Clean Slate (Protecting Vehicle's Finish)
November 27, 2022
Winter is one of the hardest times to keep your vehicle clean. But did you know neglecting to wash your vehicle in winter could cost you a significant amount of money in the long run? Here's why.
Many areas deal with snow and ice in the winter, and the salt and sand that are used to keep the road surfaces from being slick are also super corrosive to a vehicle's metal body and undercarriage. That includes all the parts underneath that can be splashed with brine, saltwater and other road debris. Winter is also tough on vehicles where there isn’t snow, sometimes from ocean salt or winter's extra humidity and rain.
If you have any breaks in your vehicle's paint, whether it be from a little fender bender or a stone chip, that corrosive winter moisture can get through those cracks and start eating away at the metal underneath.
If you can, you should get any dents or damage fixed as soon as possible so your vehicle has a protective layer of paint between road chemicals and the metal. You may want to wait until the warmer weather, but while you're waiting, the damage is getting worse. If you're not sure of a reputable body repair shop, check with the service advisor where you have mechanical work done. They're usually knowledgeable about who is good and not so good.
You also may be tempted to skip the car wash during the winter since your vehicle is just going to get dirty fast anyway. You may want to reconsider. Many winter road treatments now use brine that gets in every nook and cranny of your vehicle. It's wise to clean that off regularly during the winter, and many washing facilities include a spray underneath that gets rid of that salt. Your vehicle repair facility may even have its own car wash, a nice bonus when you take your vehicle in for repair or regular maintenance.
Sterling Tire & Auto
34701 Van Dyke Rd
Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312
586-264-7775
Need Service?
More articles from Sterling Tire & Auto
Oil's Well That Ends Well (Oil Change Grades and Weight)
January 26, 2025
Changing your oil regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running well. And knowing the right type of oil to use is also very important. Engine oil is classified by weight, but it doesn't refer to how much the oil would weigh if you put it on a scale. It r... More
U and your U-Joints (Lubricate U-Joints)
January 19, 2025
If your vehicles power goes to the rear wheels, then you have something called U-joints in the drivetrain. U-joints are connectors that allow the rotating power from your vehicles engine to deliver its power through a driveshaft to make the rear wheels rotate. You need U-joints because the surfa... More
When Your Tires are Tired (Tire Replacement)
January 12, 2025
Tires are so reliable these days that few drivers pay much attention to them. But tires wear out. They have a tough job since they are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. They have to get your vehicle going from a stop, keep it going, make sure it is headed in the dire... More