Detailing Tips: Winter Protection
During the winter season, our vehicles are the most susceptible to harsh conditions. The dirt and road salt that comes during this season can wreak havoc on the car’s exterior. A damaged paint finish is not only unattractive, but it can reduce the car’s value when you want to sell it or trade it in. As experts, we recommend that vehicle owners implement strategies that can prevent tire damage, rim damage, exterior paint, and body damage and undercarriage decay.
During the winter season, our vehicles are the most susceptible to harsh conditions. The dirt and road salt that comes during this season can wreak havoc on the car’s exterior. A damaged paint finish is not only unattractive, but it can reduce the car’s value when you want to sell it or trade it in. As experts, we recommend that vehicle owners implement strategies that can prevent tire damage, rim damage, exterior paint, and body damage and undercarriage decay.
1) Regular vehicle washing
It is important that we regularly wash our vehicles during the winter season more so than any other time of the year. This is because the snow, slush, and grit combined with road salt make vehicles rust. Salt will prematurely degrade and damage sealants applied to the exterior. Hand wash and rinse the car, use a high-pressure sprayer to ensure all the grit and snow is removed. Clean the undercarriage, bumpers, wheel wells and other hard-to-reach areas that are likely to rust.
2) Seal the Paint
It is important to provide the exterior of your car with a protective coating to withstand the extreme winter conditions. A paint sealant is equipped with polymers that can shield your car against water and road salts. Salt, dirt, grime, and snow are easier to clean when your car is coated with a paint sealant. Additionally, the sealant will protect your vehicle from scratches and chips and reduces the damage caused by oxidation.
3) Remove Salt Stain from the Car Carpets
Always care for the carpets, seats, and floor mats during winter. Use a solution of half-distilled vinegar and half water to remove salt stains on floor mats, carpets, and seats. Use stiff brushes to loosen the dirt from the carpets and upholstery. It can take several scrubbing sessions to remove some salt stains completely. Salt stains on leather seats can be eliminated by the use of a conditioner that contains aloe.
4) Care for the Wheels
Just like there are protective sealants for car paint, there are specialized sealants for vehicle wheels as well. Protective tire sealants prevent brake dust adhesion and repel ice and snow from adhering to the treads. There are also nano-based ceramic glass coatings that can keep wheels safe from salt buildup, which comes with long-term consequences. Also, use specially mixed acid solutions to remove dirt, brake dust, and residue from wheels. Alternatively, we can use a nonacid product instead of acid-based cleaners since they cause oxidation on bare alloy wheels and can damage wheels with clear coatings.
Final Thoughts
While many car owners prefer to stay warm by the fireplace during the winter season, it is also nice to care for the car. Winter detailing will help avoid costly repairs while maintaining a car that is in good condition.
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