Keep it Covered Blog

The winter months are hard on your vehicle. Get your vehicle ready for the cold months ahead with these tips!

Winter Tires:

It’s a good idea to replace summer or all-season tires with a set of dedicated winter tires. These tires have tread patterns and rubber compounds specially designed to grip snow and ice, for optimum traction in slick conditions. Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you’ll have the best possible traction.

Battery Care:
When it’s zero degrees F, your battery only has about half the cranking power it has at 80 degrees. The battery cables should be tight enough that they can’t be pulled off by hand. If the battery cables and terminals have any white, crusty corrosion forming on them, it can create resistance and reduce the amount of power that can be drawn from the battery. This corrosion can be easily cleaned with a mixture of baking soda and water, which neutralizes the battery acid. Disconnect the battery cables and use an old toothbrush dipped in the mixture to scrub off any corrosion.

Engine Oil:
Engine oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over.  Typical formulas that are recommended for modern engines include 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30, which provide good oil flow at low temperatures and can usually be used year-round. Whenever you have the oil changed, also have the oil filter changed to ensure the system has the maximum amount of flow. Always check your owner’s manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures.

Cooling System:
Extreme cold can cause rubber parts to become brittle and fail. Check the radiator and heater hoses for cracking, leaking, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable when you squeeze them. For most vehicles, the cooling system should be flushed at least every two years (check your owner’s manual). This helps keep corrosion from building up in the system. If a flush is almost due, have it done before the cold weather hits. The system should be refilled with a mixture of antifreeze and water, typically in a 50/50 ratio. This will keep your coolant from freezing to well below zero. Always make sure the belts and hoses are checked for wear and tear.

Inside and Outside Care:
The dirt and salt of winter can also affect your car’s paint finish. To help protect it, give the car a fresh coat of wax and then wash it regularly during the winter months.  Invest in a car cover, this will protect your vehicle and ensures it remains clean and fully protected between detailing.

These simple maintenance checks will help your vehicle stay in tip-top condition!

As a general rule, cover the front bumper first and rear bumper last. If the cover has mirror pockets, place the pockets over the mirrors first. If you have an old car you should cover the roof and windows first, and then the front and rear of the car.

Make sure to read the installation guide provided with your automotive cover.

Yes , it definitely can! It pays to protect all your investments, a thief wants to experience the least amount of exposure. When you cover a vehicle or piece of equipment, it takes time to remove the cover, so the thief’s exposure time is increased.

A cover also helps protect the interior contents of a vehicle. When items are out of sight they are less likely to tempt a thief.  A lock and cable will also help.

Most people who own an RV are not going to be using it year round. This means they need to consider how to store it during bad weather or whenever they are not using it.  An RV Cover is the best option if want to keep your RV in good condition all year round.  Protective coverings are essential for prolonging the life of your RV and are available for all travel trailers, 5th Wheels, camper trailers, pop-up trailers, and toy haulers.  When choosing the right cover, ensure your selection is breathable and treated for U.V. protection.  RV Covers are designed to handle harsh elements like sun, rain, snow, tree sap, bird droppings, dirt and other debris.

As with any investment, you will want to protect it!

Covering your RV is essential for owners that do not live in their RVs full time. It is one method of protecting your investment if you choose outdoor storage for your RV when it is not in use.

RV covers block ultraviolet (UV) rays to prevent fading and cracking from the body of the vehicle and reflect infrared rays to lower the temperature. They also prevent chemicals that may have an adverse effect on the paint job due to rain and bird droppings from reaching the vehicle, while allowing moisture to escape by preventing the buildup of mold and mildew.