Low temperatures and smooth journeys are rarely a good combination, with sub-zero conditions impacting every facet of your car. As a result, if you don\u2019t thoroughly check and prepare your vehicle for winter, you might find that it doesn\u2019t work as it should when you really need it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re lucky enough to own an all-wheel-drive model, like the Rolls Royce Ghost<\/a>, you might assume that winter checks aren\u2019t as important. But in fact there are many elements to consider before embarking on your cold weather journeys.If you want to avoid encountering issues or even ruining your motor entirely, a winter check is the way to go. Read our checklist below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your car comes with leather seats like a Maserati<\/a> Ghibli or a Lamborghini Aventador<\/a>, you must pay extra care to prepare them for winter. Although leather seats are relatively easy to clean, they need special maintenance before the temperatures drop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll likely use your heater frequently during winter, which will dry out the leather. Without proper preparation, your car\u2019s leather seats will crack. You can use a leather conditioner to moisturise the seats during <\/strong>your winter check and protect them throughout the colder months. Another option is to use a vehicle humidifier that will help protect your interior under the prolonged use of a heater. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a limit to how long car batteries last. Therefore, checking the condition of your battery during a winter check with a computerised battery tester, is always good practice. With this, you can swiftly examine your entire charging system, including the alternator and starter, as well as the battery itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you decide to store your vehicle over winter, we advise you to keep it connected to an intelligent battery conditioner. This is because allowing your car to rest for prolonged periods might contribute to battery failure once you decide to take it out again in the spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the temperature is low, freezing water can seep into the window tracks. This will create drag when you open the window. Drag can damage the window regulator cables and also cost you a pretty penny to fix – with replacements in the hundreds of pounds. Lubricating your window tracks during your winter check will help avoid this problem. PTFE or silicone spray lubricant work well for this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before applying the lubricant, lower the car window and spray the window tracks front and back. You\u2019ll know you\u2019ve used enough grease if it drips down to cover the entire track. Try to keep closing and opening the window to spread the lubricant, then use a paper towel and glass cleaner to wipe what remains on the glass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your car comes with custom paint, it can be a challenge to maintain. There are various ways to protect custom paint jobs. Besides washing your car regularly, observe if your car needs a fresh coat of wax. You can also protect your vehicle\u2019s exterior by using a weatherproof custom cover to ensure your car\u2019s paintwork stays beautiful until spring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pay extra care when you clean your car when it’s snowing. If it\u2019s not possible to park your vehicle indoors and the snow starts piling on, use a soft brush to clean it gently when you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tire checks are crucial all year round but particularly important to pay attention to in the colder months. Worn tires can be fatal in tricky conditions, with decreased grip when manoeuvring wet or icy roads, increasing your stopping distance and your likelihood of skidding, even at low speeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cold temperature can also deflate your tires as pressure drops when it\u2019s cold. If you plan on using your car often during winter, you could switch to winter or all-season tires, the latter being the better choice in the UK, as they will provide extra safety when driving on slippery roads. Larger wheels don\u2019t just mean more grip, but room to accommodate effective brakes<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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