I feel like John Snow when I say this, but winter is coming. With the winter comes the cold weather and snow. If you want to make sure your car stays in good condition during the winter, you need to take some steps to protect it from the snow and salt. In this blog post, we will discuss seven ways that you can protect your car from snow and salt. Follow these tips and your car will stay looking new all winter long!
Protecting your car from snow and salt includes waxing the undercarriage, protecting the paint by waxing it, cleaning the car after being exposed to snow and salt, cleaning the wheels, avoiding driving in a snowstorm, avoiding parking the vehicle on the street and parking it in a garage.
Key Takeaway
7 Ways To Protect Your Car From Snow And Salt
- Wax the undercarriage of your car
- Protect the car paint by waxing it
- Clean the car after driving in the snow
- Clean the snow and ice off the wheels
- Don’t drive after a snowstorm
- Avoid parking your car on a street
- Park your vehicle in the garage
7 Ways To Protect Your Car From Snow And Salt
Snow and salt are hurting your vehicle more than you know it. They can damage your car paint, cause the vehicle’s metal parts to rust, and pose a safety issue(snow buildup behind the wheels). This is why it is important to prepare your vehicle for the winter. Here are 6 ways to protect your car from snow and salt:
1. Wax the undercarriage of your car
Winter weather can be tough on your car, especially if you live in an area that experiences a lot of snow and ice. Snow and salt can damage your vehicle, so it is best if you prepare your car before the winter.
One way to help protect your car from the elements is to wax the undercarriage. This will create a barrier between the metal and the salt and snow, and it will also help to prevent rusting. In addition, waxing will make it easier to clean your undercarriage when the weather warms up. For best results, wax your undercarriage before the first snowfall of the season.
Undercarriage waxing is an important but often overlooked step in the car detailing process. When done correctly, it can help to protect your car from rust and corrosion (caused by snow and salt), increased road noise, and even rock chips. The undercarriage is the part of the car that is most exposed to the elements, so it is important to make sure that it is properly protected.
In order to wax the undercarriage, you will need a few supplies, including a bucket, a hose, a sponge or brush, and quality undercarriage wax. Once you have gathered your supplies, you can begin by hosing off the undercarriage to remove any dirt or debris. Next, apply the wax evenly over the surface with a sponge or brush. Allow the wax to dry for the recommended amount of time before rinsing it away with a hose.
I would suggest that you wax the undercarriage of your vehicle each year. Note that even though the wax will protect the undercarriage, it wears off from the snow and salt. This is why it is important you wax your undercarriage each year before winter.
2. Protect the car paint by waxing it
Although it may seem like a lot of work, taking the time to wax your car can pay off in the long run. Not only will a good coat of wax help to protect your paint job from scratches and weather damage, but it will also make it easier to clean off dirt and grime.
When it comes to protecting your car from snow and salt, wax is definitely your best friend. A thick layer of wax will help to create a barrier between your paint and the elements, and it will also make it easier to remove any salt or snow that does build up. If you live in an area where snow and salt are common, make sure to give your car a good waxing at least once every six months.
While it may seem like a difficult task, waxing your car is actually quite simple. The most important thing to remember is to start with a clean surface. You will need to wash your car with soap and water, and then dry it completely. Once your car is clean, you can begin to apply the wax.
Most waxes come in either a paste or liquid form. If you are using a paste, you will need to rub it onto the surface of your car in small circles. For liquid wax, you can simply spread it on with a cloth. Once the wax is applied, you will need to let it sit for a few minutes before buffing it off with a clean towel.
3. Clean the car after driving in the snow
It’s that time of year again – the snow is falling and the roads are icy. While this may be a beautiful sight, it can also take a toll on your vehicle. Over time, exposure to snow and salt can corrode metal and damage paint.
In order to protect your car, it is important to clean the car and undercarriage after driving in winter weather. This will remove any salt or debris that may be clinging to the car, and it will also help to prevent rusting.
