It`s a given. You love your car. You want to keep it looking good and running smoothly for years to come, but one thing you may not know is how to properly protect it from weather damage. Weather can be pretty harsh on your vehicle. It can cause rust, cracking and peeling paint, dents and scratches, and even mold and mildew if you don’t take care of your automobile properly. These things can happen even if you wholeheartedly believe that you`ve taken all of the precautionary and protective measures to ensure your auto`s longevity.
The good thing is that there are simple ways to help prevent different kinds of damage from happening to your beloved car. Keep on reading to learn more.
- Invest In A Good Car Storage
Don’t let bad weather ruin your car. Car owners often underestimate the damage that can be done to their vehicle caused by exposure to the elements. It’s not uncommon for cars to get damaged by salt and other chemicals used on roads during winter and early spring.
To prevent this, you need good car storage where you can store your car when it’s not in use. This will protect both your vehicle and yourself from costly repairs. The weather is unpredictable, and when it rains or snows, you don’t want your vehicle to be left unprotected. A car that’s not protected from the elements outdoors can suffer from rust and other damage.
- Keep It Clean Before Storage
Cleaning your car before storage is essential for two reasons. First, it removes the dust and dirt that can cause damage to your car during storage. Second, it helps protect your vehicle from the harmful effects of moisture.
A pressure washer is the best way to clean a car before storing it. Pressure washers are actually designed for cleaning automobiles and they can remove tough dirt and stains from your vehicle’s exterior and interior. If you don’t own a pressure washer, you’ll need to use a sponge or soft cloth to clean your car’s exterior thoroughly instead.
Clean the mirrors and windows with glass cleaner, paying particular attention to the edges where road grime often accumulates. Don’t spray directly onto the glass. Instead, spray onto a paper towel and wipe in small circles from top to bottom.
To clean your car’s interior, you’ll need to vacuum all its surfaces, including the seats and floor mats. After vacuuming, wipe down all surfaces with an upholstery cleaner or leather conditioner to remove any dirt or stains that may still be present on them after cleaning.
- Check The Battery
If you’ve had your battery for more than two years, it might be time for a replacement. If you leave the battery on your car for too long without charging, the battery life could be reduced significantly. Plus if you store your car with a dead battery during bad weather, there’s a chance that the acid will leak out when the temperature drops below freezing. This could cause damage to other components in your vehicle as well as create an unpleasant smell in the car`s interior.
- Inspect Your Tires` Condition
The tires on your vehicle are among its most essential parts because tires provide the traction that keeps you safe as you drive. They also perform many other functions, such as protecting the body from road hazards and keeping the wheels aligned. All of these functions depend on proper maintenance and adequate inflation.
The tires protect the vehicle from weather damage and can improve its performance. They also help you to have a smoother ride. Tires are made of rubber and other materials that the changing weather can damage over time. Here are some ways you can inspect your tire to make sure it’s in good condition:
- Inspect The Tread Pattern: Before you buy new tires, check the tread pattern on your existing tires. If there`s less than 1/16th of an inch remaining, it`s time to replace them.
- Check For Cracks: Look closely at your tires for any signs of cracking or bulging. This could signify that there’s something wrong with them and they need replacement soon.
- Examine The Air Pressure: Check that all four tires have the correct air pressure so they’ll perform better on the road and last longer.
Final Thoughts
With all the precautions you can take to ensure your car is protected from weather damage, it’s possible to enjoy a long life with your vehicle. Just remember to give it a thorough check-up now and then and keep up on routine maintenance.
It’s important to remember that your car is an investment, and you want to protect it. If you observe the tips mentioned above, you’ll be able to keep your car looking as new as the day you purchased it for years to come.
