Having a car during the chilly fall and winter months is a convenience unlike any other. After all, instead of trekking through rain, sleet or snow, being a car owner means you have an extra layer of protection from the elements, no matter if you’re going to the store, to work or on a cross-country road trip. Even the extreme heat of summer is no match for a car’s air conditioning system. But while your car can help keep you safe and comfortable from the weather, it also needs some protection from the elements, especially if you don’t have your own garage space to keep your vehicle in.

And while many towns and cities across the country offer public parking, it’s often much (much) cheaper to park on the street than to pay for a parking garage. But, while cheaper, car owners should take extra precautions when parking their car outside, as the harsh weather conditions can only speed up wear-and-tear for your car’s components. Not to mention bird droppings, dirt, grime and other contaminants like tree sap (for those in the suburbs) that can build up over time, eventually causing damage to your car’s paint if you’re not careful. Even the sun damages your vehicle, as UV rays can take their toll on the exterior and interior of your car, like the interior plastics of your center console and dashboard, without the right precautions.

That’s why knowing some essential car maintenance tips and some safeguards you can take can help when you park your car outside.

What Happens To My Car When Parked Outside?

Not everyone has the luxury of parking their car in a garage daily. But, while street parking can often be a money-saving convenience when you park under the sun or snow regularly, the elements can impact your vehicle’s overall performance if you’re not proactive. 

For example, here are some common issues you could be dealing with when you regularly park outside:

• Premature wear on your battery: Harsh weather conditions take a toll on your car’s battery, whether in the winter or summer, causing premature wear or failure. Heat can cause your battery fluid to evaporate, while sub-zero temperatures can impact your vehicle’s ability to start. Failing to regularly check your battery every few weeks can result in an unexpected (and inconvenient) issue.
• Tire pressure decreases: Like your car’s battery, the weather can impact your car’s tire pressure, or PSI (pounds per inch). In fact, for every 10-degree increase or decrease in temperature, your car’s tires could fluctuate one to two PSI. So, in the colder months, your vehicle’s tire pressure decreases as the temperature decreases. And apart from giving you a less comfortable ride, diving with underinflated tires can, at best, cause low gas mileage, steering issues, uneven tire wear, or, at worst, a potential blowout. Plus, regardless of the time of year or the temperature outside, if your tires are exposed to the sun for long periods, they may begin to rot, causing even more premature tire wear. It’s also important not to forget that even a parked car in perfect weather conditions can experience tire issues, like flat spots if it sits undriven for too long. 
• Damage from snow/hail: If you live in an area that receives heavy snow or hail, your vehicle may be susceptible to exterior body damage. Hail is the most significant factor here, as it can create dents all over your vehicle. Enough hail damage can total vehicles out and can even cause glass damage on your windshield, windows or even a moon or sunroof. 
• Fluid thickening: For those who live in areas that see extremely cold temperatures, you may need to consider different essential fluids for your car, rated explicitly for cold climates. Normal fluids can start to thicken if they get too cold, harming your vital engine components. Thankfully, automotive experts know this, which is why there are countless essential fluids for vehicles, ranging from coolant, oil and more, that can withstand extreme temperatures. On the other hand, like battery fluid, extreme temperatures can also cause some fluids to evaporate quicker than usual, leading to potentially costly issues if they are not replaced or topped off as soon as possible.

Ways To Protect Your Car When Parking Outside

There are several ways you can protect your car when parked outside to help you avoid potential issues later down the road. Some of the easiest DIY methods include:

• Removing the battery: Planning on driving your car less this season? Protect your car’s battery by removing and storing it safely away from the elements. It can also help to connect it to a battery tender to keep it from losing charge and prolong the battery’s life. 
• Properly inflating your tires: As tire pressure can fluctuate on a given day (or hour), you should check it regularly to ensure you’re not too over or under-inflated. An easy way to do this is by checking your tires every time you fill up your gas tank, as most gas stations have a tire filling station. So if your tires are underinflated while filling up, you can use the free air pump to get your tires back at the proper PSI. It would be helpful to keep this habit year-round, as properly inflated tires will help you get better gas mileage and ensure your tires are wearing evenly.
• Getting a car cover: To protect your car from snow, hail, and other extreme winter weather, consider purchasing a car cover or car storage tent. Both options do a great job protecting your vehicle’s paint from debris, hail, and direct contact with the snow. 
• Routinely checking fluids: Check your car’s essential fluids to ensure that they are topped off and not thickening due to the cold weather. Ideally, you will want to use the proper fluid if you live in an area with extreme winter temperatures.
• Properly washing/waxing your vehicle: Between the rain, snow, dirt, bird poop and then some that your car can be exposed to when parked outside, it’s essential to ensure it’s regularly clean. And yes, that includes getting a car wash during the winter, as it’s a vital step in helping to protect your car’s paint and exterior from issues like chipping or rust. You can even take it a step further and use some car wax to help give an extra layer of protection to your vehicle. 

While these tips can help you take better care of your car when it’s parked outside, they won’t be able to help you avoid any unexpected breakdowns or repairs. Following your car’s recommended maintenance schedule can’t help prevent every issue. And if you have a car that’s no longer covered by an active factory warranty, you’d be left paying for any repairs on your own, but not when you have an Endurance vehicle protection plan.

Like a car’s factory coverage, Endurance plans are designed to protect a vehicle’s vital components from breakdowns, including the engine, transmission and more. Some plans, like Advantage, can even help you protect your vehicle while allowing you to save up to $3,500 in yearly maintenance services, including essentials like tire rotations, PSI checks, engine diagnostic exams and more. You’ll even be able to enjoy some one-time only services, like a battery replacement, cooling system maintenance and more for even more coverage and savings.

But that’s not all, as every Endurance plan also allows you to go to any certified mechanic or repair shop of your choice while giving you 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, trip interruption coverage and even rental car reimbursements. You’ll also be automatically eligible for an entire year’s worth of Elite Benefits, including extra perks and savings like collision discounts, tire replacements or repairs, and more.

Save on Costly Auto Repairs with Endurance

Parking your car outside does have its drawbacks, but with the proper care and the backing of an extended car warranty, you can get back on the road in no time. But while extended warranties from automakers and other third-party providers can help protect your vehicle, only Endurance can give you comprehensive coverage while helping you save up to $3,500 on your car’s maintenance needs with the Advantage vehicle protection plan. 

Or, you can find basic powertrain coverage for your car’s vital components without breaking your budget, with plans starting as low as just $79 per month. Plus, every Endurance plan also comes with standard benefits like roadside assistance and more, making you eligible for a full year of Endurance Elite Benefits for even more peace of mind.