Clean Slate (Protecting Vehicle's Finish)
September 1, 2024
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.
South Side Garage
9117 S WALKER AVE
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma 73139
405-308-1514
http://www.thesouthsidegarage.com
More articles from Southside Garage
Power Steering Pump Replacement
November 2, 2025
When youre driving and you hear a squeal or groan when you turn, it may be a sign your power steering pump is on its last legs. The same is true if you feel your steering is slipping or doesnt respond to your hands like it used to. Precise, responsive steering is, of course, important when it ... More
Start Me Up (Ignition Systems)
October 27, 2025
When you start up your gasoline engine car, you may not know that it's using the same ignition principles as it has for decades. You have spark plugs that require enough power so a spark can jump across a gap at its tip. Years ago, a vehicle's 12-volt system had to produce 15,000-25,000 volts t... More
Timing is Everything (Timing Belt)
October 23, 2025
Talk about exquisite choreography; it happens under the hood of your vehicle every time you take a drive. Your engines many complex parts must work exactly together. One key is a part called a timing belt, which enables the synchronizing of two of your engines components, the camshaft, and the ... More