18th January 2024

Icy winter days & Nights - How to do the best for your car this winter.

Winter is upon us and this year it has appeared with the fierce teeth of an Arctic Blast…. Brrrr!   Whether your car is a cherished classic or the latest SUV style EV, winter is the most challenging time for your vehicle and it needs all the help you can give it.

As much as we yearn for warmer days and to take our motors for a trip out, it's important to protect them from the elements, especially in icy weather. Here’s our top 5 suggestions to help you through to springtime. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa and read on!

We are a high quality car cover company and you may think we have a vested interest but logically we can’t think of a better way to protect your car than:

1) Invest in a high-quality car cover

The first and most important step to protecting your car from ice, frost and cold weather is investing in a high end car cover. A good cover will not only protect your car from the harsh elements, but also from salt, grit, dirt and UV rays. Coverzone offers a wide range of bespoke car covers that are specifically designed to protect cars, vans, bikes and campers from all types of weather conditions.

A bespoke car cover is custom-made specifically for your car. This means that it will fit your car precisely providing maximum protection from the elements. Generic (universal) car covers most likely will not fit your car properly, leaving gaps and exposing your car to potential damage. In high winds they are prone to lifting off, damaging the car in the process.

For best protection a tailored cover will shield your car from all types of weather including rain, snow, hail and frost. It’s best to invest in a breathable cover that will allow damp and moisture to escape from the vehicle whilst preventing ice from forming on the car surface. In turn this prevents door lock mechanisms from freezing and can prevent doors becoming frozen shut. A high quality bespoke car cover will keep your car dry and free from damage. This is especially important for classic cars, as they are more susceptible to rust and other damage from ice and moisture.

But it's not just about protecting your car from the outside elements. A bespoke car cover also helps to maintain the temperature inside your car. This is crucial during the colder months as extreme temperatures can cause damage to your car's components and also to the interior.

2) Park your car in a covered or sheltered area

If you have the possibility to park under a car port or close to a tall building, your car will receive a surprising amount of shelter.  Parking in a garage or underground car park is really worth the extra hassle as it will provide additional protection from ice, damp and cold weather. We often hear from owners who have garages but they are full of kids bikes and old furniture. It’s definitely worth taking the time to clear your garage area to take advantage of the extra protection that will provide. We make great tailored indoor covers too!

3) Keep your battery charged

Cold weather can be tough on car batteries, especially if your car is not being used regularly.

Once a battery has become completely discharged it suffers permanent damage. To avoid a dead battery or a damaged cell, make sure to keep it fully charged by starting your car and letting it run for a few minutes at least once each week. You may want to invest in a battery maintainer to keep your battery charged and healthy. New Electric Vehicles (EV’s) should also be kept topped up. Most manufacturers recommend that your charge level should not fall below 20% as battery damage can occur easily and cold weather will add an additional strain on EV’s due to the use of lights and heaters. EV’s are catered for by Coverzone with our EV Charge Flap Kit that allows a flap to be installed very simply so you can charge your car whilst the cover is fitted.

4) Check your fluids

From screenwash to brake fluid, engine oil to power steering fluid, now is the time to make sure that your levels are correct. A simple check can save a very cold wait at the roadside later on. It’s also safety critical because driving into the low winter sunshine with a screen full of road grime thrown up from the car in front can be very dangerous so your windscreen washers must be in good order at all times. Remember that when the temperature falls below -5C antifreeze screenwash is only really effective if it is not diluted.

5) Clean and wax your car when the weather allows

When extreme conditions ease a little make sure you use the opportunity to to give your car a thorough clean and waxing. This will not only make your car look shiny and new, but also provide an extra layer of protection against ice and cold weather. Waxing your car also makes it easier to remove any ice or snow that may accumulate on the surface.

As a car enthusiast, there is a lot to consider during the colder months. Being prepared in winter months is crucial to protect your car from the weather and to prevent unforeseen problems. Doing something is better than nothing. If you value your car and want to keep it in the best possible condition with the best reliability, consider some or all of the above actions to protect your car during the colder months.

If you would like further information on our range of tailored vehicle covers please call us on 01903 764689, email to info@cover-zone.com or visit online www.cover-zone.com