Winter can be tough on your vehicle. As temperatures drop, your car needs extra care to ensure it stays in good condition throughout the winter months. From keeping your engine in peak shape to protecting your interior, We’ll guide you through essential steps to winterize your vehicle – both for use and for storage.
Mechanical Maintenance for Winter Driving
Preparing your vehicle mechanically for cold weather is crucial for safety and performance.
Inspect and Replace Tires
The type of tires you use makes a big difference during winter. While all-season tires are versatile, snow tires and winter tires offer better traction in icy and snowy conditions. Winter tires are made with special rubber compounds and tread patterns designed to grip the road even when the temperature drops.
What Can You Do?
- Check Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures can cause the air in your tires to contract, causing lower tire pressure. It’s important to regularly check tire pressure to ensure they are properly inflated. Refer to your tire placard or owner’s manual for the recommended pressure levels.
- Switch to Snow Tires: If you live in an area prone to snow and ice, consider switching to winter tires to maintain control and stability during the winter months.
Check Battery Health and Maintenance
Harsh cold weather can reduce your car battery’s power output. Make sure your battery is in good condition before the winter hits.
What Can You Do?
- Test the Battery: Visit an auto parts store to test your battery’s charge and determine if it needs to be replaced.
- Use a Battery Tender or Trickle Charger: If your vehicle will be sitting idle for extended periods, a battery tender or trickle charger can help maintain the charge and prevent the battery from dying in freezing temperatures. This is especially helpful during long cold spells.
Oil Change and Fluid Checks
Cold weather can thicken engine oil, making it harder for the engine to turn over.
What Can You Do?
- Winter-Grade Oil: Consider switching to winter-grade oil, which is formulated to flow more easily in low temperatures.
- Check Transmission Fluid and Coolant: Make sure your transmission fluid and coolant are at proper levels to keep your engine protected.
- Check Wiper Fluid Reservoir: Top off your windshield wiper fluid with winter-rated fluid or other formula designed for freezing temperatures to ensure clear visibility during winter conditions.
Prepare for Emergency Situations
Winter storms can come in unexpectedly, so it’s great practice to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Include jumper cables, an ice scraper, and a winter emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, basic first aid supplies, and tow straps.
- Keep a Snow Brush and Ice Scraper Handy: These are essential for clearing snow and ice off your windshield and windows, ensuring visibility in winter weather.
Interior Maintenance for Cold Weather
Protecting the interior of your car from winter damage is just as important as exterior maintenance.
Clean and Protect Interior Surfaces
Winter weather can bring road salt, snow, and moisture into your vehicle, which can damage your car’s interior if not properly managed.
What Can You Do?
- Use Rubber Floor Mats: These mats are perfect for protecting your car’s carpet from snow, slush, and road salt.
- Deep Clean: Clean the interior surfaces regularly to prevent buildup from dirt and moisture, keeping your car’s interior in good condition throughout the winter months.
- Treat Leather Seats: Cold weather can dry out leather seats, leading to cracking and damage over time. We recommend prepping by cleaning your seats using the L2 Foaming Leather Cleaner, then following up with the L1v2 Leather Guard AB to lock in an abrasion and UV resistant matte finish.
Switch to Winter Wipers and Add Winter-Rated Wash Fluid
Your windshield wipers are critical for maintaining visibility during winter storms.
What Can You Do?
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- Upgrade to Winter Wipers: Winter wipers are designed to handle snow and ice, ensuring they won’t freeze or crack in cold temperatures.
- Fill Up with Winter-Rated Wash Fluid: Use a wiper fluid specifically designed to resist freezing, so your windshield stays clear even in freezing temperatures.
- Protect Your Windows Using G5: Our G5 Glass Coatin can last through the season and is easy to apply. This product helps your car glass be more snow and water resistant.
Maintenance for Winter Storage
If you’re planning to store your vehicle for the winter, taking the right precautions can prevent damage.
Store in a Protected Environment
Keeping your car in a safe, dry place can protect it from harsh winter conditions.
What Can You Do?
- Use a Storage Facility: A storage facility or garage is ideal for keeping your vehicle safe from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
- Consider a Car Cover: If a garage isn’t available, a car cover can protect your vehicle’s exterior from road salt and debris during winter months.
Use a Fuel Stabilizer and Disconnect Battery
When a vehicle sits for a long period, fuel can degrade and cause problems when you’re ready to use it again.
What Can You Do?
- Add a Fuel Stabilizer: Using a fuel stabilizer can prevent the gas in your tank from breaking down during extended storage.
- Disconnect the Battery: This will prevent battery drain during storage, but a battery tender can also be a good option if you plan to start the vehicle periodically.
Check Tire Pressure and Avoid Flat Spots
Proper tire care during storage helps prevent issues when it’s time to drive again.
What Can You Do?
- Maintain Tire Pressure: Regularly check the tire pressure during storage to prevent flat spots from forming.
- Move the Vehicle Occasionally: If possible, roll the vehicle a few feet every few weeks to prevent flat spots on the tires.
Give Your Vehicle a Thorough Clean and Apply a Ceramic Sealant
Before storing your vehicle for the winter months, a thorough clean is essential to protect the paint and undercarriage from damage.
What Can You Do?
- Wash: Clean the vehicle thoroughly to remove dirt, road salt, and grime. Pay special attention to the undercarriage to prevent corrosion from salt buildup. G Wash effectively neutralizes salt’s corrosive abilities.
- Apply a Ceramic Sealant: A ceramic sealant provides a durable layer of protection against moisture, road salt, and debris, helping maintain your vehicle’s exterior during long-term storage. This sealant can prevent oxidation and keep the paint looking fresh once you’re ready to bring the car out of storage.
- Interior Clean-Up: Clean the interior by vacuuming carpets and wiping down surfaces to prevent any lingering moisture or mold growth while the vehicle is stored.
Keep Your Car Winter-Ready with Proper Care
Preparing your vehicle for cold weather keeps it running smoothly and helps avoid costly repairs during the winter months. By following these steps, you can ensure your car remains in top condition even when faced with the toughest winter. Whether you’re storing your vehicle or driving it daily, proper preparation is key to a worry-free winter. Make sure you follow the guidelines in your owner’s manual, and don’t hesitate to visit your local auto parts store for any supplies you need.
With the right care, your car will be ready to handle whatever the winter months bring. Remember, taking the time to winterize your car can make all the difference in staying safe and avoiding problems throughout the season. Shop Gtechniq products to get winter ready!
