Ward Off Winter Grime With A Bit of TLC

Vehicle owners who don’t think ahead when it comes to proactively performing winter care are setting themselves up to become victims of bad weather.

By putting it off or forgetting about it altogether, major damage to the exterior and undercar for your vehicle can quickly become an unpleasant reality. To preserve your paint, chrome, and your wheels, some TLC can help you to avoid those dreaded winter blues.

If it snows in your corner of the world, spraying some H2O on the underside of your vehicle is non-negotiable. It’s a must for a lot of reasons, according to Jeff Campbell at Stoner Solutions.

“Rinsing your undercarriage is imperative,” he said. “Salt is a killer because it can corrode everything under your vehicle if it sits. Make certain to thoroughly rinse off the axles, gas tank and struts because even the salt residue can do some serious damage down there.”

Waxing is also a very important component when you’re fighting the wicked ways of winter. By creating a protective layer, your paint will be able to withstand the worst snow, sleet, hail or rain that Mother Nature throws your way.

Many people think that they don’t have to wash their cars prior to applying wax, but that’s a mistake that can hurt you down the road. Polymer-based waxes do the job, but if you don’t wash your vehicle first, you’ll be trapping the dirt under the wax.

Protecting your undercar is a must for several reasons, Campbell explained.

“It can corrode quickly because it’s in close proximity to the road and made primarily of unprotected metal components. You can’t see under your car, so many people don’t worry about it, but that’s a major mistake. Many mechanical problems start with a dirty and improperly-maintained undercarriage.”

Campbell is a big advocate for using clay products to clean a windshield while you’re protecting your automobile from inclement weather.

“Clay products are getting better all the time and they’re very affordable, so using them is a no-brainer.”

Here’s our list of things to do to avoid the pitfalls of winter driving:

• Wash the undercarriage and wheel wells to prevent corrosion.
• Use a clay bar. It helps remove embedded contaminants–the particles that feel like sandpaper–that may not come off with regular washing.
• Apply a quality wax. Consider using a ceramic-based wax if you live in inclement areas. Wax extends the shine and protects surfaces longer than traditional waxes.
• Get the maximum visibility out of your headlights. Polish those headlights so avoid dull lenses. If you can’t see the road at night during the winter you and your family.
• Use a glass cleaner intended for automobiles. Your car is at least 5 percent glass, so pay attention to it and clean all your windows inside and out with a product specifically designed for that purpose.
• Detail your wheels and tires. Avoid stains and nasty pitting by cleaning. Even dust can lead to problems with the rubber, and chrome wheels will fade if not cleaned carefully at regular intervals.
• Go pro with once in a while. Consider getting your vehicle professionally cleaned and waxed occasionally. A true pro can make it look pristine and give you some ideas to keep it looking sharp.
• Make visibility a priority. Use an anti-fogging product and window cleaners that keeps water off your windshield.