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During the winter months, the salt, sleet, and ice on the roads can wreak havoc on the exterior of your vehicle. Salt is hard on the metal, while the sleet and ice can build up in the wheel wells and bottom of your car, creating a big mess. Take care of your vehicle all winter by following these helpful tips.
Wash and Wax
When it comes to the grime of winter, washing your car often is the best option to keep it clean. If it’s too cold, you can always drive through one of the automatic wash locations in the area, but make sure to select a wash that includes a thorough cleaning of the undercarriage. This is the area of your car that tends to accumulate the salt and dirt from the roads. Salt is commonly used to melt the ice on the roads and can also cause corrosion on the metal of your vehicle’s exterior.
Wax is very important during the winter months as well. After you wash your car, apply a coat of wax at least once every few weeks to add an extra layer of protection to the paint job. When your vehicle is wet, it will collect dirt, causing a layer of grime to build up on the outside. Dirt and gravel can scratch your paint, so keeping these items away from the exterior is the best line of defense. You can apply spray-on wax or use a soft cloth to apply wax to the outside of the car.
Upgrade Your Floor Mats
Dirt, salt, and grime tend to get tracked into your vehicle when you’re climbing in and out. These can all damage and stain your upholstery and carpeting, so it’s important to make sure to protect the inside of your car as well. A set of all-weather rubber floor mats will help provide protection for your carpeted floors. If you have light-colored upholstery, you may also want to use covers on the seats
Keep it Covered
Parking your vehicle inside a garage is the best way to protect it and keep it clean all winter long, but not everyone has access to a garage. If you’re stuck parking outdoors, look for areas to park that offer some protection from the elements, such as beneath a tall tree or under a covered carport. One of the benefits of parking outside is that the slush and ice will stay frozen, which helps to slow down the corrosive properties of the salt used on the roads.
Avoid Puddles and Slush
Practice safe driving during the winter months to keep your car clean and protected as well. Avoid driving through deep patches of snow as this can cause snow to get packed on your undercarriage. Steer clear of large puddles of water and slush.
With the right habits, you can keep your car clean throughout the winter months. Regular washing and waxing will help protect the exterior, while a new set of all-weather floor mats can keep the carpet and upholstery looking good during the coldest season of the year.
Image via Jeep.com
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