How to Protect Your Car From Winter's Wicked Ways

The winter weather has wreaked havoc on roads, schedules, and cars across the nation. Bitter cold, road salt, and fender benders have been constant gifts from the arctic blast. A harsh winter can take its toll on your car leaving behind scrapes, dents, and a damaged paint job. There are some simple steps you can take to protect your vehicle from winter's elements.

If your decide to wash your car at home be sure to thoroughly rinse before attempting to remove road salt. The abrasive and corrosive nature of road salt can cause serious scratching and lead to premature rusting. If you take your car to a car wash make sure you visit the touchless variety. Brushes and foam strips could contain the salt from other vehicles and potentially damage your vehicle.

If you get the chance between winter storms have your vehicle pressure washed. Be sure that the wheel wells and lower portions of the doors and fenders are washed cleaned. A pressure wash can effectively blast away the harmful grit and dirt that accumulates on cars and trucks during the winter months. Road salt, gravel, ash and other treatments may protect roadways but they can do long time damage to a vehicle.

If you take your car through an automated car wash make sure you pay extra for the spray wax. The extra layer of protection will make it easier to remove the winter grime and simplify your spring cleaning efforts. Spray waxes also provide UV protection and a lasting shine.

A hard plastic scraper may do a fine job of removing ice from your windows but be careful not to use on other parts of your vehicle. The temptation on a cold day may be to simply use your scraper to remove snow from your roof, hood, or other parts of the car. Resist the temptation and take a few seconds to get a soft snow brush or foam brush to more effectively remove the snow and protect your paint job.

A few simple steps and extra care in the winter will have your car looking in prime shape for warmer weather.