Effective Methods for Weatherproofing Your Vehicle

Inclement weather can have a detrimental impact on your vehicle. It’s crucial to understand the best methods for protecting your car from harsh weather.

Fortunately, there are many simple ways to help your vehicle endure these severe weather patterns. Explore some basic guidelines so that you can keep your car in excellent shape no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

Check Your Battery Regularly

The importance of checking up on your car’s battery cannot be understated. After all, dead batteries easily rank among the top reasons cars won’t start. This is especially true when inclement weather factors into the equation. If your battery is already on its last legs, extreme temperatures can—and usually will—push it over the edge.

Whether you’re expecting a snowstorm or heatwave, get your battery tested before these weather patterns make landfall. Take note of any weird noises, kickbacks, or reactions your car has as it endures the severe weather. Doing so will ensure that you can get to a mechanic before the battery dies for good.

Examine Your Tires Often

Weather of all kinds can wreak havoc on your wheels. That’s why checking and calibrating your tire pressure should be top of mind when it comes to protecting your car from harsh weather. For one thing, freezing temperatures can cause tires to lose air and pressure.

The more you drive on underinflated tires, the higher the risk that you’ll get a flat. This can be particularly hazardous when coupled with icy or snow-laden roads. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check your tires regularly and reinflate them as needed.

Plus, if you live in a region prone to freezing weather, it’s wise to winterize your exterior further by adding traction chains to your tires. Doing this ensures that you’re able to keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe.

Don’t Ignore Your Oil Meter

Tire pressure isn’t the only thing affected by temperature. In fact, oil viscosity in your engine can change with the weather as well. As temperatures start to plummet, the liquid in your oil wants to freeze, causing a change in its thickness.

As a result, the oil can’t lubricate your engine correctly, which can make a mess of things under your hood. Luckily, there’s something you can do about it. If you’re expecting below-freezing temperatures, switch to thinner oil. That way, the cold won’t have such a drastic effect on your engine.

Doing what you can to keep your car in excellent shape is imperative, regardless of what the seasons bring. For this reason, we hope that scanning this quick overview provided some valuable new insight into what you can do to keep your car well-protected from inclement weather.