Expert Tips To Protect Your Vehicle This Winter

Published on January 11, 2022 03:37 AM in Car Care

City, suburb or remote mountain area–your vehicle deserves a touch of proper winter cleaning care no matter where you live.

Regular washing of a car’s surface and undercarriage is vital for long-term body care. That’s true in sunny winter climates as well as places where winter turns the landscape white.

Salt, rain, leaves, snow and road grime can permanently affect its looks and your safety. Road Grime, including salts and chemicals, can build up and hold in moisture. Eventually, the layer of grime leads to rust and harms the resale value of your vehicle.

“Winter can cause a beautiful wheel to look aged and dull in one season due to rain, slush, snow and freezing temperatures,” said Jim Dvorak of Mothers car care products. “Municipalities use various types of road salts to keep the highway clear but it attacks finishes on your vehicle and its wheels.”

Mothers was founded in 1972 in Southern California for classic and sports car enthusiasts. Its first product was designed specifically for aluminum and mag wheels. The company now offers more than 100 products designed for all types of car care.

“Factory equipment wheels on modern passenger vehicles are made from aluminum,” Dvorak said. “Regardless of the finish, they should be cared for much like your body paint.”

Dvorak offered the following tips winter car care:

Wash your vehicle regularly during the winter months to remove road grime from all exterior surfaces. Salts and chemicals applied to road surfaces in winter can cause corrosion and stains.
Clean wheels by using a high pressure hose. For brake dust, use wheel cleaners designed specifically for vehicles. Apply a coat of protection to wheels just as you would for other painted vehicle surfaces.
Use a high-pressure wash to remove debris collected on the undercarriage and inside wheel wells.
Avoid hot water if you live in climates prone to freezing since it could cause glass surfaces to crack.
Clean headlights, exterior sensors and back-up camera monthly to ensure safe driving and visibility.
Use a microfiber towel and glass cleaner designed for automobiles to keep windows streak-free.
After cleaning glass surfaces, apply a water-repellant product to help shed rain and snow.
Vacuum the cabin interior frequently to prevent grime from embedding into carpeted surfaces during winter months.
Use upholstery cleaner to remove spills, eliminate stains and help prevent mold. A dusty, moist interior offers a petri dish for allergens.