Winter Car Care Tips
Winter is by far the harshest season your vehicle will experience if you live in the Snow Belt. For this reason, extra care must be taken to prevent your vehicle from suffering the ill consequences of rust and damage to the paint. If you store your vehicle during the winter, these concerns do not apply, but there are still some house keeping items that should be accomplished to keep the car mechanically sound for the next driving season.
Driven Vehicles
Get a fresh coat of wax or paint sealant before winter hits. This will give added protection to the paint and prevent road grime from embedding in the paint.
Get frequent washes to prevent salt build-up, which accelerates the damaging thaw-freeze cycle.
Apply Rain-X to exterior glass. This will aid in ice and snow removal, and increase visibility in the snow and rain.
Install fresh wiper blades before the snow hits. Silicone blades are the best at keeping ice and snow at bay without streaking or missed spots.
Never use the snowbrush on the paint of the vehicle. If a lot of snow exists, brush the bulk of it off, but stop before reaching the paint.
Stored Vehicles
Always change the oil before storing the vehicle. This keeps acidic particles in the old oil from damaging the engine.
Use a fuel stabilizer, even if the car will only be stored for a few months. Untreated fuel will turn into varnish over time.
Store the car indoors if possible, and always use a properly chosen car cover.
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, or use a battery tender to make sure you do not prematurely ruin your battery. One season will do it.
Thoroughly detail the vehicle to prevent contaminants from setting into the paint, and stains from setting into the carpet. It will also prevent smells from developing.
Never store the vehicle with the hand brake engaged. It will stretch the cable out and possible cause the brakes to stick.
Store the vehicle with the fuel tank almost empty. You need just enough gas to get to the pump in the spring.