It’s no secret that winter weather can be harsh on your car. The accumulation of ice, snow, and road salt may result in oxidation, which can wear or damage your vehicle’s finish and lead to rust formation. Your car's finish is a layer of protective coating that prevents rust by protecting the body of the vehicle, while also making it easier to wash and keep clean. Maintaining your car’s finish in the snow and ice is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle from the harmful effects of winter weather and prevent corrosion. Learning more about how to maintain your paint and clear coat in the snow and the importance of winter weather preparedness are great ways to keep your car looking its best this winter season.
The best way to be prepared for the effects of snow and ice is to properly prep your vehicle for winter before the cold weather is here to stay. While completing routine maintenance tasks, such as checking and topping off fluid levels and inspecting brakes, tires, lights, the car battery, and wiper blades, it is also important to check your vehicle’s body for any scratches, scuffs, or dents. Even the smallest paint scratch can lead to oxidation and corrosion if left untreated, and the oxidation process can occur even faster in winter weather. Rust eats away at your vehicle's finish and paint and can result in extensive body damage if left untreated. While road salt is used to help keep drivers and their vehicles safe by melting snow and ice on the roads, it can also be harmful to vehicles' paint and finished surfaces. Road salt contains magnesium chloride, which is extremely corrosive to metal. It’s nearly impossible to avoid road salt after it’s been spread, so inspecting your car and repairing any dents or scratches before winter weather sets in is an important step in preventing rust formation on your vehicle. To learn more about what causes car paint to peel, check out our article.
Before winter arrives, it’s a good idea to wash and wax your car to remove any dirt or debris left behind from summer and fall. Washing your car with a good car wash soap and waxing your vehicle’s painted surfaces is a great way to protect your finish from the effects of ice, snow, and road salt. If you’re not sure how to properly complete a DIY car wash at home, we have compiled a list of the best car wash and wax techniques and products to use on your vehicle. We also carry all of the high-quality car shampoos, car waxes, and car wash accessories you need to get your vehicle ready for winter.
In addition to cleaning your car before the cold sets in, it’s a good idea to keep your car clean during winter as well. Road salt, ice, snow, and other debris can build up on your vehicle’s body and undercarriage. In order to prevent possible corrosion, it’s a good idea to try to remove and wash the debris and salt from your vehicle, keeping it as clean as possible. The easiest and safest way to wash your car in the winter is to visit a car wash. Washing your car at home during the winter might not be safe, depending on the winter temperatures and conditions. When visiting a car wash, make sure to select an undercarriage option to wash all of the snow and road salt off the underside of your vehicle.
One of the simplest ways to protect your vehicle’s finish during winter is to park in indoor or covered areas whenever possible. If you have a garage or carport at your house, parking there will help keep snow and ice off your car, protecting its finish and keeping your car’s windshield clear to prevent you from having to scrape it before driving. When you are away from home, try to park in places with covered parking lots, such as parking garages. If you don’t have a garage or safe spot to park this winter, it’s a good idea to invest in a car cover. Car covers are made of a flexible material and are designed to fit over your car to protect it from UV rays, snow, ice, dirt, and other debris that could result in faded or peeling car paint. Keeping your car covered or parked in a safe place is an effective and easy way to help maintain your car's finish in the winter weather.
Having the right car care supplies and winter products on hand and ready to use is a great way to protect your vehicle from cold weather. Before the snow arrives, stock up on a few winter necessities such as car covers and soft bristle-snow brushes to help prevent damage to your vehicle’s glass or finish when you scrape your windshield or remove snow from the car’s body. If you are unable to park your car in a covered area this winter, using a protective car cover is a great way to keep snow and ice from harming your finish. Never use ice scrapers or snow brushes with harsh bristles to remove snow or ice from your car’s doors or side panels. Using these tools on your paint job can scrape or scratch the finish and leave your vehicle’s body at risk of corrosion. You should also keep a can of de-icer in your home or vehicle that can be used to melt iced door locks and make removing ice from the windshield easier. It's important to follow the directions and heed the warnings of the deicer you choose, and clean the deicer from the vehicle as soon as possible to prevent possible paint discoloration or damage. It's also best not to use deicer on flat surfaces where it can pool, as the alcohol and ammonia used in this chemical can lead to paint damage if it is allowed to sit on painted surfaces for extended periods of time. If you’re not sure what winter car care products you might need this season, take a look at our list of top winter items to keep in your car, or check out our resources regarding on winter emergency kits and preparing your car for winter.
After winter has passed and warmer days begin, it’s important to complete some spring automotive maintenance to help your car recuperate from driving in winter weather. In addition to completing regular automotive maintenance tasks, it’s a good idea to inspect your vehicle’s finish and thoroughly wash your car to remove any leftover debris or road salt buildup. Spring cleaning your car, inside and out, is a great way to inspect for any body damage, such as paint scratches, peeling, or dents that might have occurred during winter.
O’Reilly Auto Parts knows how important it is to keep you and your vehicle safe when driving in ice and snow. That’s why we have all of the winter preparedness products you need to not only maintain your car’s finish but keep it running its best this winter, too. We also offer a variety of free store services to keep you on the road this winter, including battery testing, wiper installation, and bulb installation. To learn more about preparing your car for winter, as well as spring, summer, and fall, check out our seasonal How-to Hub resources.
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