If you don’t have a carport or a garage, or you live in an area with heavy snow, keeping your car protected from the winter elements can be a challenge. Too much snow and ice can wreak havoc on your car not only in terms of the engine, but it can also damage the car’s overall cosmetic appearance over time. At Fairfax Auto Repair, we offer a wide range of services that will help ensure your car runs smoothly throughout the winter months. The weather in Fairfax, Virginia can be unpredictable, so here are a few of the best ways to keep your car protected during the winter snow.
Apply a Coat of Wax
Just before wintertime, give your car a good, thorough wash and a new coat of wax. The wax will protect your paint job from damage, and it’ll create a protective barrier against the elements like sleet, freezing rain, snow, and ice. You can apply the wax yourself or use a professional service to ensure that it’s applied thoroughly and correctly.
Add a Protective Cover
The snow and other winter elements can wreak havoc on your car’s appearance. And if you don’t have a garage, your vehicle is constantly exposed to the weather no matter what season it is. Invest in a high-quality cover for your vehicle based on your make and model. Place it over your car every evening and during the day if the weather outside is especially harsh.
Check Your Fluid Levels
Replace your summer windshield wiper fluid with a special winter formula so it doesn’t freeze when the temperature gets cold. Maintain proper antifreeze and oil levels in your car throughout the winter season. This will help to prevent any damage to the engine. Also, keep your gas tank at the halfway level or higher to prevent the gas line from freezing.
Protect Your Tires
Not only is making sure your tire tread and air levels are optimum important, but it’s also essential that the rubber and sidewalls are protected during the winter snow. You can do this by applying a special oil that keeps the tire rubber supple in cold temperatures. This will prevent the tire from cracking or even potentially collapsing in extremely cold weather.
Keep Windows Clean
A good hack to keep your car’s windows clean during the snow is to place a large towel over the front and back windshield when snow is in the forecast. This makes it super-easy to remove the next day when you have to head out to work. If you don’t have a towel or forget to use one, always use a plastic scraper to remove the snow from your windows and the rest of your car. Metal is not recommended as this can scratch your paint job and could even cause damage to the windows themselves.
