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Five Tips To Prevent Winter Damage On Your Car

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Winter can be hard on the paint finish and exposed paint on your car. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent winter damage so your car looks like new once spring arrives.

1. Wash Often

It may seem pointless to wash your car during the winter when the roads are wet and grimy, but prompt removal of salt and chemical ice melts reduces the chances of rust and corrosion. You should wash, or at least thoroughly rinse, your car when temperatures are above freezing. Pay special attention to rinsing out wheel wells, fenders, around door frames, and the underbody of the car. These are the areas most exposed to corrosive chemicals.

2. Use a Wax

Wax your car thoroughly in the fall before bad winter weather arrives. An even coating of wax protects the car not just from corrosive elements, but also from road grit and sand that can abrade and dull the surface of your paint. You can apply a fresh coat of wax throughout winter when temperatures and conditions allow for a complete wash.

3. De-Ice Carefully

Be cautious when removing snow and ice from your car. Use ice scraping blades only on glass -- never use the blade to chip ice off the painted surfaces. If you need to brush snow off your hood, roof, or trunk, purchase a soft bristled snow brush just for this purpose. Hard brushes and household brooms can scratch the paint quite badly. It's also a good idea to leave a thin layer of snow on the car as opposed to brushing all the way down to the paint. This further prevents scratches.

4. Get an Underbody Treatment

Underbody rust and corrosion is a major risk if you live in the snow belt, particularly in areas that still use road salt. Having an underbody treatment applied ahead of winter weather provides a moisture proof seal that can help protect against rust. These treatments are typically applied to the under carriage, as well as to the inside of bumpers and other areas where rust tends to form during the winter.

5. Fix Damage Immediately

It's a simple fact that small dents and dings are more likely when you are driving on icy roads. If you are in a minor accident, don't put off repairs until spring. Waiting can result in rust formation in the ding. Instead, have all damages repaired as quickly as possible.

Contact an auto body repair service for more help.


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