Nationwide Vehicle Contracts addresses common winter car problems by offering practical solutions and DIY hacks.
Winter can be challenging for your car, with cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions pushing it to its limit.
To keep you on the road, it's essential you know how to deal with common winter car issues if they arise.
In this blog, we'll explore the most common cold-weather car issues and provide practical solutions to help you easily navigate through winter.
Frozen Door Locks
Prevention - Before winter sets in, apply a silicone-based lubricant to your door locks to prevent freezing. It's also good practice to keep your locks and doors clean to ensure dirt doesn't get inside the mechanism and then freeze.
Quick Fix - Use a commercial de-icer to melt the ice inside the lock quickly, or apply the de-icer to your key if that's easier. You can also warm your key with a lighter before inserting it.
DIY Hack - Apply a dry graphite lubricant to your key and insert it into the lock to create a protective layer. This will reduce the chances of water entering and freezing when temperatures drop.
Foggy Windows
Prevention - Keep your car's interior clean and remove any damp items from the car like a wet umbrella. You could also use moisture-absorbing products or place a bag of rice under the seats. Also, try and clean your windows regularly, as dirt can attract moisture.
Quick Fix - Turn on the defrost setting with warm air directed at the windshield or crack open a window to allow fresh air in.
DIY Hack - Apply an anti-fogging coating to the window after cleaning it to prevent moisture from sticking. Apply a small amount of the coating on a dry cotton cloth and wipe across the windows.
Engine Issues
Battery - Ensure your battery is in good condition before winter, as you'll use it most in the colder months. Also, park your car inside to keep it warm and turn off unnecessary electrical components when starting the car to increase your battery's efficiency.
Oil - Use winter-grade oil for better engine performance in cold weather and follow your manufacturer's recommendations for oil changes.
Coolant - Check and top up your coolant levels before winter sets in. Also, consider using a coolant with a lower freezing point if you live in an extremely cold climate.
Frozen Windshield Washer Fluid
Prevention - Use a winter-grade windshield washer fluid that's less likely to freeze in the winter.
Quick Fix - If frozen, pour a commercial windshield washer fluid de-icer into the reservoir or mix isopropyl alcohol with regular washer fluid (2:1 ratio).
DIY Hack - Add a few drops of dish soap to your washer fluid to reduce the freezing point.
Conclusion
By addressing common winter car issues with proactive prevention and practical solutions, you can ensure you stay on the road and have a safer driving experience during winter.
It will not only be practical but will also increase the lifespan of your vehicle and help it maintain its value.
Looking for more car maintenance advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces a range of maintenance guides, such as Caring for your Lease Vehicle and How to Treat & Prevent Vehicle Rust Damage.
We are also one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. Check out our deals or call us on 0345 811 9595 for more information.
