by David W. Bynon
<font size="1">Copyright©, 1999-2002, Autopia Car Care -- All Rights Reserved</font>
You wouldn't dream of facing winter's ice, snow and sleet without a coat, gloves and other cold-weather gear, would you? Your car deserves the same level of protection. This article is designed to help you prepare your car to make it through the cold, wet winter season.
Your car is in for a tough time this winter. Your car’s paint, tires, glass, plastic and other surfaces will be at the mercy of the elements, including wind, rain, sleet, snow, sand, gravel, cinders, salt and road oil. Fall is your best opportunity to inspect and prepare your car with a protective layer, giving your car a fighting chance. Your car’s paint, tires, leather and rubber trim all need touching up in the fall, even if you have cared for them all summer.
If your car will be exposed to extreme winter conditions, the best protective coating is an acrylic sealant. Unlike waxes, an acrylic sealant can shield against water and road salts. The hard acrylic shell locks into the paint with an elastic, non-chip, shrink proof, scratch resistant finish. A high quality acrylic sealant will last five to six months, providing more than enough protection for the winter season. I recommend Klasse All-In-One followed by one or more coats of Klasse Sealant Glaze.
Your car is more likely to be scratched during winter due to all of the potential debris on the road. As moisture penetrates deep scratches and chips in your car’s paint and repeatedly freezes and thaws, it weakens and eventually cracks surrounding paint. This allows oxidation to rapidly set in. A quick and easy way to reduce oxidation caused by winter road damage is to wash your car as often as possible and inspect for paint chips and scratches. When found, seal new paint chips with wax or an acrylic sealant.
Winter is also hard on leather interiors. Cold, dry air pulls the moisture from leather. So, it’s important to treat leather prior to the onset of freezing temperatures. Once the daytime temperature dips below 50 degrees (Fahrenheit), the leather will not accept conditioners. Although the surface will look good, you have not provided moisture to the hide. I recommend Hyde Food before Winter and 303 Aerospace Protectant during the Winter months.
Your car’s tires have a tough job in the winter, too. Liberal use of a high quality tire dressing keeps them looking good during the harshest weather and provides a barrier to the elements and to ozone that can cause rubber to deteriorate. I highly recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant and Lexol Vinylex for the tires. Both offer excellent UV protection.
If you live in a region that gets snow and ice, another easy tip for winter car protection is to spray tire dressing in the wheel wells to prevent buildup of snow, ice and road salt. I like to use Eimann Fabric Black Opal for this purpose, as it contains a good amount of silicone. Although not recommended for your exterior painted surfaces (it makes body shop repairs difficult), silicone is an excellent protectant for your engine, wheel wells, and the under side of your car. It’s best to start this practice before the really cold weather hits.
If your car has expensive, delicate wheels, I highly recommend removing each wheel for winter preparation. Delicate wheels should be cleaned, inspected, and sealed. Clean each wheel, front and back with a good wheel cleaner such as P21S Gel or or Eimann Fabrik Hi-Intensity. Scrub the tires thoroughly, too. Dry the wheels with a clean terry cloth towel. Protect with a high quality paste wax or acrylic sealant. Complete the job by treating the tires (front and back) with a liberal application of tire dressing. Allow the tire dressing to soak in for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping off
Other parts of your car’s exterior such as the bumpers, trim and rubber door seals need extra protection when the mercury drops, too. These materials are affected by extreme temperatures and the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation causes fading, hardening and cracking, especially in the winter with a reduced ozone layer. 303 Protectant products have a proven formula that helps keep these surfaces supple and looking like new. For the ultimate protection of your door, hood and trunk seals, use 303 Aerospace Protectant twice a year. 303 Aerospace Protectant prolongs the useful life of rubber seals by helping them retain moisture. When properly maintained, door and trunk seals will maintain their shape and elasticity longer, providing a better seal.
If you drive a roadster in cold winter weather, now is the time to clean and protect your top. If water penetrates your top, then freezes, your top will be prone to severe damage. For more information, ask us for a copy of our “Roadster Cabrio Top Guide�. In short, we recommend using Amazing Roll-Off to clean, Porsche Cabrio Top Protectant to seal, and 303 Protectant to protect the rear window.
Don’t forget to inspect your windshield wipers, too. Replace them if there’s any sign of wear. Remember, you’re going to be counting on them to deal with winter’s worst. While you’re at it, check your wash fluid and add a wash booster, such as P21S Windshield Wash Boost. A good wash booster will help cut through road salt, road grime and mud so you can see.
If your car is more than 6 years old, think about replacing the battery. Every January, there comes an especially brutal sub-zero morning that drains the last bit of power from weak car batteries. Even if your battery is relatively new, you should inspect it before winter arrives. Make certain the terminals and posts are free of corrosion (clean with baking soda and water) and the terminals are tight.
Have the cooling system checked for the correct concentration and level of anti-freeze. If your vehicle needs additional coolant, follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the ratio of water to coolant.
Changing the oil and filter before winter is the single most important step in prolonging your vehicle's engine life. Most manufacturers recommend a change every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. Many new cars go up to 15,000 miles (average annual mileage) between oil changes, so have it changed before winter.
If your car starts reluctantly or stalls in warm weather, the problem will only worsen when the mercury plummets. Get it checked now, and have the PVC, fuel and air filters replaced if necessary. Don’t wait until you’re out in the cold!
Finally, worn tires won't give you the traction you need on wet, icy roads. If your tires are worn, replace them with a good set of all-weather radials. For extra grab in the snow, get a pair of snow tires. If you live in a rural area you may want to keep a set of tire chains in your trunk. Likewise, correct tire pressure ensures optimum handling, stopping and wear. Remember to check pressure frequently because cold air causes it to drop (one pound for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit).
