Battling Nature in Car Care

As the Autumn and Winter months creep in, we can expect harsher weather, and while we can get warm and cosy indoors, our cars are left outside to battle the elements. Taking care of your vehicle is really important at this time of year as the British weather and wildlife can cause some serious damage. Here are some things to look out for along with our top tips for protecting your vehicle from whatever nature has to throw at it during the cold, wet and windy months ahead.

Dropping temperatures

With winter drawing closer, mornings in particular are going to be cold and frosty. This is bad news for your vehicle because low temperatures can cause a number of automotive problems. Car batteries have to work harder which can increase the chance of them becoming flat. Vehicle fluids can thicken, making them less effective and you may have difficulty starting your engine. Roadside assistance calls due to breakdown increase significantly in winter. To try and avoid having to endure this inconvenience yourself, check that your fluid levels are all topped up with the correct formula and wrap up warm rather than relying on your car’s heating as this will put additional pressure on the battery.

Damage to your windscreen 

Another thing to be wary of is windscreen damage. Hailstones can land at such a speed that they cause cracks and cold weather can also be harmful. When your vehicle’s windows are frosted up, it is tempting, particularly if you are in a rush to get to work, to pour hot or even boiling water over them to clear them quickly. This is not advisable as the sudden change in temperature will cause the glass to expand and contract, and this process could result in a crack. Instead, leave your house five minutes earlier and use a reliable de-icer. If you have a garage, now is the time of year to make use of it. 

Birds and bugs

In addition to the wild elements, nature’s creatures can also wreak havoc for your car. Bird droppings are not only an ugly sight, they are also acidic and liable to do damage by gradually wearing away at the paintwork. Insects can also be a pest when it comes to vehicle care, as any body parts which get stuck to your car could lead to a faster rate of corrosion due to their acidity. The good news is that these acidic imperfections can be easily wiped clean with soap and water. Make sure that you stay on top of cleaning your car so that your paint job is maintained.

Trees

Having to rake up all of their fallen leaves this Autumn is not the only inconvenience that trees could cause you. While not corrosive, tree sap is incredibly sticky and if it drops on to your vehicle and hardens, it is highly difficult to remove without compromising the paint. Try to wipe it off before it gets the chance to harden using a tar remover and avoid parking near trees where possible.