Frederick, MD, is one of Maryland’s coldest regions during winter. Residents experience temperatures as low as 42 degrees Fahrenheit and 25 degrees or lower at night. This is cold enough to do a good deal of harm to both the exterior and interior of an unprotected car. But with a little careful preparation, you can help ensure that your car survives cold winter weather in great condition.
Wax Well Before Winter
A vehicle’s bodywork can undergo a lot of damage during winter. The corrosive mixture created by snow, salt, and grit can eat its way through the paintwork and rust bare metal at a surprising rate.
Apart from keeping your car clean of snow, ice, and slush at all times, you can also protect your bodywork with a fresh, thick layer of wax. This is best applied before the cold months begin. You can also use a modern synthetic paint sealant for this purpose.
Install Good Winter Tires
Cars, drivers, and passengers all face a heightened risk of harm from road accidents during winter. To mitigate this risk, everyone should drive with greater care. It also helps to have proper winter tires installed in advance.
Good winter tires have wider voids between tread lugs, providing greater traction on patches of snow or ice. They’re also made from a more pliable hydrophilic rubber that further increases traction.
Tire Stud Rules in Frederick, MD
Small steel studs are another traction-enhancing option for winter tires. As one of Maryland’s coldest counties, Frederick permits using studs in winter tires between November 1 and March 31. Just take care if you’re driving out of the county, as studs are only legal in the counties of Allegheny, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington.
Insulate With a Car Cover
The wintry nighttime hours are when the most damage happens to unprotected cars. Snow, ice, moisture, and hail can harm bodywork, while the cold can damage sensitive internal parts such as the battery, wiring, and electronics.
If you don’t have a garage to protect your car from the elements, purchasing a high-quality insulating car cover might be a worthwhile investment. These covers work wonders at keeping cars safe and snug overnight.
Use Proper Synthetic Antifreeze
As the name suggests, antifreeze is resistant to freezing. But all coolant fluid is commonly called antifreeze, which can be confusing. The ordinary coolant used during summer can rapidly freeze during winter, expanding and destroying your engine’s cooling system.
When winter’s approaching, it’s essential to have your coolant flushed out and the right antifreeze product put in. This should usually be the synthetic antifreeze most suitable for each car’s make and model. Check your user manual or ask a trusted technician which antifreeze is best for your car.
Visit DARCARS Used Car & Service Center of Frederick today to have certified technicians winterize your car. We serve the drivers of the greater Frederick area with top-notch vehicles and service throughout the year.
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