How To #1: How To Keep Your Vehicle From Winter Wear

     

  Living in Northern Canada poses its challenges year round, but the winter months are especially difficult. Harsh winter months wreak havoc on our property. Our vehicles are subjected to a wide array of wear and tear during the winter. Snow, ice, salt, and poor road conditions all contribute to the damaging effects of old man winter. Keeping your vehicle in tip top shape in the winter will help to protect your investment, help keep you safe, and keep you looking great even on the harshest days.

                         

                Before winter hits you should take a few preventative measures to get your vehicle ready.  If you prepare in advance, before the snow flies and the temperature plummets, it will help you to get off on the right foot. Firstly, call your mechanic to schedule an appointment. Before heading to the mechanic check a few things out yourself:

-Make sure all of your lights are in working order: headlights, tail lights, signal lights, and don’t forget to check your hazard lights.
- Check the condition of your windshield wiper blades; you may want to consider using winter wipers.    
-Check your winter tires; make sure the tread is in good shape.
                                                           

             If anything is not up to standard it can be fixed while you are at the shop. Now you can have your vehicle winterized and checked over by a professional. You will want to be sure they check your antifreeze levels, thermostat, heater, brakes, and defroster. Also, it’s a good idea to have an oil change done.

               Now that everything is up to standards mechanically, you should get to work on getting things well cleaned and protected. You will want to remove all of the dirt and grime collected inside and out. Wash the exterior thoroughly, including the underside. Once it is beautifully clean and dry you should apply a good coat of wax. Never use wax on chrome.  Anything that is rubber or vinyl should also be well cleaned and treated with a protecting spray. Your undercarriage should also be sealed; this can be done by a professional.  These steps will protect your exterior from the elements, and corrosive salt.

The outside is looking great, don’t stop there. Now focus your attention on the interior. Remove debris and give it a good vacuum, you could even consider a shampoo. Don’t neglect the seats. If you have leather seats, be sure to use solvent free leather cleaners; solvent based products will accelerate aging. Wipe away any dust and dirt on all surfaces, and clean the windows. Replace your floor mats with heavy duty winter mats; this will keep your carpet protected and make cleanup of dirt and snow easier. If you can, place some silica gel bags under the seats to absorb moisture. If you have a rear wheel drive, place some sand bags in the back of your vehicle to help add weight for traction.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   The prep work is out of the way, let’s look at winter maintenance. Road salt and sanding help to keep our roads and sidewalks free of ice, but it can cause major damage to our vehicles body and undercarriage.  Keep a clean vehicle; have your car washed as often as possible. Now, I know what you’re going to say, “Yeah right, how do you wash your vehicle in the middle of a Canadian winter?” Well, I know it can be tough but there are indoor car washes in most cities. Or, pay a bit extra and drop it off to be done by a professional. Not every day is -30; choose a day when the weather is warmer, and preferably, a day that the sun has made an appearance.

                                                               

     After it is washed, wipe down all of the rubber door seals with a clean dry cloth. If you choose not to do this you may not be able to get your frozen doors open for the next few days, or maybe until spring. Wax after each wash.  Keep on top of the interior cleaning as well. We pull all kinds of stuff into our vehicles on our boots; salt can deteriorate your interior too. Most car washes also have vacuums you can use. A few other things to consider:

-          Try and park under cover if possible (Although anyone who has this option available is already using it.)

-          Make sure your antifreeze is clean and topped up.

-          Change engine and transmission oils regularly. Cold weather causes oil to thicken putting more strain on your engine.

-          Keep your vehicle cleared of snow. Be gentle and use a soft brush. Don’t scrape ice off the body.

-          Look over your vehicle weekly to check for potential problems.

                 Even though winter is going to throw all kinds of things your way, you are that much more prepared for it. Your investment is better protected saving you grief and money in the future.  You are also safer out on those unpredictable roads. Plus, you will be the envy of everyone you know with a vehicle that shines all winter long.            

                *Our dealership sells a product called “Diamond Kote” that is designed to prevent rust and corrosion. Consider asking for this product at the time of purchase for added protection.

- Muriel Rolufs