Keeping your paint protected throughout the winter means paying attention to what collects on your vehicle and removing it before it has a chance to cause lasting damage. And if winter driving has already left its mark, Bob Weaver Collision can help restore your vehicle's exterior and address damaged paint before the problem gets worse.
Key Takeaways
- Road salt, de-icing chemicals, and moisture can cause your vehicle to rust.
- Inspect your vehicle’s exterior throughout the winter.
- Address chips and scratches to prevent moisture from reaching the metal under the paint.
Why Is a Pennsylvania Winter So Hard on Your Car's Paint?
A Pennsylvania winter can be rough on your car long after you've cleared the snow from the windshield. Road salt, slush, ice, and grime can build up and work their way into small chips and scratches, which can contribute to corrosion.
Snow itself isn't necessarily the biggest concern. It's everything that mixes with it on Pennsylvania roads. Road salt and other de-icing materials can stick to your vehicle. Add wet slush and road grime, and that salty mixture may stay on the vehicle well after a storm has passed.
How Can You Protect Your Paint Before Winter?
Start with a thorough wash before winter weather gets underway. Removing dirt and other contaminants gives you a clean surface to inspect for scratches, chips, or other areas that may need attention. Once the vehicle is clean, apply wax or paint sealant to separate the clear coat from the elements and refresh it over the season.
This is also a good opportunity to take a close look at your paint. Don't ignore small chips—winter moisture and salt can turn minor damage into a bigger problem over time.
How Often Should You Wash Your Car During a Pennsylvania Winter?
Instead of following a strict calendar, pay attention to the roads you've been driving on. If your vehicle has spent several days traveling over heavily salted roads, don't leave that residue sitting on the exterior indefinitely.
Wash the body thoroughly and pay particular attention to the lower areas where salty slush collects. Choose a pH-neutral automotive wash and microfiber wash mitts and or drying towels to reduce scratches and swirl marks while you're cleaning.
What's the Safest Way to Remove Snow and Ice?
Dragging the wrong tool across a snow-covered vehicle can scratch the clear coat. Dirt and grit may also be trapped underneath the snow, turning aggressive brushing into something similar to rubbing an abrasive across the paint.
Use a snow brush intended for automotive surfaces and remove snow gently rather than scraping it from painted panels. A windshield cover can also reduce the amount of ice that needs to be scraped from the glass after a freeze.
Which Areas Need Extra Attention?
Check for dirt and grime under wheel wells, rocker panels, lower door edges, bumpers, and panel seams. Regularly rinsing these areas helps remove the material before it stays in contact with the vehicle for an extended period.
Don't forget the undercarriage. An underbody rinse at a car wash or spray bay can reach places that are difficult to clean at home and flush away salt from exposed components underneath the vehicle.
What Should You Do About Winter Paint Chips and Scratches
O’Reilly Auto Parts suggests that you should inspect the vehicle periodically and again once that cold season ends. Look closely at the front bumper, hood, lower doors, rocker panels, and areas behind the wheels, where road debris can strike the vehicle.
Contact Bob Weaver Collision For Winter Car Paint Care
Bob Weaver Collision can assess exterior damage and determine the appropriate repairs to restore your vehicle's body and finish. Taking care of damaged paint doesn't just improve the way your car looks; it can also help keep exposed areas from developing into more extensive problems. Contact us today!