Cars Need Washing in Winter, Too
Tips to Help Winterize Your Vehicle

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If you think a car wash is only for sunny summer days, think again. Washing a car in the winter months can help it operate at peak capacity despite harsh weather. People take different tactics when it comes to washing their cars. Some prefer to hand wash their vehicles, taking care to primp and polish. While this might be easy when it is warm outside, cold weather can quickly zap ambition and actually make it downright painful to do so. Also, environmental experts tend to frown upon washing the car in the driveway because of the water waste and chemical detergents running into storm sewers. Commercial car washes recycle and filter their water. Preventative car care is especially important when the cold weather sets in. The road additives - such as salt and sand - can wreak havoc on a cars paint, corrode the undercarriage of the vehicle and potentially rust the wheel wells. Keeping the car clean and waxed can protect the finish and help protect against scratches and marring from any winter road debris. Car corrosion damage is especially common during the winter months. Prevention remains the best solution to corrosion, and a car wash is a preventative measure that takes little effort. Automatic car washes are a convenient way to clean a vehicle in the winter. However, these facilities tend to use harsh chemicals that eat through debris. This can result in swirling patterns and spotting on some cars. An alternative is to head to one of the self-wash carwash bays and bring along your own products or rely on theirs so that you will have a high-powered water supply for rinsing. Even if you cannot do the cleaning job you would in the warmer weather, rinsing some of the salt and grime from the car, expecially underneath, can go a long way toward preventing corrosion. Before the snowy season sets in, its a good idea to do a thorough washing of the car and apply a new coat of a high-quality wax. The wax will serve as an extra barrier against grime. Before and after washing the car when its below freezing, its adviseable to use a de-icing product on the doors and windows. If not, the windows might get stuck. Washing a car in a cold climate is not something many people enjoy, but its a good way to keep a car running strong and looking good.

The thought of a breakdown, an engine not starting or otherwise being stranded is scary as it is, but those things happening in freezing winter weather add another level of fear. So, when the weather outside is frightful, a little advance preparation can make winter driving more delightful. An investment of an hour or so to have your vehicle checked can help you avoid being stranded in severe winter weather: Check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries. Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years. Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Typically, wiper blades should be replaced every six months. If you're due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling. Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly. Check the brakes. The braking system is the vehicle's most important safety component. Inspect the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed. Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed. Be diligent about changing the oil at recommended intervals as dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to "winter weight" oil if you live in a cold climate. Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time. Motorists should keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Drivers should also check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication. For more helpful information, visit www.carcare.org and check out the free digital Car Care Guide.