Driving during the winter is already tricky enough, but what about the extra damage the typical winter road elements can cause to your vehicle? During winter, the road salt, sand, and de-icing chemicals used to make roads safer can have a corrosive impact on your car’s paint job. Learning how these things can damage your vehicle and how to protect your vehicle’s paint is key to maintaining your car’s appearance and value.
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How Winter Elements Damage Your Vehicle
- Road Salt: Salt is frequently used when cities prepare their roads for snow or ice. It lowers the freezing point of water which makes it effective for preventing icy roads. Unfortunately salt is highly corrosive for vehicles. When it sticks to your car’s surface, it can lead to oxidation and eventually cause rust to form, especially in areas with paint chips or scratches.
- Sand: Sand is used to add traction on icy roads. However, for cars, sand acts as an abrasive. Over time, sand particles can scratch and dull your car’s clear coat, leaving it vulnerable to further damage.
- De-icer Chemicals: Usually de-icer agents are made with calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. These chemicals are highly corrosive to vehicles. They can penetrate your car’s clear coat and start to break down the layers underneath, leading to paint deterioration.
How to Protect Your Vehicle's Paint During the Winter
Winter protection is essential in order to maintain the value of your car and prevent paint damage. Here are some of our top tips and recommendations to keep your car looking it’s best during the winter and beyond:
Ceramic Coating
A ceramic coating adds a durable, hydrophobic layer over your car’s paint, shielding it from salt, sand, and chemicals. It prevents these wintery contaminants from bonding to the paint. For a more in depth look at how ceramic coating works, read our blog article, The Benefits of Ceramic Coating for Your Car or give us a call at 919-794-7261. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff are always happy to explain the benefits of ceramic coating your vehicle.
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
PPF is a polyurethane film applied to the most vulnerable areas of your car, like the hood, bumper, and side mirrors. It creates a barrier against scratches, chips, and chemical corrosion – all of which are highly likely during the winter. Our professionally installed PPF ensures maximum defense against winter’s harshest elements.
Wash Your Vehicle Regularly
Frequent washing removes salt, sand, and de-icer residue before they can cause damage. We recommend focusing on the undercarriage, hood and wheel wells, where salt tends to accumulate during winter driving.
Our detailing services can save you time and ensure that nothing is missed. We offer monthly detailing packages that can help keep your car consistently detailed throughout the winter. Stay nice and warm while we take care of cleaning all the winter elements off your car.
Wax or Sealant Application
While not as robust as ceramic coating, applying wax or sealant creates a temporary barrier that can help protect your vehicle’s paint during winter. You can read more in our blog article, Ceramic Coating Vs. Wax to understand why this is an effective yet still temporary solution
Inspect and Repair Paint Chips
Even small chips in your paint create easier access to the outside elements in the winter. Chips and scratches create an opening on your car’s exterior that expose your car to rust during the winter. Inspect your vehicle regularly and repair chips promptly to prevent corrosion.
If your vehicle has paint chips consider contacting us for a free estimate. We offer professional paint correction to help ensure your vehicle looks great and is fully protected from the elements.
Invest in Winter Floor Mats
Protecting the interior is just as important as the exterior. Keeping your interior looking new can help increase the resale value of your car. Winter mats prevent salt and water from damaging your car’s carpet.
Why Choose Supreme Finish Auto Detailing this Winter?
By implementing these steps and investing in services like ceramic coating and paint protection film, you can protect your vehicle’s paint and keep it looking its best, no matter the season.
At Supreme Finish Auto Detailing, we provide the best ceramic coating and paint protection film services in Raleigh and the surrounding area. We are dedicated to helping you protect your vehicle’s paint all year long. Our professional technicians ensure your car is ready to face winter’s challenges.
Protect Your Car This Winter with Supreme Finish Services
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does road salt damage my car’s paint?
Road salt is corrosive and can cause oxidation, leading to rust formation on exposed metal.
2. What are the benefits of ceramic coating for winter protection?
Ceramic coating creates a durable, hydrophobic barrier that repels salt, sand, and chemicals, protecting your vehicle’s paint from damage.
3. What is paint protection film (PPF), and how does it help?
PPF is a polyurethane film that shields your car’s vulnerable areas from scratches, chips, and chemical corrosion, providing an extra layer of protection.
4. How often should I wash my car during winter?
It’s recommended to wash your car at least every two weeks during winter, focusing on removing salt and debris from the undercarriage.
5. Can I use wax instead of ceramic coating?
Wax offers temporary protection but doesn’t last as long or provide the same level of durability as ceramic coating. Read more here.
