10 TIPS FOR WINTER CAR MAINTENANCE

The mercury in the thermometer is slowly dropping further below 15 degrees Celsius and will soon certainly fall below 10 degrees. The lower the temperature, the more your car could be affected. Cold and harsh conditions can lead to extra wear and tear and problems. So it's high time to give your car some extra love!

RUSH provides you with several important and practical tips so you can hit the road worry-free and your car is prepared for the upcoming winter weather.

Check your tire pressure

Make sure your tires are at the correct pressure, as the cold can reduce tire pressure. Properly inflated tires provide improved traction in winter conditions. This significantly reduces the risk of aquaplaning. It is also important to inspect the tread of your tires and ensure it has a minimum depth of 1.6 millimeters. Additionally, consider installing winter tires, as these are mandatory in a large part of Europe. Winter tires offer better grip in cold and snowy conditions.

Protect rubber seals

Use a silicone spray, a special rubber stick, or talcum powder to keep the rubber seals of the doors and windows supple and prevent them from freezing or sticking.

Check the battery

Check the condition of the battery and ensure it is fully charged. At lower temperatures, batteries perform less efficiently. Therefore, your battery will discharge faster when your car is parked in winter. This can cause problems starting your car. If your battery is dead, your car won't start at all. It is wise to have your battery checked and tested. Consider using a battery charger if the car is parked for a long time.

Maintain the windshield wipers

Check and replace worn windshield wipers if necessary. In winter, you need them extra much in the dark, in bad weather conditions, and with reduced visibility.

Continue to wash your car regularly

Wash your car regularly! It is recommended to wash your car every two weeks throughout the year. In winter, it is preferable to wash the car at least once a week. Washing removes any salt/brine, mud, and other contaminants that can accumulate and cause damage. Note: in the winter months, this process happens much faster than in the dry summer months.

Use a suitable car shampoo

In the winter months, it is advisable to wash your car more often, but you don't want to spend hours on this every week. Use RUSH Gold Wash for thorough and safe cleaning of your car's paintwork with a gleaming result. This shampoo cleans, protects, and is silicone-free and pH-neutral. Always wash using the 2-bucket method. Especially in winter when more mud and sand come off the car; you certainly don't want to spread this on the paint. So make sure to regularly rinse your wash mitt thoroughly in your rinse bucket. For cleaning rims, RUSH Iron Remover is the ideal product.

Apply a protective layer

To easily maintain your car every time, you want to wash it, rinse it, dry it, and put it away shiny again with ease. To shorten this process, you can treat your car before winter with a protective layer such as RUSH Ceramic Sealant. This SiO2 spray is very easy to apply yourself and offers protection for up to 3 months. Ideal for the winter period. Afterwards, you conclude each weekly wash with RUSH Nano Wet Coat; you spray on this protective layer and do not need to polish it off. Super easy to use and provides simple protection against dirt.

Rinse thoroughly

Make sure to rinse the car thoroughly to remove all salt and dirt residues. Pay extra attention to the wheel arches and the underside of the car. The front and rear bumpers are also important places where dirt and mud can easily accumulate and cause damage. Make sure to always spray them thoroughly before you start washing.

Use an ice/snow blanket

Always clear snow and ice from the car before driving. Don't forget the roof, hood, and trunk. This promotes safety and prevents damage to the paintwork. You save a lot of time by using an ice/snow blanket for the windshield. Of course, you can also just use an ice scraper for scraping the windows.

Do not use the handbrake

A common mistake in wintertime: using the handbrake. It can freeze, rendering it unusable. If your handbrake does freeze, you can let the engine run for a while until everything thaws. In winter, when parking, you can leave the car in gear or in park mode. Do you have a car with an electric handbrake? Then you should not experience any problems.

You don't want to think about it, but something can always go wrong on the road. Therefore, it is also important to check your car insurance before you hit the road. Roadside assistance is not standard coverage under your car insurance; it might be useful to opt for an additional roadside assistance insurance.

A complete overview of the RUSH Car Care assortment can be found here.
If you have specific questions or encounter certain problems, you can always contact our customer service using the contact details below:

RUSH International B.V.
Phone: 085-0472024
Available from 10:00 - 17:00
Email: info@rushofficial.nl