your head when arms are full is a good idea. Car gas spring replacements are a simple fix with very basic tools.
Check windscreen for stone chips. Stone chips are easily repaired but will turn into cracks in the cold weather quickly that may require replacement of the wind screen completely.
Taking extra care with your car in the colder months will reduce repair costs down the road and add to the life of your vehicle as well as ensure the safety of you and your passengers.
