Why Washing A Car In Winter Is A Good Idea

Some car owners only wash their vehicles in the warmer months, completely neglecting the value of washing a car in winter. During the cold months, there is more road salt hitting the side of your vehicle and undercarriage. If left to sit on the paint, it can lead to corrosion. Rust doesn't begin on the surface of a car but rather underneath the paint. It will bubble and cause the paint to become flakey and brittle as the metal surfaces become exposed. To avoid this, it's necessary to wash the car in winter and remove all of the road salt. If left unchecked, you could be looking at expensive body repairs down the road. Phil Long Collision Center wants to help keep your car in its best condition. Here are some things you should know about washing your car in winter after driving on the roads in Colorado Springs.

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How Often Should I Wash My Car In Winter?

In general, you want to wash your vehicle every two weeks throughout the year. However, there are special care instructions to follow once you've driven on a snowy or salty road. While you don't need to complete a full car wash every time you drive, you should at least rinse the vehicle off. When you arrive home, rinse down the car, paying close attention to anywhere, there could be road salt. This step provides your best chance at protecting the car paint and undercarriage.

Can a Windshield Crack from Cold Water?

It's possible to crack your windshield from washing your car in the winter. Any time water is placed on your cold windshield, it's at risk for breaking. That's because the automotive glass expands and contracts during this time. If there are already defects on the windshield, such as rock chips, the risk is much higher that cracking will happen. To avoid cracking the windshield during winter, follow these simple tips.

• Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Warm-up your car slowly.
• Don’t turn the defroster on full-blast until the vehicle is warmed up.
• Don’t put hot water on a cold windshield.
• Use a plastic ice scraper to clear the windshield.

How to Protect Car Paint in Winter

If you want to keep the car paint looking its best during the colder months, it’s best to park in a garage or covered shelter. If you must park outside, consider using a car cover. The worst place you could park is on the street, where the car paint endures the most damage from passing cars spitting up debris.
Additionally, you want to wash and wax your car often. Apply a paint protection film to further keep your vehicle looking its best. At the end of winter, have any issues repaired promptly to ensure you retain your vehicle’s resale value.

Why Choose Phil Long Collision Center For All Winter Car Repair

Whether you have a cracked windshield or need paint repair, we can help. At Phil Long Collision Center, we know how to handle winter car repair in Colorado Springs. Our team of experts is certified to work on many makes and models, ensuring that we restore your vehicle to factory-like condition. Schedule your consultation with us today and see what a difference experience can make.

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