Taking Care of Your Vehicle in the Winter in the North New Jersey Weather

 

With the winter weather upon us, it is important to be prepared and know how to protect your vehicle. To combat unsafe driving conditions, road salt is used to melt ice in order for tires to have better traction and to make contact with the pavement. However, despite its positive effects on drivers’ safety, road salt can have a negative impact on all types of vehicles. 

How to Manage Road Salt Yourself

To manage road salt damage yourself, you can start by regularly washing and waxing your car to protect the paint and prevent rust from forming. This involves using a quality car wash soap and a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surface, paying extra attention to areas prone to rust such as the undercarriage, wheel wells, and lower body panels. After washing, be sure to dry your car thoroughly and apply a coat of wax to add an extra layer of protection. In between washings, you can also use a spray-on wax or a silicone-based protectant to help repel water and salt. If you notice any signs of rust on your car, you can try using a rust remover product to help remove it. However, if the rust is severe or if you are unsure of how to properly address it, it is best to consult a professional mechanic for assistance.

Wash Your Car After It’s Exposed to Road Salt 

After a large storm or exposure to road salt, a great way to prevent damage is by washing your car. Rinsing the exterior and the undercarriage of your vehicle will eliminate harmful residues and prevent the salt from sitting on your car for long periods of time which could create corrosion over time. Regularly washing your car during winter months will help eliminate salt, sand and debris from damaging your car’s paint.  

Avoid Potholes and Piles of Snow 

In the winter, puddles of water and piles of snow compile harmful substances like road salt, dirt, and debris. With this in mind, when possible, be sure to avoid driving through puddles in the winter when you are able to. Doing so will prevent road salt from splashing onto your vehicle’s exterior and undercarriage. 

Another thing to consider is potholes and puddles may include a deep drop or hole that cannot be seen. Driving through this could damage your car if you hit a pothole at a high speed, it could throw off your alignment or damage your tires or rims. 

Vehicle Maintenance 

Corrosion and rust affect the undercarriage of your vehicle, a part of the vehicle you can’t really see or get to and because you can’t really see or get to that part yourself, we suggest you take your vehicle to a professional for maintenance. A professional Auto Service Department would be able to check your vehicle and undercarriage for any corrosion or ruse and be able to check the entirety of the vehicle, which includes the wheels, doors, and any metal parts of your vehicle that are open to that type of damage. Here at Nutley Auto Kia, we offer car maintenance services and are happy to help you and your vehicle. 

For more information on how to keep your car clean, how to drive safely in the thick of winter, and for the best scenic routes to take, check out our blog. We provide all of the auto information you need and more, The Nutley way!

 

 

 

Works Cited: 

https://www.carcovers.com/resources/roadsalt

https://eustisbodyshop.com/prevent-salt-damage/

https://cleantools.net/blogs/news/protect-your-car-from-salt-damage

https://auto.howstuffworks.com/wash-car-undercarriage.htm

https://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/resources/most-dangerous-states-winter-driving/

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