Illinois drivers know how rough the winter can be on their vehicles. While salting roads during snowy days will help you stay on the pavement and keep you safe, it will also wreak havoc on your car. Salt and sand can have devastating effects on your car’s finish and even its performance. Here’s four tips to help keep your car looking like new.
Steer Clear of Water Puddles
Try to keep your vehicle away from large puddles of water. Driving through them makes it easier for salt to get on your car’s finish. Understandably, puddles are not always easy to avoid; however, even if you have to drive through them, try to slow down before you hit one. That way the water splash on your car will be less and will help keep your car drier.
Avoid Fresh Snow
Not only is it dangerous to drive in deep snow, but it can also severely damage your vehicle. Deep snow can pack salt into your car’s undercarriage. Over time, this leads to corrosion and even problems with your vehicle’s drivability.
Wash During the Day
Washing salt off during the day gives your car time to dry. You don’t want to clean your car in temperatures below 40 degrees either. This can cause door handles and door jams to freeze, which can be costly to fix. Remember to also open and close doors to prevent locks from freezing. Try to wash your car once a week to keep salt and other debris from damaging your finish.
Wax Your Car
Try to make it a point to wax your car before cold weather sets in. Wax protects paint and guards against corrosive salt. Do it yourself or have one of our highly-trained service technicians do it for you.
