Winters in Pennsylvania bring ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. You have probably heard that it’s important to winterize your vehicle. But what does that mean when it comes to European or luxury cars?
The good news is that keeping your European car safe and operative on the road this winter doesn’t have to be hard. Read on to learn more about how to winterize your European car.
What Does It Mean to Winterize a Car?
Winterizing a car means readying it for cold temperatures and harsher road conditions. This can mean a lot of different things, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. But it generally means keeping your car safe and efficient during winter.
Keeping Things Clean
When you live in a place with snow and ice, you must also deal with road salt. This is an important part of staying safe in slippery conditions. But unfortunately, it can also do a number on your car.
When it comes to winterizing your European car, there are a few special things to remember. These vehicle models have intricate engineering, especially regarding the undercarriage.
Moisture, road salt, and debris can lead to rust and corrosion under your vehicle. Wash your car through the winter to remove these corrosive elements.
You may also want to consider using a sealant to protect the paint and metal parts on your car. This will provide an extra layer of protection against water and salt.
Consider Switching Fluids
Your car relies on many fluids and oils to keep it running. But the cold weather can pose some unique problems for these. Antifreeze and transmission fluid are liable to congeal in freezing temperatures. This makes it harder for them to move through your vehicle’s parts and lubricate them.
Although gasoline won’t freeze, your gas lines can get clogged with ice. That makes it harder for fuel to move through your system.
For this reason, you might notice that your car is struggling when temperatures drop. While there is not a lot you can do to combat this, your choice of fluids might make a difference. Ask your mechanic to use lower-viscosity fluids to reduce congealing.
Winterize Your European Car Tire Set
Your tires are your car’s main line of defense against unpredictable winter roads. So, if you are wondering how to winterize a European car, the tires should be one of the first steps. Here’s some good news: prepping your tires for winter usually comes down to basic maintenance. This ensures they’re in top condition before temperatures drop.
Protect Your Battery
Your car battery can be uniquely vulnerable to cold temperatures. Without enough heat to generate a spark, the battery will be prone to dying. Keeping your battery in good condition will reduce the chances of getting stranded. Batteries should be clean without corrosion.
How to Winterize a European Car: Why It Matters
Most of these tasks are the same for European cars as for any other car. So, why does it bear repeating?
European cars are known for their exquisite and precise engineering. But this comes at a price — they are often more delicate than their everyday counterparts. These engineering marvels just need an extra hand to protect them from the cold.
But do not worry: there is no reason your vehicle shouldn’t get through the winter. With the right attention, you can bet on having your dream car for years to come. All it takes is being vigilant and staying up-to-date on basic maintenance.
Have more questions about how to winterize a European car? Glenn’s European Auto Repair has been providing top-quality services for European cars in Pennsylvania for many years. Contact us at 484-202-6079 to get started.