Salt promotes corrosion by weakening the protective oxide layer that forms on the surface of the metal. This gives oxygen and water molecules easy access to the metal beneath, causing it to break down and leading to the formation of rust.
Washing your car after driving it in the fresh snow can be done by simply spraying it down with water and then scrubbing it with some car soap. If you do not have a pressure washer, a garden hose will do as well. Just make sure that you are washing the undercarriage as well. This is a very overlooked area of a car but the salt and snow really do the most damage there.
The key here is to remove the snow and salt buildup that will corrode the metal parts and damage the paint if left overnight.
4. Clean the snow and ice off the wheels
Anyone that has driven on snow has seen the ”little iceberg” behind the wheels. When a tire rolls, it displaces the snow in front of it. However, the snow behind the tire is not displaced as easily. As a result, it builds up around the tire, creating a sort of Snowplow effect. If left overnight, the snow behind the wheels freezes and you have an iceberg behind the wheel in the morning.
To protect your vehicle from harsh winter conditions (snow and salt), it’s important to clean the snow, salt, and ice off the wheels each day. This may seem like a tedious task, but it can help to prevent corrosion and rust.
By cleaning the snow and ice behind the wheels, you are not only protecting your car from rust and corrosion, but you are also protecting your tires. Tires are designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. However, the snow and ice buildup behind the wheels can cause premature wear because they are in contact with the tire at all times. Over time, they can slowly but surely grind away the threads.
5. Don’t drive after a snowstorm
In many parts of the world, including most of North America, when snow falls roads are treated with salt in order to prevent ice from forming. The science behind this is relatively simple: when salt is added to water, it lowers the freezing point, which means that the water will not turn into the ice until it reaches a temperature below the normal freezing point. In other words, by sprinkling salt on the roadways, we can prevent dangerous ice buildup.
While salt is effective in dealing with ice and snow, it is very bad for vehicles. Salt is one of the most damaging agents to metal and can significantly shorten its lifespan.
One way to protect your vehicle from salt and snow is to avoid driving after a snowstorm because there will be salt on the road which can cause rust and other damage to your car. Of course, you can’t always avoid driving in the snow, but if you can, it’s best to wait until the roads have been cleared.
6. Avoid parking your car on a street
In the winter, snow and salt can take a toll on your vehicle. Roads are often treated with salt to help melt ice and snow, but the salt can also damage your car’s paint job and cause rusting. To help protect your car, it’s best to avoid parking on a street if possible.
Instead, park in a driveway or garage. If you must park on the street, try to find a spot that’s not directly next to a snowplow route. The plows can send sand and salt flying, which can land on your car and cause damage.
7. Park your vehicle in a garage
Parking your vehicle in a garage is one way to protect it from snow and salt. By keeping your car out of the elements, you can avoid rust and corrosion. In addition, your paint will last longer if it isn’t exposed to harsh winter weather.
If you don’t have a garage, try to park your car under a carport or in a covered parking lot. You may also want to invest in a car cover to further protect your vehicle. Taking these steps will help to keep your car looking its best for years to come.
How Long Does It Take For Salt To Ruin a Car?
Salt is essential for keeping roads clear during winter weather, but it can also be damaging to cars. The chloride in salt can corrode metal, causing rust and other damage. In addition, salt can damage the paint and other finishes.
Over time, this damage can add up, leading to costly repairs. So how long does it take for salt to ruin a car? It depends on a number of factors, including the type of salt used, the frequency of exposure, and the level of protection.
Cars that are exposed to road salt without being washed and waxed can get corroded as fast as four years. However, if you wax your vehicle, especially the undercarriage, wash it after each snow, and overall take good car of it, it might take up to fifteen years for the metal to start to corrode.
For example, cars that are driven in winter weather on a regular basis are more likely to be damaged by salt than those that are only driven occasionally. In addition, cars that are properly washed and waxed are better protected against salt damage than those that are not. As a result, there is no simple answer to this question. However, by taking steps to protect your car from salt, you can help to extend its lifespan.
