Whether you’re planning to store your sports car this winter or want to kit it out to show off at holiday parades, making sure it’s ready for winter is crucial. The steps to take will depend on where you’re located, and going to your Audi service center or other luxury mechanic on your specific car’s needs is always a good idea. However, there are a few key ways to prep that can be helpful to all sports cars. Remember to shift how you drive in winter conditions, slowing down a bit and avoiding the temptation to push your car to its limits. It’s both how you prepare your car and how you change your driving habits that will keep you safe this winter—and your vehicle in top condition.
Here are a few strategies to make sure your car is winter ready:
- Remove the tires and put it on blocks for storage. Sports tires are expensive, and if you want to extend their life it’s a good idea to put your sports car on blocks. This will help prevent needless wear and tear on tires due to simply holding up your vehicle. Make sure the car has plenty of support and keep the tires covered in a cool, dry place. It takes a little more effort to store vehicles this way, but it’s worth it. Come spring, you’ll be able to pop the tires back on and get back on the road.
- Add a clear bra to the front. If you live in an area that salts the roads or you know there will be sludge kicked up this winter season, take extra measures to protect your car. Salt can readily damage a vehicle, and the front gets the brunt of it. It’s best to avoid driving on any salted roads—or any roads where you’re risking damage—but if it has to be done a clear bra can help.
- Call and check your insurance policy. When’s the last time you talked to your insurance agent about your needs? In many cases, people don’t find out that they lack the right protection until it’s too late. This can be especially true with sports cars that can be costly to repair or replace. Make it a New Year’s resolution to schedule a call with your insurance agent.
- Invest in winter tires. Having winter tires is one of the best things you can do to increase safety on winter roads and reduce damage to your car. Your local dealership will be able to tell you which tires you need for your vehicle and location. Take care of them and store them properly come spring, this will allow you to re-use them the following year.
- Buy a good pair of snow chains. Hopefully you won’t actually need to use chains, but it’s a good item to keep in your vehicle. You don’t want to be stranded in a sudden snowstorm. Slipping and sliding on snow and ice is a big risk in many parts of the country. Ideally you will have your vehicle stored in these kinds of conditions, but that isn’t always an option.
- Keep your fuel tank half-full for storage. If you plan to store your vehicle for more than a few weeks, avoid the temptation to “treat yourself” to a full tank in the spring. Fuel will naturally dissipate in storage and it’s a waste of money. In severe cases, full tanks in storage have even been shown to cause damage to a vehicle. Consider this one of the few times when “being cheap” will pay off.
- Check your heating system now. If it’s been awhile since you checked out your car’s heating system, do it before storage—or at least before the first snow fall. Sports cars aren’t always made with the best comfort systems, and if you have a classic you don’t want to be stuck in a freezing vehicle all winter.
Preparing your car for winter is a lot like preparing your home. You need to assess various facets and schedule some maintenance. However, a little extra precaution now can be a literal lifesaver on a road with black ice.