Winter is a beautiful season! Still, it brings its own challenges for vehicle owners, especially those of us who live in areas where salt and sand are used to manage icy conditions. While they offer significant benefits when it comes to safety, these substances can also cause damage to your car’s exterior and undercarriage. If ignored, this can lead to rust and other long-term issues. Here are some effective strategies to protect your car from salt and sand this winter.
7 Tips to Protect Your Car from Salt and Sand
1. Use a Car Cover When Possible
One of the simplest ways to protect your vehicle is to use a car cover if you don’t have access to a garage. A cover will shield your car from snow accumulation and reduce exposure to road salt when it rains or snows.
This simple measure can significantly reduce the amount of corrosive material that contacts your vehicle.
2. Avoid Driving in Deep Snow and Puddles
Another easy way to protect your vehicle is simply to be careful of where you drive!
Driving through deep snow can pack salt into hard-to-reach areas of your vehicle. This makes it difficult to clean and increases the risk of corrosion.
Similarly, large puddles often contain high concentrations of road salt. If possible, avoid driving in these conditions in order to protect your car’s integrity.
3. Wax Your Car Regularly
Applying a high-quality wax to your vehicle before winter sets in is one of the most effective ways to protect its paint. Wax acts as a barrier against corrosive elements like salt and sand, which prevents them from adhering to the surface and causing damage.
A strong coat of wax should be reapplied every few months throughout the winter season to maintain optimal protection.
4. Keep Your Tires Clean
Keeping your tires clean is another simple way to protect your vehicle.
Dirty tires can kick up salt and sand onto your vehicle’s body, increasing the risk of damage. Before winter begins, ensure your tires are clean, and continue to check them regularly throughout the season.
Keeping your tires free of debris will help minimize the amount of corrosive material that gets splashed onto your car.
5. Wash Your Vehicle Frequently
Regular washing is a highly effective way to protect your vehicle from the effects of Michigan winters. Aim to wash your car every 10 days or whenever temperatures rise above 40°F, allowing it to dry completely afterward.
You can use a high-pressure hose to reach areas that are often missed by standard car washes, such as the undercarriage and wheel wells, where salt tends to accumulate. When washing, avoid using car washes that recycle water, as they may still contain salt residues.
6. Consider Undercoating
For added protection, especially if you live in an area with heavy salt usage, consider having an undercoating applied to your vehicle. This process involves applying a protective layer to the undercarriage, which can help prevent rust formation caused by road salt exposure.
Fluid film or similar products can also be sprayed underneath your car annually for ongoing protection against moisture and corrosion.
8. Monitor Weather Conditions
Lastly, be aware of local weather forecasts. If possible, try to limit driving just before and after snowstorms when fresh salt is most likely on the roads.
Planning your trips around these times can help minimize exposure to harmful substances.
We’re Here to Help!
Protecting your car from the damaging effects of winter salt and sand requires proactive measures. By implementing these strategies, you can significantly extend the life of your vehicle and keep it looking great throughout the winter months.
At Tillema Auto in Byron Center, MI, we understand how important it is to maintain your vehicle’s condition during the harsh winters. If you have any questions about winter car care or need assistance with regular vehicle maintenance, give us a call at (616) 878-5991.
Our trustworthy technicians at our service center are here to help you with everything from oil changes to exhaust repair to on-the-road service calls – and so much more. At Tillema Auto, you’re family.