5 Easy ways to protect your vehicle this winter

Winter can take a serious toll on an unprotected vehicle, so if you’d like your ride to make it through until spring unscathed you need to be prepared. Start by keeping the following tips in mind, each of which will help keep your ride running well and looking great for years to come.

1. Park it under cover

The best thing you can do to protect your ride is to reduce the amount of time it is left exposed to those harsh winter conditions, which means parking it under cover whenever possible. Not only will this protect the exterior of your vehicle, it will make life much easier on your engine and all its many moving parts when it comes to warming up and getting ready to go. If you have no choice but to park outside for long periods of time, consider investing in a custom winter car cover.

2. Upgrade your tires

When the roads are covered with snow and ice you rely on your tires a whole lot more to keep you safe; therefore, it is essential that you have a set of quality winter tires on your vehicle all winter long. If it has been more than 5 years since you last replaced your tires, or if there is less than 3/32” of tread depth remaining, invest in a fresh set this year.

3. Wash it more often

Washing your vehicle a little more regularly during winter will help prevent corrosion from getting established, which can mean extending the life of your ride and maintaining its value for years to come. When washing your vehicle, pay particular close attention to all of those hard-to-reach areas – such as underneath the hood, the bumper, and the wheel wells – as these are the most likely places for rust to start.

4. Switch your oil

When temperatures drop it is common for your engine oil to get a little thicker, which means that it takes longer for it to reach and lubricate all of those many crucial components. Switching to winter specific engine oil can make a significant difference, as being less vulnerable to the cold means it can do a better job of keeping your ride running at its best.

5. Replace the wipers

Visibility can be challenging to say the least when you are dealing with rain, snow, or fog, but it will be a whole lot easier with a clear view out the front of your vehicle. So if your wipers are twisted, bent, warped, or simply no longer fit snugly against your windscreen, replace them ASAP, because not only will this make every drive safer, but this vital upgrade is fast, cheap, and easy to do yourself.

If you need help winterizing your vehicle this year or you are in the market for something better, save yourself some time and money by heading straight to Bargain Auto Centre. Our selection of quality used vehicles is second to none; our team of experts are friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced; and our prices simply can’t be beat. Just give us a call, connect online, or drop by and test drive something great today here at 11141 156 Street NW Edmonton.