Why you Need to Keep your Car Clean during Winter and Spring
April 18 2023, Hickman Automotive Group
Winter and Spring are the two seasons when cars are most exposed to harsh conditions – particularly here in Newfoundland and Labrador! Not only does snow fall on your vehicle, but salt and dirt will spray on your vehicle’s paint and can cause some damage. In addition to keeping your car from getting dirty because of the weather, you should also keep it in good working condition so that it lasts longer than just a few years. Here’s how:
Remove Salt, Dirt, and Ice Build Up
First and foremost, keep the exterior clean! You should be aware that salt is corrosive to your car’s paint and if you don’t remove it, it can begin to rust. Dirt particles can also cause micro scratches in your paint that will show up as little white spots when there are no other visible signs of damage on the surface of your vehicle. To avoid this problem, you can visit drive-thru car washes every few weeks or use wash towels with a bucket at home to prevent any rust from happening – this method also works well for removing tree sap during the spring!
Looking for a drive-thru car wash in St. John’s that will help protect your vehicle’s exterior and paint? Check out the Hickman Autospa!
In need of a full interior and exterior detail? The Hickman Autospa has packages available to get your vehicle back to pristine condition, ranging from the basic Standard Package to the top-tier called the Supreme package, with a couple options in between. See what these packages include:
The Standard Package
- Basic detail inside & outside
- Clean tires, rims, bug removal, chamois dry
- Clean floor mats, windows, and mirrors
- Vacuum seats, mats, and carpet
The Supreme Package
- Basic detail inside & outside
- Clean tires, rims, bug removal, chamois dry
- Clean vinyl & plastic, floor mats, windows, and mirrors
- Vacuum seats, mats, and carpet
- Shampoo seats, carpets, and mats
- Clay bar / Nano mitt & wax
- Engine shampoo & degreasing
- Leather treatment & conditioner
Inspect Your Vehicle for Damage
It is very important to visually inspect your vehicle for damage on a weekly basis and fix any damage before it gets worse.
Some things to look for include:
- Any chips or scratches in your paint. Get a paint correction pen from the dealership to fix small scratches
- Check the windshield and wipers to ensure they are cleared and cleaned
Ensure your Winter tires are clear of snow and ice, and that tires are inflated to the recommended pressures
Do NOT Put Off Maintenance until Summer
You may be thinking that it’s too early to worry about your car and its maintenance. It might be the middle of winter and you have plenty of time to get things done before summer rolls around again. However, if you don’t take care of ongoing maintenance now, your vehicle could suffer serious problems later on in the year or even next year.
The best way to avoid these issues and to increase the longevity of your vehicle is through regular preventive care checks at your local dealership! Do you have any warning lights on your dashboard? Do not delay, call your service centre and have your vehicle checked out by professionals who know exactly what they’re doing!
Store Your Vehicle Indoors
If possible, it’s best to store your vehicle in a garage or under a carport to protect it from snow, ice, and other debris. For those of us who do not have this an option, park your car in a well-lit area and away from trees to prevent any sap or small sticks causing unwanted marks on the exterior. If you have any questions about the health of your vehicle’s exterior, contact your dealership today!
To wrap it up, just remember to keep your car clean, fix any little issues as they come, stay on top of maintenance, and find a cozy spot for your vehicle during winter and spring. By doing this, you’ll keep your car looking and running smoothly for the long haul. Chill vibes, happy driving!
