Clean Slate (Protecting Vehicle's Finish)
February 16, 2020
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.
Charlie's Fast Lube Dexter
414 N 1 Mile Rd.
Dexter, Missouri 63841
573-614-7886
https://charliesfastlubedexter.com
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