<font size="1">Copyright©, 1999-2002, Autopia Car Care -- All Rights Reserved</font>
You wouldn't dream of facing winter's ice, snow and sleet without a coat, gloves and other cold-weather gear, would you? Your car deserves the same level of protection. This article is designed to help you prepare your car to make it through the cold, wet winter season.
Your car is in for a tough time this winter. Your car’s paint, tires, glass, plastic and other surfaces will be at the mercy of the elements, including wind, rain, sleet, snow, sand, gravel, cinders, salt and road oil. Fall is your best opportunity to inspect and prepare your car with a protective layer, giving your car a fighting chance. Your car’s paint, tires, leather and rubber trim all need touching up in the fall, even if you have cared for them all summer.
If your car will be exposed to extreme winter conditions, the best protective coating is an acrylic sealant. Unlike waxes, an acrylic sealant can shield against water and road salts. The hard acrylic shell locks into the paint with an elastic, non-chip, shrink proof, scratch resistant finish. A high quality acrylic sealant will last five to six months, providing more than enough protection for the winter season. I recommend Klasse All-In-One followed by one or more coats of Klasse Sealant Glaze.
Your car is more likely to be scratched during winter due to all of the potential debris on the road. As moisture penetrates deep scratches and chips in your car’s paint and repeatedly freezes and thaws, it weakens and eventually cracks surrounding paint. This allows oxidation to rapidly set in. A quick and easy way to reduce oxidation caused by winter road damage is to wash your car as often as possible and inspect for paint chips and scratches. When found, seal new paint chips with wax or an acrylic sealant.
Winter is also hard on leather interiors. Cold, dry air pulls the moisture from leather. So, it’s important to treat leather prior to the onset of freezing temperatures. Once the daytime temperature dips below 50 degrees (Fahrenheit), the leather will not accept conditioners. Although the surface will look good, you have not provided moisture to the hide. I recommend Hyde Food before Winter and 303 Aerospace Protectant during the Winter months.
Your car’s tires have a tough job in the winter, too. Liberal use of a high quality tire dressing keeps them looking good during the harshest weather and provides a barrier to the elements and to ozone that can cause rubber to deteriorate. I highly recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant and Lexol Vinylex for the tires. Both offer excellent UV protection.
If you live in a region that gets snow and ice, another easy tip for winter car protection is to spray tire dressing in the wheel wells to prevent buildup of snow, ice and road salt. I like to use Eimann Fabric Black Opal for this purpose, as it contains a good amount of silicone. Although not recommended for your exterior painted surfaces (it makes body shop repairs difficult), silicone is an excellent protectant for your engine, wheel wells, and the under side of your car. It’s best to start this practice before the really cold weather hits.
If your car has expensive, delicate wheels, I highly recommend removing each wheel for winter preparation. Delicate wheels should be cleaned, inspected, and sealed. Clean each wheel, front and back with a good wheel cleaner such as P21S Gel or or Eimann Fabrik Hi-Intensity. Scrub the tires thoroughly, too. Dry the wheels with a clean terry cloth towel. Protect with a high quality paste wax or acrylic sealant. Complete the job by treating the tires (front and back) with a liberal application of tire dressing. Allow the tire dressing to soak in for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping off
Other parts of your car’s exterior such as the bumpers, trim and rubber door seals need extra protection when the mercury drops, too. These materials are affected by extreme temperatures and the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation causes fading, hardening and cracking, especially in the winter with a reduced ozone layer. 303 Protectant products have a proven formula that helps keep these surfaces supple and looking like new. For the ultimate protection of your door, hood and trunk seals, use 303 Aerospace Protectant twice a year. 303 Aerospace Protectant prolongs the useful life of rubber seals by helping them retain moisture. When properly maintained, door and trunk seals will maintain their shape and elasticity longer, providing a better seal.
If you drive a roadster in cold winter weather, now is the time to clean and protect your top. If water penetrates your top, then freezes, your top will be prone to severe damage. For more information, ask us for a copy of our “Roadster Cabrio Top Guide�. In short, we recommend using Amazing Roll-Off to clean, Porsche Cabrio Top Protectant to seal, and 303 Protectant to protect the rear window.
Don’t forget to inspect your windshield wipers, too. Replace them if there’s any sign of wear. Remember, you’re going to be counting on them to deal with winter’s worst. While you’re at it, check your wash fluid and add a wash booster, such as P21S Windshield Wash Boost. A good wash booster will help cut through road salt, road grime and mud so you can see.
If your car is more than 6 years old, think about replacing the battery. Every January, there comes an especially brutal sub-zero morning that drains the last bit of power from weak car batteries. Even if your battery is relatively new, you should inspect it before winter arrives. Make certain the terminals and posts are free of corrosion (clean with baking soda and water) and the terminals are tight.
Have the cooling system checked for the correct concentration and level of anti-freeze. If your vehicle needs additional coolant, follow the manufacturer's recommendation for the ratio of water to coolant.
Changing the oil and filter before winter is the single most important step in prolonging your vehicle's engine life. Most manufacturers recommend a change every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. Many new cars go up to 15,000 miles (average annual mileage) between oil changes, so have it changed before winter.
If your car starts reluctantly or stalls in warm weather, the problem will only worsen when the mercury plummets. Get it checked now, and have the PVC, fuel and air filters replaced if necessary. Don’t wait until you’re out in the cold!
Finally, worn tires won't give you the traction you need on wet, icy roads. If your tires are worn, replace them with a good set of all-weather radials. For extra grab in the snow, get a pair of snow tires. If you live in a rural area you may want to keep a set of tire chains in your trunk. Likewise, correct tire pressure ensures optimum handling, stopping and wear. Remember to check pressure frequently because cold air causes it to drop (one pound for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit).
