Preparing Your Car for Winter

Nov 15

As Chicagoans, we all know what winters are like. Take last winter for example: Chicago and the surrounding area experienced periods of freezing rain, snowfall up to 9 inches, temperatures that hit 20 below zero, and fierce ice storms.

What does this do
to your car?
–A lot.

Cold temperatures can deflate air in your tires. Underinflated tires make running on icy roads more hazardous and your tires more likely to skid. Potholes become more prevalent during winter months, and they can pop up overnight. When you hit a pothole hard, your tires can experience rim damage. Then there’s the damage to paint from ice storms, and waking up in the morning to a dead battery and frozen car doors.

But there are things you
can do to prepare.

TIPS & TRICKS

Park inside - Did you know that 80% of all vehicles are parked outdoors and not in covered areas or garages? If you have the option, always park your car inside a garage. This will alleviate waking up to wintry headaches that set your day back—like digging your car out of a snowbank.

Protect the paint - Wax your car at least every two months - a synthetic paint sealant bumps up the protection, sometimes up to 3 to 5 months. A ceramic wax coating will last years and provide the most protection. A variety of waxing options are available at Eco Brite.

Tire deflation - Check your air pressure throughout the winter months, as colder weather causes deflation. When tires are inflated properly, you are far less likely to lose control of the car - or worse - cause an accident. Vehicles built after 2007 have automatic tire pressure monitors. When your indicator light goes on, it’s time to check your pressure.

Frozen fluids - Low levels of fuel, oil, brake, power steering, or windshield wiper fluids can freeze. You can even have water seep into your fuel line and cause it to freeze as well. All of this affects your car’s efficiency and can cause expensive repairs.Check your car’s fluids regularly during the winter months; top off fluids that are low.

Damage from salt - Salted roads are a common practice to help prevent accidents. But driving on salted roads means the salt is kicked up and damages your car’s undercarriage. This leads to rust. Wash your car frequently and make sure the undercarriage is not neglected. Eco Brite’s powerful undercarriage washer will make a big difference in salt damage.

Clean your car inside and out - Salt and slush is not just a hazard to the outside of your car. Every time you step into it, you’re carrying salt and dirt in with you, and it seeps into the floor mats. Make sure to clean the floor mats every time you go in for a wash. Lucky for you, Eco Brite has free floor mat cleaners on both ends of the vacuum canopy. Just feed your mats through the machine and they come out clean and fresh.

Test your battery - Every time you do an oil change, have your battery tested for water levels. Car batteries last about 3-5 years, and if you are approaching the 5-year mark, don’t wait for winter or you could find yourself stalled with no help in sight.

Wash your car regularly - A professional wash and dry will remove things like tree sap, rail dust, and other environmental debris. Get a protective layer of wax to keep your paint fresh and safe from winter freeze. Eco Brite makes it easy. We are a tech-forward, express car wash. From the moment the gate opens until you exit the tunnel is 3 minutes, and your car is clean and winter-ready. Plus, we offer a range of wash and finishing options. Learn more.

Have an emergency pack in your car - Winter can still take you by surprise while you’re on the road. Here are a few things to have in your winter emergency kit: