Navigating Winter: The Importance of Winterising Your Engine
As the nights draw in, we are faced with the inevitable arrival of winter. While it may be tempting to stow away your vessel and forget about it until the warmer months return, neglecting proper winterisation of your boat engine can lead to a myriad of issues. In this article, we will explore why winterising your Volvo Penta inboard engine is not just a seasonal chore, but a crucial step in ensuring the longevity and performance of your boat.
1. Freezing temperatures
The most obvious reason for winterising your Volvo Penta boat engine is to protect it from the harsh effects of freezing temperatures. Water trapped within the engine can expand when frozen, causing irreversible damage to components. By having your boat engine winterised by an authorised Volvo Penta dealer, you ensure that all water is drained, preventing potential cracks and leaks.
2. Corrosion prevention
Winter isn’t just about freezing temperatures; it also brings increased moisture. These conditions create an ideal environment for corrosion to take hold. The procedure of winterising your boat engine involves the application of rust inhibitors and lubricants to create a protective barrier that shields your engine from the corrosive effects of moisture, preventing deterioration and extending its lifespan.
3. Peace of mind
Perhaps one of the less tangible but equally important benefits of winterising your Volvo Penta engine is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your investment from potential winter-related damage allows you to enjoy the off-season without worrying about costly repairs come spring.
4. Rubber component preservation
Rubber seals, hoses, and belts are essential components of your Volvo Penta engine, and they are susceptible to deterioration in cold temperatures. Winterisation of your boat engine involves treating these components with protective substances to prevent cracking and ensure they remain flexible and functional when you use your boat again next season.
5. Fuel system preservation
Fuel left in the system over the winter months can degrade and form varnish. This not only affects the performance of your engine but can also lead to clogged fuel lines and injectors. Winterising your boat engine includes treating the fuel with stabilisers, ensuring that it remains in optimal condition during the storage period and preventing potential starting issues when you’re ready to hit the water again.
6. Oil change
Oil degrades over time due to its ability to react with oxygen in the atmosphere. If oil is left over winter, it could speed up damage to internal components and shorten engine life. It is recommended to change to new oil before winter lay up to let the new oil actively protect engine internals.
7. Battery maintenance
Cold temperatures are notorious for draining battery life. By disconnecting and properly storing your marine battery during winterisation, you prevent it from losing its charge and increase its overall longevity.
Winterising your boat engine is not just a precaution; it’s a proactive measure to safeguard your boat and ensure its reliability in the seasons to come. By investing time and effort in proper winterisation through an authorised Volvo Penta dealer, you’re not only protecting your vessel from the immediate threats of cold weather but also securing its long-term performance and durability.
So, before the temperatures drop, take the time to reach out to your nearest dealer for expert guidance and schedule your winterisation.
The most obvious reason for winterising your Volvo Penta boat engine is to protect it from the harsh effects of freezing temperatures. Water trapped within the engine can expand when frozen, causing irreversible damage to components. By having your boat engine winterised by an authorised Volvo Penta dealer, you ensure that all water is drained, preventing potential cracks and leaks.
2. Corrosion prevention
Winter isn’t just about freezing temperatures; it also brings increased moisture. These conditions create an ideal environment for corrosion to take hold. The procedure of winterising your boat engine involves the application of rust inhibitors and lubricants to create a protective barrier that shields your engine from the corrosive effects of moisture, preventing deterioration and extending its lifespan.
3. Peace of mind
Perhaps one of the less tangible but equally important benefits of winterising your Volvo Penta engine is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your investment from potential winter-related damage allows you to enjoy the off-season without worrying about costly repairs come spring.
4. Rubber component preservation
Rubber seals, hoses, and belts are essential components of your Volvo Penta engine, and they are susceptible to deterioration in cold temperatures. Winterisation of your boat engine involves treating these components with protective substances to prevent cracking and ensure they remain flexible and functional when you use your boat again next season.
5. Fuel system preservation
Fuel left in the system over the winter months can degrade and form varnish. This not only affects the performance of your engine but can also lead to clogged fuel lines and injectors. Winterising your boat engine includes treating the fuel with stabilisers, ensuring that it remains in optimal condition during the storage period and preventing potential starting issues when you’re ready to hit the water again.
6. Oil change
Oil degrades over time due to its ability to react with oxygen in the atmosphere. If oil is left over winter, it could speed up damage to internal components and shorten engine life. It is recommended to change to new oil before winter lay up to let the new oil actively protect engine internals.
7. Battery maintenance
Cold temperatures are notorious for draining battery life. By disconnecting and properly storing your marine battery during winterisation, you prevent it from losing its charge and increase its overall longevity.
Winterising your boat engine is not just a precaution; it’s a proactive measure to safeguard your boat and ensure its reliability in the seasons to come. By investing time and effort in proper winterisation through an authorised Volvo Penta dealer, you’re not only protecting your vessel from the immediate threats of cold weather but also securing its long-term performance and durability.
So, before the temperatures drop, take the time to reach out to your nearest dealer for expert guidance and schedule your winterisation.
Volvo Penta United Kingdom
A part of Volvo Group