When highway crews put a salt and sand mixture on roadways to keep motorists from slipping and sliding, it makes a big difference. Trouble is, rust can set in after a winter storm and cause surface damage to our vehicles. Here are some ways we can deal with the inevitable impact of mother nature.

Take Preventive Measures

Before the snow starts to fall, make sure your vehicle is ready to tackle the elements. Give it a thorough washing first, including the undercarriage and tires. Apply wax, followed by sealant and undercoating. Seal the undercarriage using a rust-proofing product, or have a professional do it.

Wash Your Car

You will drastically reduce the damage to your vehicle caused by salt and sand if you wash it regularly. Salt is a corrosive substance and will eventually ruin your car’s exterior paint job if left alone. Salt also creates rust which spreads quickly on a car once it forms. Apply a good coating of wax before winter starts. Then, wash and wax your vehicle, and seal the undercarriage, twice a week to keep it protected.

If you want to do the job at home, spray down your vehicle using a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle. Clean off the mud and salt the best you can. Wash underneath and clean the wheel walls and tires too. Dry the vehicle and then apply a rust-proof waxing product to all exposed metal surfaces.

Another option is to bring your vehicle to a professional car wash twice a week. It’s best to use a DIY car wash with high-pressure hoses. If the water at car washes is “repurposed”, it may have traces of salt in it. It’s best to take the hose yourself to get to hard-to-reach areas.

Wash your car during the day, so it has time to dry before nighttime arrives. When the temperatures fall, the locks might freeze and doors may not open and close properly.

Tips for Winter Driving

Avoid driving through puddles during the winter. They are filled with dirt and road salt which will splash onto your vehicle. Don’t drive right before or after a snowstorm, when the layers of salt will be the thickest. Avoid driving your vehicle through deep snow. It can pack salt into the undercarriage where it’s difficult to remove.

Before heading out, top off your car’s fluids, including antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, gas and oil. Also, make sure the tires have appropriate tread on them.

Prevent Winter Damage: Clean Your Home Exterior

Winter weather not only potentially damages your vehicle, but can leave its mark on your home too. The professionals at Peak Power Wash can deep clean the exterior of your home or deck. We use a technique called “soft wash”, which uses a much lower amount of pressure and reduces potential harm to surfaces. Contact us 336-717-5959 or visit our website to request a free estimate.