Winter can wreck havoc on your car if you're not careful. As if the snow and the ice isn't enough to deal with, the road salt put down by your local city to combat the snow and the ice can sometimes do even more damage to your vehicle's paint job than Mother Nature does with the snow. If you want to get your vehicle through the winter without major damage to your vehicle's paint job, here are some tips that might help.
Wash Over Road Salt One Way or Another
Ideally, you'll get your vehicle to a car wash at least once a week while it's snowing outside and the roads are actively being salted. Washing your car only to drive it right back out into the snow might seem counter productive, but the point is that you want to remove salt from your car's auto body before it has a chance to really settle in.
If you can't wash your car at an actual car wash on a regular basis, one thing you can do at home is use a waterless wash spray. Park your car in your garage so you are out of the elements and spray this cleaner onto your car, being sure to wipe with a microfiber cloth. Waterless wash sprays are also effective at removing road salt.
Opt for the Wax or a Sealant
For additional protection before you head back out into the snow, consider adding a layer of car wax to your vehicle. This layer will help keep road salt from contacting your car's paint directly. This is again something you can apply yourself at home if you can't get to a car wash. Always apply it after you are done washing. For even better protection, as your local auto body or paint shop if they are capable of adding a paint sealant to your auto's body. You will still want to clean your car going forward, but the sealant will be there to help out as needed
Your Local Auto Body Shop Can Repair Damage
Auto body shops are often associated with collision repair, but most also handle paint work. If you've let road salt linger on your vehicle for too long, it might become too difficult for you to remove it on your own. If your paint job appears to be permanently damaged, it's time to get professional help. Contact your local auto body shop and you can have your car looking like it's new again in no time.
For more information, contact companies like Select Collision Group.