Posted by Fleet Safety
A winter beater is a concept well accepted worldwide, especially in areas that are notorious for their treacherous winters. And by that logic, Canada couldn’t be too far from that list. A winter beater or a second-hand car to get you through challenging weather conditions tend to make sense, as winter driving certain parts of the world can be tough on you and your primary vehicle. Canada is no exception to that.
The winter season is not simply rough on humans but equally trying for automobiles. And many are of the view that it’s better to preserve and protect the primary vehicle that they so love and instead buy a second-hand car to get through the winter weather. Let’s face it, be it your preliminary or secondary vehicle, the onslaught of snow and ice and constant exposure to salt and sand can be excruciating for both. The idea of a winter beater, as the name suggests, has to do mainly with being able to drive the car that’s bought, especially to get through the gruelling and challenging weather conditions.
Just as the world is divided on most things, the idea of a winter beater is also not everyone’s cup of tea. While some love to brag more about the valour regarding the salt and slush-ready winter beater, some think of it as an unnecessary expense. Let’s have a look if it’s such a good idea.
Winter Beater: Pros
Suppose you have used your primary vehicle in the winters and subjected it to the cold. In that case, you know it is a combination of many things that can impact your beloved ride. These can affect the vehicle even though it is not in use, from corrosions resulting from salt or battery drainage due to frigid winter temperatures or cracked hoses. Buying a winter beater can ensure the resale value of your primary car does not drop due to the incurred damage.
But that’s not all. It saves you money that you’d be using to safeguard your primary vehicle to prepare it for the winters. For instance, you do not have to stress about getting winterproofing with things like protective films, winter tyres, and other special features with a winter beater.
Additionally, having a separate ride for winters helps you keep the kilometres low on your primary vehicle. Therefore make sure you get a good deal when you want to sell it.
Winter Beater: Cons
As we mentioned, the idea of a winter beater is not an attractive one for everyone. Drivers who cannot bear the thought of driving a different car from their primary ones find it most inconvenient while deciding whether or not to get a winter beater. Furthermore, the entire concept of a winter beater is that it lacks the sheen and finish of your much-beloved vehicle. After all, this secondary candidate is not with you for its attractive features but purely for the reasons of its prowess and durability to get you through the difficult times.
What’s more, a winter beater is usually a used or an older second-hand car and therefore comes with fewer safety features. This can make a winter beater a less reliable ride during weather conditions that are already challenging. Additionally, a winter beater may require more maintenance simply because they are old and used, to begin with. Therefore, some dislike the substantial short-term cost that a winter beater represents. And even though it’s meant for rough use, it can still entail certain costs while being used.
Conclusion
Buying a winter beater is a personal choice that you need to make, keeping your needs in mind. If you do choose to buy it, do remember to conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection along with getting the vehicle’s history. What’s more, while an idea of a winter beater might be appealing, there’s merit in also looking at defensive driving courses that can significantly improve your confidence and make you a safe driver during the already challenging winter months. After all, no matter whether it’s your primary or secondary ride, it is you who will be riding it.
If you or someone you know could use some help learning to drive in the winter, try our online winter driving course from Fleet Safety International!