Admittedly, it is nearly impossible to keep your vehicle looking brand-new during the winter. There are times when it will be coated with frost, ice and/or snow, the mineral deposits left behind when it melts and road grime. And there will be times when it’s just not advisable to get your car washed (when you know temperatures are going to be consistently below freezing).
However, despite the sometimes dull and dirty exterior, you can still keep your paint in good condition so that when winter’s all over, your paint still looks as good as new.
#1: Prepare Your Paint for Winter Weather and Road Conditions
By far, the best way to ensure your paint looks like new after winter is to add extra protection—i.e., carnuba wax—before winter.
If you missed the opportunity while weather was still mild after Thanksgiving, you still have a chance to mitigate future paint damage. Whenever the weather is warm enough (we recommend 40°), treat your car to a thorough wash and wax. With New Mexico’s unpredictable late winter/early spring weather, there very well may be more snow and ice—and the corrosive substances that melt it—from which your paint needs protection.
For car owners who want to take paint protection one step farther, you can also get clear bra paint protection film applied at Astro Auto Glass. Contact us for a quote and appointment.
#2: Remove Grime Sooner Rather Than Later
If you do drive through winter road conditions, you may see a buildup of snow, ice and slush in your wheel wells and splatters along your front bumper and up your hood. As soon as it’s warm enough, get that gunk off.
Allowing water deposits (in any form) containing salt or ice melt sit on your car gives these substances time to eat through your clear coat, making the paint and metal beneath vulnerable to deterioration.
#3: Remove Hard-to-See Embedded Grit
A lot of what sprays up from the road and sticks to your car may actually get stuck in the clear coat. You can remove it without damaging your paint by using a clay bar.
#4: Reapply Wax
Every time you wash your car to remove winter grime, you need to reapply wax. Again, wax creates an additional layer of protection between the elements and your vehicle’s clear coat…and your clear coat is vital to keeping your paint intact and fade-resistant.
#5: Touch-Up
All the debris that may collect on the road beneath the ice and snow may scratch your paint, penetrating the clear coat, even down to the paint. That exposure invites corrosion, so it is crucial to cover it up ASAP.
Touch-up paints are available in a wide array of manufacturer-original colors for a perfect match. Most car owners can DIY touch-ups and achieve a seamless finish. However, for large areas, you are more likely to restore your good-as-new paint look with the help of professionals. Do you have any other tips to keep your paint looking like new despite winter weather? Share them on our Facebook page.
