Preparing Your Car for Unexpected Weather Events

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers tips on preparing your car for various weather emergencies.

Unpredictable weather is a commuter's worst nightmare and can put you and your vehicle in extremely challenging situations. 

From sudden snowstorms to intense heat waves, being prepared for unexpected weather events is crucial for your safety on the road. 

In this blog, we'll go beyond the basics and explore tips to prepare your car for various weather emergencies throughout the year. 

Year-Round Essentials 

• Emergency Kit - Include items like a flashlight, first aid kit, non-perishable snacks, and essential tools. 
• Fluid Check - Regularly inspect and top up fluids such as oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. 
• Tire Maintenance - Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth. Consider seasonal tire changes for better performance, such as winter and summer tires. 

Winter Preparedness 

• Snow Tires - If you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall during winter, invest in quality snow tires to enhance traction on icy roads. 
• Antifreeze Levels - In the UK, we occasionally get sub-zero temperatures throughout the winter, so ensure you check and maintain appropriate antifreeze levels to prevent freezing. 
• Battery Health - Extreme cold weather can strain your battery, so make sure you test and replace old batteries before winter sets in. 

For more information, check out another one of our blogs, Essential Tips for Preparing Your Vehicle for the Cold. 

Summer Survival Tips 

• Cooling System - Before summer, ensure your radiator functions correctly to prevent overheating. Most modern engines have a sealed cooling system, so they shouldn't need topping up unless they've sprung a leak. The AA has provided more information on how to check your engine coolant. 
• Air Conditioning - Test if your air conditioning system is working correctly. If it's not, seek help from a mechanic. 
• Sun Protection - If you live in a sunny area with little protection, use sunshades on your windows to protect your interior and keep the cabin cool. 

Storm-Ready Strategies 

• Windshield Wipers - Replace work-out wiper blades for optimal visibility during heavy rain or snow. 
• Secure Loose Items - If you often pack loads of items into your car, ensure you move them to the boot during a storm. This will prevent projectiles during high winds. 
• Check Lights - Ensure all lights, including headlights and brake lights, are functional for increased visibility. 

Flood-Proof Your Vehicle 

• Elevate Parking - If flood warnings are in place for your area, park on higher ground to avoid floodwaters. This will prevent water from getting into your car and causing serious damage. 
• Seal Gaps - Use weather stripping to seal gaps and prevent water from entering your car. Remember, try to avoid going out on the road if there are flood warnings. 
• Undercarriage Inspection - If there's been lots of floodwater in your area, regularly inspect your vehicle's undercarriage for signs of rust and corrosion. Common rust spots include the frame rails, wheel wells, exhaust, and suspension. 

Extreme Heat 

• Coolant System - If extreme heat is on its way, check your cooling system again and the radiator to ensure all is working well. There's nothing worse than being stuck in traffic with no cooling system, so ensure this doesn't happen. 
• Tire Pressure - Extreme heat can lead to overinflation in your tires, so if there's a prolonged period of extreme heat, monitor and adjust tire pressure to keep it at optimal levels. 

Conclusion

Following these comprehensive guidelines will prepare you to face unexpected weather events throughout the year. 

Regular maintenance and proactive measures can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. 

Remember to stay informed about local weather forecasts and act accordingly to face the weather head-on. 

Looking for more car advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces a range of car-specific advice, such as our Winter Vehicle Care explainer. 

We are also one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. For more information, check out our deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.