The cold is coming! Protect your car from low temperatures

Winter brings a considerable drop in temperatures and with it, there are car parts that run a serious risk of being damaged and deteriorating. Many parts of the car can be damaged by cold and humidity, so it is worth taking a series of actions every day to prevent this and keep everything in perfect condition. No major maintenance work is required, but we are going to offer some tips that will help you during these harsh months, shared by Alquiber, a company specialising in car leasing and managing a large fleet of vehicles.

Dealing with frost

During the night the drop in temperature is even greater, so it is easy for the windows to wake up covered in ice. To avoid this, the best thing is to keep the car protected from humidity. The easiest solution is to keep it in a garage, although that is not always possible. Another way to keep it protected is to cover it with a car cover. We know this is not feasible on most occasions either, so action must be taken to prevent that layer of ice from damaging parts of the car.

Wiper blades are especially sensitive to the cold. They are made of rubber which, although it may be treated to withstand the cold, eventually wears out and can scratch the windscreen. To prevent the rubber from freezing and sticking to the windscreen, simply separate the wiper blades from the glass using a cork stopper or something similar. This will stop the rubber from deteriorating before its time.

The ice on the windscreen can be removed with a rubber scraper or by using ice. Never use hot water, as the difference in temperature can damage the windscreen. You should not drive with an iced-over windscreen, as it reduces visibility and can be a serious problem.

Another part that can get damaged is the locks. These can freeze and the ice will prevent the key from being inserted and the door from being opened. You should use alcohol to defrost the lock or warm air, taking care not to damage the mechanism.

Starting off

Low temperatures mean that the engine does not work properly until it reaches the right temperature. And bear in mind that the fluids circulating through it are cold too. This can cause a breakdown, so you should start the car and let the engine reach the appropriate operating temperature, leaving it idling for a few minutes.

Fluids must be at the right levels and you should not drive until they reach the appropriate temperature. Checking the antifreeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid and oil regularly will help avoid nasty surprises.

The battery is another component that can be affected by low temperatures, as the cold makes it less efficient. If the battery has reached the end of its useful life, it should be replaced with a new one, because its efficiency will drop during winter and may not be enough to deliver the performance you expect from it.

Equipment for the cold

It is important for the car to have the equipment needed to prevent these problems and to be able to fix them if they occur. A kit with a rubber scraper to remove ice, battery jump leads, some de-icing product and gloves so you can manoeuvre with ease. It is also advisable to carry a blanket, snow chains, especially if you live in an area with heavy snowfall, and a mobile phone charger ready for use.