How to Protect Your Car From Cold Weather

Blog post by Jim Vogel of Elderaction.org

Taking care of a vehicle is a demanding task in and of itself. It’s already complicated to change the fluids, keep parts working, and deal with random issues, but cold weather can really disrupt your vehicle if you let it. You can take several steps to protect your car from being damaged by freezing temperatures and all the weather phenomena that accompany cold weather in Olathe, Kansas and throughout the country.

Use Your Garage or Carport

Even though the weather is often sunny in Olathe, hail may develop when it gets cold. Place your car inside your garage to protect it from some of the issues associated with low temperatures and to guard it against hail, which can cause dents, cracks, or even broken glass.

Use a Car Cover

If you keep your car outdoors, a car cover can help protect your car when it’s cold outside and stop ice from accumulating on its surfaces. Ice accumulation makes it easier for dirt and grime to stick to the surface of your car, and wiping off the ice can cause scratching and paint wear. A car cover can also save you time because you don’t have to clean ice off the vehicle’s windows and mirrors when you’re ready to use it.

Depending on the area you live in, you may not have to use a car cover very often. You may want to save the cover for use in particularly cold weather, because it can trap heat on warmer days, doing more harm than good if you aren’t careful. Look for a car cover with zippers, straps, and other features if you want something that’s easy to remove.

Use Antifreeze

Depending on the type of car you have, it may benefit from antifreeze. Antifreeze can help regulate the operating temperature of the engine when the weather is very hot or cold. You must change out the antifreeze periodically because it loses potency and can build up acid and other chemicals.

Prepare Your Tires

If the weather in Olathe is particularly cold one season, you can change to winter tires with tread designed to reduce sliding and help you drive more safely. You must also maintain the right amount of tire pressure to keep the car stable on the road. Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop significantly, so check the air pressure periodically.

Get Your Car Serviced for Cold Weather

If you’re expecting a particularly cold winter or want to protect your car in general, bring it to a mechanic so that they can prepare the most vulnerable parts of the car for freezing temperatures. A mechanic can assess your car’s battery, hoses, belts, and other parts to make sure minor issues aren’t exacerbated by the cold weather.

Be Proactive About Winterizing Your Car

The earlier you take steps to protect your car, the less you risk damage or performance issues that can reduce its lifespan or threaten your safety. Have a mechanic prepare your car for the cold weather, and consider buying a car cover or using your garage to better protect it.

If you’re looking for auto insurance, go to TCG Insurance to get a quote on protection plans for your vehicle.

Image via Pexels

Author: Paul Carrigan

Licensed agent in Kansas, Missouri and Ohio.