Winter Do's and Don'ts
Winter Car Care: 5 Pro Tips to Protect Your Ride from Cold Weather Damage
Winter can turn even the most careful car owner into an improvised mechanic.
We've all seen those desperate moments - beating on a windshield with tiny ice scraper or brushing off 12" of snow with nothing but your arm.
Winters here can make even the heartiest of snow-lovers want to pack up and move to warmer weather.
I've included a couple non-detailing related do's and don'ts as I believe they can be just as important.
What not to do: Winter car care mistakes
Let's cut straight to the critical mistakes that can seriously damage your vehicle.
Avoid These Winter Car Care Disasters:
- Never Use Hot Water on Frozen Surfaces: It sounds logical, but pouring hot water on icy locks or windows will only create more problems. The sudden temperature change can crack glass and damage seals. Also hot/warm water will freeze faster than cold water (learned that one from my oilfield days).
- Put Down the Household Tools: Shovels, brooms, or anything hard plastic or metal are NOT car cleaning tools. These will scratch your paint and cause permanent damage. You can even scratch your windshield. And glass scratches are not the easiest to remove.
- Skip the Salt: Road salt is one thing, but sprinkling household salt on your car is a recipe for disaster. It leaves corrosive residue that can etch your paint and cause long-term damage.
Pro Tip: Protect Your Investment
Wondering how to keep your car looking pristine this winter? Our expert technicians can help you develop a comprehensive winter maintenance strategy that saves you money and preserves your vehicle's value.
smart winter car protection strategies
Winterize Like a Pro:
- Get a Professional Maintenance Check: Have a reputable shop inspect your battery, tires, belts, and oil. Winter puts extra stress on your vehicle's systems.
- Monitor Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures dramatically affect tire pressure. Regular checks ensure optimal traction and safety.
- Protect Your Paint: Apply a high-quality paint sealant before the first snowfall. These protective layers shield your car from salt, ice, and road debris. In my experience, they don't last the whole winter but it's better than nothing.
Pro Winter Car Care Hacks
- Invest in Rubber Floor Mats: If you live in the Buffalo area you're familiar with the photo above. I highly recommend Weathertech or Husky, they're cheap insurance against salt, snow, and mud destroying your car's interior.
- Get Your Windows Ceramic Coated: A coated windshield reduces de-icing time and keeps your visibility crystal clear during heavier snow.
- Battery Health Matters: Cold weather is brutal on car batteries. Have yours tested before temperatures plummet.
Final Advice: It's going to get dirty again, it's going to get covered in road salt. Wash it and wash it often. Prevention is the key. Even if it doesn't look like its bad, leaving all the road salt, dirt, etc on your vehicle all winter is never a good idea.
If you enjoy washing your vehicle yourself and the thought of the drive-thru makes you cringe, use a touch-less wash. While it's not going to get everything, it'll get most of the road salt off the vehicle until you can safely get to it.
