How to protect your car every day?
Shelter or cover your car
If you don’t have a garage, you should cover your car to protect it from the weather. Get some tarpaulin and attach it to your car with straps or a simple bungee cord.
In winter, this protection prevents frost from forming on the windscreen. It also creates a barrier against the cold, providing you choose a frost-proof model. By preventing the vehicle from freezing over, the cover will help you protect the doors and wipers. You can reinforce it with another cover to surround the battery.
In summer, heat can be harmful, especially to the seals and the engine belt. It is best to park the vehicle in the shade. Alternatively, as the sun’s rays move around the hours, insulate the windows with sunshades and protect the windscreen with aluminium panels.
Tip: If you live in a particularly hot climate, consider applying a protective wax after washing the bodywork to reduce the sun’s impact.
Clean it regularly
Make sure the bodywork is free of scratches. If not, take prompt action to prevent rust. Shallow scratches can be removed with polish or camouflaged with a touch-up pen. More severe scratches should be treated by a professional.
In cold weather, wash the car with clean water to remove road salt and dirt or any insects that may have crept under the cover. Lubricate the hinges on doors and the boot to prevent them from seizing. Remove dirt from the seals and coat them with a suitable product. To prevent moisture from getting in your car, don’t leave umbrellas or wet carpet in the car and avoid opening windows when driving in the rain.
Park away from trees and other vehicles
Twice a year, trees go through a period of transformation that can damage your vehicle. In spring, pollen can rain down on the bodywork. You may find it challenging to get rid of these highly sticky particles. In autumn, watch out for falling leaves, pine needles, acorns, etc., which can block the drainage channels in the gaps between the bonnet and windscreen. Other risks are associated with trees as well. They can attract birds, which release acid- and nitrogen-rich droppings that can damage your paint and bodywork. Finally, in winter, falling branches are not uncommon.
Park your car far away from other vehicles as well. You can avoid exposing it to the impact of suddenly opening doors of your neighbours, as well as friction scratches caused by other manoeuvring vehicles.
Remember to maintain it
Regularly check the pressure of your tyres, which tend to deflate quicker in cold weather. On winter mornings, give the vehicle time to warm up by running the engine for at least ten minutes before setting off. Pay particular attention to the battery: if it is struggling to perform and is older than five years, it may be time to change it.
In summer, never leave your car parked in the sun with an empty tank. Moisture can seep in and damage the injection system. Heat means evaporation: before taking the vehicle on a long journey, check the various levels (oil, brake fluid and coolant).
Protect it from rodents
Don’t forget to protect your car from squirrels or other rodents that can get under the bonnet and damage the cables or hoses. Ultrasonic repellents emit an inaudible noise for humans, but it’s loud enough to keep rodents away. You can also use a repellent with a deterring smell. Do not store food in your garage and avoid dropping crumbs inside your car. Finally, an extra precaution you can take is to screen the engine compartment to prevent rodents from making nests… and damage.
When your vehicle is not parked in a garage, it is advisable to take special precautions to keep it in the best possible condition. By following these recommendations, you can enjoy your car for a much longer time.
