Cars tend to be particularly problematic during the cold and wet months, especially when they are left idling in a garage or carport for a while. As the winter months are almost upon us, it is time to take a few precautionary steps to keep car troubles to a minimum this winter.
Check the Roof for Leaks
Winters are cold and wet in Cwmbran, so checking the roof for leaks just before the winter sets in should be considered mandatory. Rain and snow can wreak havoc on your car if you don’t manage to notice and mend any possible leaks on the roof in time. Check near damaged/ worn out flashings and check the joints with a flashlight. Bigger gaps should be easily visible on a clear day, but small cracks need to be detected with a bit more meticulousness. Park your car outside and hose water on top of the garage roof to confirm that there really is no leak in need of repair.
Replace Corroded/Damaged Roofs
Get rid of any corroded old roofing if you feel that it isn’t going to last the winter. It is better to invest in a few cheap but sturdy polycarbonate roofing sheets early on than to later realise the old aluminium roof has sprung a few leaks right in the middle of January. In case an old roof does end up leaking, just one night of bad weather can be very bad news for the car inside. Look into polycarbonate sheets for affordable and easy DIY corrugated roof installations. Polycarbonate sheet roofs provide complete protection against snow and rain due to their structural resistance against the effects of cold, rain, and heat.
Cover Up the Car
Do note that taking the car out for an occasional drive is recommended to keep it in running condition during the coldest months. Unfortunately, that is not always a possibility, be it due to outdoor weather conditions, or for any other reason. If the car is going to sit in your garage for a long time during the winter months, it may need some additional protection. Invest in a car cover to add an extra layer of protection between your vehicle and the external elements. If your car is parked in a carport, a waterproof car cover should be considered mandatory.
Check for Gaps in the Walls, Doors, and Windows
Small animals and especially mice are known to take refuge inside parked cars during winter. It’s only natural for them to seek shelter, but they will slice through the vehicle’s internal wirings and the upholstery if they can gain entry. To prevent your car from turning into a shelter for sharp-toothed rodents, check the garage walls, doors, and windows to make sure there are no holes or gaps that small animals can use to get through.
Ambient cold can damage even electric cars. If you have a weather-controlled, multipurpose garage, check the insulation system before winter sets in. It will help keep your heating costs low and the car in better health.
Photo credit
Photo by revac film’s&photography from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-toy-car-in-snow-249343/