The cold weather during the Winter months can cause your alloys to become dull and lifeless. Even worse, with the gritters and poor weather, you may be more likely to end up with scratched or corroded alloys.
When it comes to keeping your alloys in top condition this winter, at Alloy Wheel Repair Services, we’ve got you covered.
Why should you prepare your car for winter?
It’s imperative that you prepare your car before winter in order to prevent breakdowns or accidents that could be avoided.
Breakdown recovery companies see an increase in the volume of breakdowns when the weather turns colder, so it’s well worth taking the time to carry out the correct checks on your car.
Should you check your alloys before winter?
Yes, you should be checking your alloys before and during the winter months.
When your alloys are exposed to the cold weather, there is an increased chance that they could become damaged or be damaged even further from the cold conditions.
With the amount of dirt, grit and ice build-up on the roads during winter, your alloys have an increased chance of being damaged. If your alloys are damaged, you may end up causing further damage by using them during the harsh winter conditions.
You should be checking for any dents, scratches or corrosion on your alloys and getting them fixed before the cold weather strikes.
Top tips for winter car preparation
Below are our top five tips for when it comes to preparing your car this Winter:
Book necessary repairs
Booking repairs for your car as soon as you spot them is vital to making sure your car stays in good condition throughout the winter months. You should be looking at alloy wheel repairs, especially if they are scratched, bent or cracked.
Even if you aren’t sure whether your car is damaged or not, taking it for a winter service is a great way to spot any potential problems. Your mechanic will look at your tyres, alloys, battery, wipers, lights and oil.
Check your tyres
Your alloys shouldn’t be the only area you look for damage on. Your alloy health may actually be affected by the health of your tyres.
During the winter, you should have a minimum tread depth of 3mm as this will give you better grip. You could also look for winter tyres, which will provide increased grip in snow, ice and rain.
Whilst you are checking your tyres, look at the coating on your alloys. If you feel like it is wearing off, you can apply a wax sealant which will provide an extra layer of protection against the winter elements.
Wash your windscreen and wipers
Giving your windscreen a thorough cleaning inside and outside is a good way of finding any nicks or chips in the glass.
When salt is on the road, it can cause chips across the bodywork and windows of your car, which is why it’s a good idea to keep them clean so that damage is visible.
Prepare for journeys
Before setting off on longer journeys, you should be checking the weather forecast, travel news and what the safest routes are.
Allow extra journey time in case anything happens or traffic is slow. You should also ensure you have an ice scraper and antifreeze readily available in your car.
Check your breakdown cover
Comprehensive breakdown cover is vital during the winter months, and it should give you peace of mind if you are ever stranded due to the weather.
Always check your policy and have your insurers phone number readily available on all journeys.