With winter right around the corner, now is the perfect time to prep your car for winter driving. After all, winter driving can be rough on your car, from the motor to its paint job. To ensure that your vehicle is ready for the upcoming season, we wanted to provide some tips.
Depending on how mechanically inclined you are, some of these tips can be easily implemented in your own driveway while others are best left to a professional.
6 Things to Do to Prep Your Car for Winter Driving
1) Test the Battery
Your car’s battery is literally the starting point of any journey you are going to embark on. Yet it is often much more difficult for a battery to function in cold weather than in warm weather. A battery that is merely weak during the summer can become a dead battery in winter. Fortunately, most auto parts stores offer free voltage tests anytime. And if your battery is lacking, they can replace it for you on the spot. Do not be left out in the cold with a car that won’t start.
2) Check Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is always important but even more so when it starts to get cold. Tire pressure drops along with the air temperature. In fact, it drops up to one pound per square inch with every 10 degree drop on the thermometer. Tires can also lose pressure during long periods of a vehicle sitting idle, something most of us have experienced during the pandemic. Driving on underinflated tires can lead to less responsive steering, premature wear, and even tread separation. Furthermore, if we do get some of the white stuff this year, properly inflated tires are a must for reliable traction.
3) Top Off Fluids
For obvious reasons, antifreeze should be the first fluid you check when the mercury begins to fall. Not only does this essential fluid keep your engine from freezing, but it also allows your heater to work properly. In an emergency cold weather situation, a low level of coolant in your radiator could hamper the ability of your car’s heater to keep the interior warm.
In that same vein, your gasoline tank should be kept as full as possible in case you need to run the engine for an extended period of time. Keeping your gas tank full also reduces the chance of condensation freezing in your fuel pump and causing major problems.
Lastly, be sure to check the level of windshield wiper fluid in the reservoir. Road debris from snow removal can mean constant washing to maintain visibility, and you might want to even consider using a deicing fluid for the colder months. These products can greatly reduce the wear and tear on the rubber components of your wipers.
4) Prep Windows
Winter road conditions can really limit visibility. That’s why it’s important that your car’s windows and mirrors are clean. Also, consider window tinting. While you might think window tinting is more suited for summer driving conditions, tinting your vehicle’s windows can provide year-round benefits. Professionally installed quality window tint works by blocking a significant percentage of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This is helpful in protecting your car’s interior and keeping it cooler, but it also cuts down on glare. The low angle of the winter sun and bright white snow on the ground can make it difficult to see. Tinting your windows can improve visibility and allow for safer winter driving.
5) Replace Burnt-Out or Weak Bulbs
Speaking of the sun, it sets quite a bit earlier in the wintertime, which makes proper road illumination essential. Now is a great time to check all your vehicle’s bulbs to make sure they’re working correctly. When inclement weather does strike, make sure that all lights are free of snow and ice. For older model cars, you may want to consider upgrading to LED bulbs and restoring or replacing foggy headlight lenses.
6) Don’t Forget Your Car’s Exterior
The chemicals and sand that are used on roads in winter can damage your car’s paint finish. Waxing your car after a thorough wash job can help to protect the finish. For an even greater buffer against winter elements, automotive paint protection film (PPF) is an affordable solution. This durable vinyl film protects the painted surfaces of your car year-round from bugs, chips from flying debris, dirt, and scratches, yet it’s maintenance-free.
PPF can be applied to your entire car exterior or to specific areas like the hood, bumpers, fender panels, rocker panels, headlights, painted side mirrors, and door sills.
3M Scotchgard™ Paint Protection Film helps keep your car looking as good as new on the outside. It’s tough, durable, and maintenance-free. Additionally, when we professionally install it for you at Auto Trim Design, it’s backed by a 10-year warranty.
We’ll Help You Choose the Right Window Tint or Paint Protection Film
We’d love to work with you to prep your car for winter driving by creating a custom window tint or PPF solution for your car or truck. There are numerous styles and options to choose from, ready to be installed by our skilled and experienced team.
Contact the experts at Auto Trim Design if you have any questions about car upgrades at (301) 662-7443 or fill out this brief form. We would love to hear from you. We are ready and available to help you with winterizing your vehicle or any other automotive enhancements. Our team is the absolute best when it comes to interior and exterior upgrades that add luxury, convenience, and safety features while enhancing your vehicle’s overall function and style.