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24th December 2022
 With the winter weather more extreme than ever this year we are expecting a very cold winter and we see that snow has already landed in some areas. It is time for us to get on our winter coats and for winter coats (covers) on your vehicles too!
Just as we are careful to take coats and scarves into the cold, it's also important to do checks on your car especially if you keep it in an exposed position and open to the elements. Regular checks during the colder season can help you prevent the winter weather from affecting your car and keep it in perfect order.
Check your liquid components.
 Firstly, let’s talk about the wonderful snow. As beautiful and clean as the snow may look, if it settles upon your car we must remember that snow composition is tiny ice crystals which can damage your car if left for days on end. Winter temperatures also can have negative affects on mechanical components and your car's basic operation. If you think about the liquid components within your car, these will all suffer if the weather is icy and cold. Areas to consider are oil, fuel and also the hydraulic system. Regularly used vehicles will be less badly affected but all cars will be subjected to unusual stresses and strains in icy conditions. It is wise to stick to the manufacturer's service intervals for oil and brake fluid changes and your car will start and stop more readily if it is well maintained.
With more of us working from home, many cars will be unused over this period and problems could be much bigger to fix. If you know that your car is unlikely to be used over the winter it is wise to do your pre-winter checks as soon as possible.
Use the correct tools for the job
It's not just the cold weather and snow that causes damage. Those tiny crystal particles of snow and ice settling on your car can actually cause damage to the paintwork. If the car has been resprayed, we have seen imperfections such as micro blistering appear simply because a car has sat with a blanket of snow on it for a few days. Also if you use tools which are not designed to clear the snow and ice off your car this can cause scratches and scrapes. It is important to use the correct tools that have been designed for the task in hand, to clear the snow and ice. Do not use sharp spatulas or metal components!
Care with changing temperatures!
 Some people swear that the way to remove ice and snow from their car is by using hot or boiling water. Let's just say that these guys have been lucky so far because a sudden change of temperature can shatter glass, crack paint and cause body panels to deform. The water applied to the car then runs away and re-freezes next to the car creating a slip hazard.
We actually find that the best method is to leave early enough to start your car 5 minutes before you need to depart. This will warm the car up in the way that it has been designed and with heated screens and defrost selected on the blower you will have perfect visibility for your winter journey. Remember to clear snow from the whole vehicle as it will blow back onto the car glass once you are underway.
The solution to many winter car problems.
One of the best solutions for your car in winter is to wrap it up. Just as we wrap up when it is cold, a cover can have surprising benefits. Well made covers will act as a barrier between snow, ice and the car body. They will help to protect against door locks and door apertures freezing solid and of course they will keep salt spray and grit from settling on the car and causing rust and unsightly scratches.
Monsoon Car Cover
 The Coverzone Monsoon covers are particularly good when it comes to colder temperatures. Many covers are breathable and that can lead to condensation being held against the car body.
Our Monsoon Winter covers have a tough PVC outer that is non breathable and they are vented to prevent condensation. The outer skin mirrors the temperature of the covered car so all the dew, frost and moisture remains on the outside. Consequently the car under the cover remains completely dry and protected. It's fair to say that these sturdy outdoor covers are the next best thing to dry garage storage.
For further information 01903 764689 or www.cover-zone.com
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