Don't let road grime spoil the look of your ride

Published on December 03, 2012 11:53 PM in Car Care

Whether you live in sunny California, snowy Colorado or along the East Coast, your car will shine when given proper winter cleaning care. Salt, rain, leaves, snow and road grime that can collect on the vehicle, its glass and wheels can affect its looks and your safety.

Even where no sun seems to shine all winter, regular washing of a car’s surface and undercarriage is vital for long-term body care, experts say. Road grime, including salts and chemicals, can build up and hold in moisture, which can lead to body and undercarriage rust and resulting depreciation of the vehicle’s resale value.

Maintaining a clean vehicle exterior is also a safety necessity. Having clean windows to see the roadway through, clean mirrors to watch other traffic, and clean plastic headlight covers to lead the way is essential for safe winter driving. With sunlight at this time much diminished in many parts of the country – plus rain, snow, sleet and fog – drivers need as much visibility as possible.

"When your plastic headlights are clean and clear, they not only look great, but during long and dark winter nights, a clean and clear set of headlights offers maximum brightness,” said Mike Pennington, Director of Training and Consumer Relations at Meguiar’s Car Care Products. “This is important for the driver to see the road properly – and be seen by other motorists and pedestrians as well.”

Pay attention to the vehicle’s wheels too. While wheel and tire care are more about protecting those surfaces than about appearance during winter months, don’t neglect their care. “Removing the harsh winter road grime on a regular basis will help prevent any potential staining and or damage to delicate components, including wheels, brakes and suspension components," Pennington said.

Pennington said the following tips will help you care for your car this winter:

Wash the vehicle regularly to remove snow, sleet, salt or mud. Use a high-pressure wash and give special attention to removing debris that collects on wheels, the undercarriage and wheel wells.
Avoid using hot water, as its application on glass surfaces could cause them to crack.
Clean your headlights monthly to ensure safe driving and prolonged headlight protection.
After removing any debris from the windshield, apply a water-repellant product; this will help water shed by itself from the glass as the vehicle travels forward.
As grime accumulates on the windshield and other glass, remove using a quality automotive glass cleaner and microfiber towel.
Clean the interior using an appropriate carpet and upholstery cleaner to remove stains.
To keep the interior smelling fresh and clean, use an odor control product.

“An estimated 70 percent of drivers are unprepared for winter driving,” Pennington said. These winter car care tips will help you be among the 30 percent who are. Safe motoring!

Trina L. Drotar is a contibutor for Sensible Driver.