Winter can be harsh in Canada. Cold temperatures, icy conditions, and plenty of snow (and salt!) on the roads. Winter is also harsh on our vehicles, and a bad care of it can lead to many problems that can be costly. However, Here are our 4 tips to take good care of your car during winter. We’ve got you covered!
- If Possible, Keep Your Car in Interior. If You Can’t, cover it.
Of course, having a garage to store your car is ideal. This makes it simple to keep your car warmer in the winter, and it may save you from having to use appliances like block heaters during Canada’s colder months. However, we recognize that not everyone has a garage or winter car shelter in which to keep their vehicle, and they may have to park on the street.
You’ll need a block heater or an electric engine blanket if you park outside. Both of these devices work by warming up your engine and preventing it from becoming too cold, which can lead to sludgy oil, poor performance, or even a complete failure to start.
You should also think about purchasing a car cover. Car covers, which are removable, can be used to protect your vehicle from ice and snow when you are not driving. You can remove the cover after a snowstorm, and the ice and snow will fall off with it!
- Have Your Car Washed and Waxed on a Regular Basis During the Winter
When it comes to keeping roads clear, road salt is a godsend. Because road salt lowers the melting point of water, snow and ice melt even when temperatures are below freezing. This makes driving in snowy conditions much easier.
However, road salt is extremely corrosive and can damage the paint job on your car. Most cars with intact paint are not at risk of this because the salt has nowhere to start corroding. However, if you already have some rusty spots or areas where your paint has chipped away, you could be in for a lot of trouble.
To avoid this, wash and wax your car on a regular basis during the winter. Washing removes the majority of the salt that accumulates over time, and waxing can help repel salt-containing dirt, mud, water, and snow.
- Check to Make Sure Your Wiper Fluid is Full and Not Frozen!
To keep stains and salt from sticking to your windshield, maintain your windshield wipers and keep enough windshield wiper fluid on hand. It is also important to select wiper fluid that is rated for the harsh Canada winter.
Most fluid is rated to -30 degrees Celsius, but temperatures in Canada can easily fall below this level, resulting in a frozen wiper fluid system. This may not seem like a big deal, but dirt and grime accumulate quickly on your windshield in the winter, and if you don’t clear it away, you could easily cause an accident. You can either buy specialized wiper fluid or add a small amount of antifreeze to your wiper fluid to increase its temperature resistance.
- Keep Your Car’s Interior Clean!
It’s impossible to avoid bringing slush, water, and snow into your car during the winter, but you should use the right products to avoid staining or damaging your interior upholstery.
All-weather mats are an excellent choice in this situation. They are made of rubber and channel water, ice, and snow away from your upholstery until they are cleaned or the moisture dissipates into the air. This safeguards the underlying interior materials. To protect leather and textiles from staining, wash them with the correct products every time you see stains on it.
Paul Petersen is a seasoned home improvement expert and DIY enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He began his career as a carpenter, honing his skills in woodworking and structural design. Over the years, Paul expanded his expertise to encompass a wide range of home renovation projects, from kitchen remodels to landscape design.