As we find ourselves in the grips of winter weather here in the UK, with icy roads and challenging driving conditions, it is far from ideal for supercars. This harsh weather can wreak havoc on these vehicles, causing damage and impacting performance. Notably, the majority of supercars are equipped with summer tyres which are not suitable for the icy winter conditions.
We have listed out some top tips to help your clients maintain their supercars during the cold wintery months below:
Storage Care
To prevent damage and keep it in the best possible condition, it is best for your clients to store their supercar in a secure, weatherproof garage. They may also wish to consider heating the garage as the cold weather can impact the components of the car. This will also reduce the risk of wear and tear and likely save them money on repairs and replacements over time. If your client’s garage is heated, we recommend keeping it on all winter at a constant temperature to reduce moisture in the air and prevent condensation which can damage the electrical components of the car, or it can also lead to rust.
Whilst storing a car there are actions that should be taken to keep it in tip top shape. Firstly, we suggest checking and topping up all fluid levels such as coolant, oil and brake fluid, to help prevent issues by removing contaminants that may cause damage over time. We also suggest keeping the fuel tank filled up to reduce the risk of moisture building up in the tank which again may cause damage over time.
As well as heating the garage, it is important to maintain a dry and stable environment. A dehumidifier is a great way to remove excess moisture in the air and will help prevent the chances of rust to the car. Lastly, remember to seal-up openings on the vehicle, such as exhaust pipes or air intakes which will help to keep pests out and will avoid potential damage when they next take their car out.
Insurance
As we note above, storing a supercar over the winter months can be the best way to keep it safe from the cold, icy conditions. We can offer laid-up cover with ERS Prestige, which will protect your client's supercar whilst it is off the road. This covers risks such as theft, fire, and accidental damage. Protecting your client's car whilst it is off the road means it will be in the best possible condition for them to take it out when the conditions are more favourable.
Wheels
In order to keep supercar wheels in top shape over the winter months, we suggest making sure that the tyres are inflated to the manufacturers recommended pressure to avoid flat spots on the tyres. We also suggest that the tyre tread is within the recommended range to ensure that if the vehicle does need to be driven during the icy weather, it is as safe as possible on the road.
Whilst storing a vehicle, tyre cushions or stands could be used, which will help to distribute the load of the car evenly and reduce the risk of flat spots to the tyres, if storing for long periods of time. Before storing it is a good idea to give the wheels a deep clean and ensure they are dry. This will help protect against corrosion, especially if the car has had any exposure to road salt.
Wraps
Something that your clients may not have considered is using a vinyl wrap on their supercar, which can protect it from scratches and weather damage. The wrap can also be easily removed or replaced when the Winter months have passed.
An alternative to a vinyl wrap is to use Paint Protection Film (PPF). This is an adhesive film that will shield the car paint from scratches, chips and any environmental harm, so offers a longer-lasting solution.
Engine/ battery
During the winter, whilst a supercar is in storage, we recommend that it is started on a semi regular basis as well as using a trickle charger which helps to extend the life of the car battery and other parts. A trickle charger will keep the car battery in a constant charge state which will prevent it from going flat whilst the car is stored.
By following these simple steps above, your client's car will be in the best possible condition for when the icy weather breaks and it is ready to be taken out again on the road.
For more information about Supercar insurance, go to ers.com/prestige.
