CAR OWNERS ADVISED HOW TO AVOID‘STORING-UP’ TROUBLE THIS WINTER
A stormy end to October and predictions of a harsh winter from weather forecasters, means that some car owners are now planning to put their car into storage until spring.
An estimated 850,000* historic vehicles are owned in Britain and many more cars are so cherished by their owners they are taken off the road in winter.
Halfords is advising owners against simply parking up their cars and hoping for the best when spring comes.
Dave Poulter, from Halfords, said: “There are a number of steps that owners should take now when putting their car into hibernation. This will avoid storing-up trouble and helps ensure it is still purring when the weather improves.”
“We have created a list of the ten top products and tips that will help people protect their pride and joy.”
The following products and winter care routine will help protect your vehicle from the elements and problems arising from inactivity – whether it is being stored in a garage or outside.
Winter Care Routine:
Under the bonnet
1) Wynn’s Engine Flush (£4.99) – Prior to an oil change this will dissolve of any contaminants and prevent fresh oil contamination.
2) Millers Classic Sport 20w50 Oil 5L (£39.99) – Draining and replacing the oil will prevent internal corrosion which occurs over periods of storage due to oxidation from high temperatures.
3) Halfords Silicate Antifreeze Concentrate 2L (£11.99) – Using the correct grade antifreeze will stop multi-metal corrosion and prevent water within the engine from freezing and causing damage.
4) Halfords SmartCharge 100 Battery Charger (£54.99) – Continually charges the battery as it naturally discharges to prolonging battery life and maintain electronic vehicle systems when stored.
a) SMJ 4 Socket Cassette Reel (£14.99) – A 10 Amp, 10 metre extension cable that enables the use of a charger even if you don’t have a garage with power.
Interior
5) Bell Moisture Mate (£4.99) – Originally designed for caravans, our customers tell us this dehumidifier removes dampness from cars and that it is particularly effective in soft-top convertibles.
6) Diamond Air Freshener (£3.99) – Eliminate damp odours with a hanging gel-based air freshener – it is long lasting, works without movement and doesn’t become damp like paper versions.
7) Autoglym Leather Care Balm (£9.99) – Will preserve the suppleness of the leather by stopping it from drying out.
Exterior
8) Farcela G3 Resin Superwax (£12.99) – After cleaning the bodywork, apply this wax and don’t buff off until spring. It will repel moisture and trap dust - preventing it from becoming abrasive.
9) Halfords Advanced All Seasons Car Cover (£49.99) – With or without a garage this breathable cover protects against the harshest winter elements whilst allowing condensation to evaporate.
Security
10) Stoplock Pulsar Steering Wheel Lock (£34.99) – A robust anti-theft device that doesn’t drain your car battery but acts as a highly visible deterrent.
a) Yale Shed Pack 2 (£44.99) – Designed for a shed or garage, this pack features a motion sensor alarm, plus a weatherproof padlock and hasp to ensure the door is secured.
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Media contact:
James Dale, PR Coordinator
T: 01527 513315
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager
T: 01527 513410, M: 07738 751930
E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Notes to Editors
*Classic car owners figure taken from the Federation of British Historical Vehicles Club
Halfords Group plc
The Group is the UK's leading retailer of automotive, leisure and cycling products and through Halfords Autocentres also one of the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator. Halfords customers shop at over 460 stores in the UK and Republic of Ireland and at halfords.com for pick-up at their local store or direct home delivery. Halfords Autocentres operates from around 300 sites nationally and offers motorists dealership-quality MOTs, repairs and car servicing at affordable prices.
The Halfords group strategy is based on three pillars:
· Supporting Drivers Of Every Car
· Inspiring Cyclists Of Every Age
· Equipping Families For Their Leisure Time
The Getting into Gear 2016 plan for the Retail business is based on executing in five key areas in order to deliver a significantly-enhanced customer experience:
· Service Revolution
· The H Factor
· Stores Fit To Shop
· 21stCentury Infrastructure
· Click With The Digital Future
Halfords employs approximately 12,000 colleagues and sells around 10,000 product lines in stores, increasing to around 30,000 lines online. The product offering encompasses significant ranges in car parts, cycling, in-car technology, child seats, roof boxes, outdoor leisure and camping equipment. Halfords own brands include Apollo and Carrera cycles, augmented by exclusive UK distribution rights for the premium-ranged Boardman cycles and accessories. In outdoor leisure, we sell a premium range of camping equipment including brands such as Gelert and Outwell. Halfords offers customers expert advice and a fitting service called "wefit" for car parts, child seats, satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, and a "werepair" service for cycles.
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