How to Protect Your Car in the Winter

By John Funk, November 29, 2022

The winter season can be joyful for us; the longer nights, foggy mornings, cold air, and soft blankets are just some of the things we enjoy during this beautiful season. There may be many things about winter that are special; however, this season can pose a challenge for your vehicle when it gets exposed to cold weather, snow, and salt.

The outdoor elements can all build up, and if left unchecked for a long period of time, winter can cause some serious damage that may require expensive repairs. Exposure to elements can leave your car vulnerable to corrosion as well.

Extreme winter conditions can make it difficult for your car to run efficiently or even run at all and you could be left wondering how to protect your car from salt, how to prevent it from rusting, and more.

How to Protect Your Car in the Winter

Here are some steps that you can implement to protect your vehicle from the hazardous elements of the winter season:

Wash Your Car Regularly and Keep It Clean

If you are clueless as to how to protect your car’s paint in winter, the answer is simple – wash it regularly. This is a very basic step that has the potential to remove impurities from your vehicle’s paint.
Car washes will keep your car in top condition by removing corrosive salt and debris from the paint. This simple process can also prevent corrosion and rust caused by road salt.
Regular car washes will ensure that your vehicle’s paint and body panels are free of dirt and dust formation, mud, grime, and so on, which can lead to serious damages.
It is recommended to wash your vehicle at least twice a month; however, if you have to drive your vehicle frequently, then you will have to wash it at least four times a month.
While washing your car, you should use a soft brush or sponge and strong driers to remove water droplets completely, otherwise, cold temperatures can cause condensation, making it difficult to remove the ice particles from your vehicle.
A soft brush with a long handle can safely remove any snow build-up on your car without scraping or scratching the paintwork. You should also brush off any excess snow as soon as possible, otherwise, it can cause chips or scratches on your vehicle to corrode quickly.

Inspect the Paintwork after Washing

You should inspect your car after washing it for any chips, scratches, or worn patches. Scratches or chips may not appear to be something serious and many car owners tend to ignore them.
As a car owner, you should be aware that moisture and road chemicals will find their way into the metal bodywork of your car through minor scratches and chips and can corrode it. Therefore, you should fill in any chips or scratches immediately. You can either do it by yourself using a touch-up kit or you can seek help from professionals.

Wax Your Car Often

Waxing your car is a brilliant way to protect it from harmful UV rays, which can fade the paint and affect the appearance of your beloved vehicle by making it look dull.
Wax will create a barrier between your vehicle and the elements. It will not allow snow, debris, and salt to stick to the surface of your vehicle.
You may have to reapply wax a few times during the winter season, as it could wear out over time.
You can use a spray wax, as it is easier to use and provides additional protection; however, if you are comfortable with traditional polymer wax, you can go for that.
If you are looking for a smooth finish, you should use carnauba wax. Water will repel off from such a smooth surface and dust will be less likely to stick to it.
You can use anti-icing sprays on your car’s locks and door mechanisms to prevent ice build-up in those necessary areas, otherwise, you can get “ice-locked” out of your car.

Add a Protective Paint Coating

Once the washing and waxing processes are over, you can also apply a protective coating to your vehicle to protect it from dirt and dust formation, corrosive elements, and so on.
You can use the coating on all parts of your car’s paint, as it is durable and effective.
Ceramic coating is a more widely preferred option, as it can provide long-lasting protection from tree sap, branches, pollen, bird droppings, road chemicals such as salt or grit, and so on.

Park Your Car in a Garage

There are several advantages of parking your car in a garage, especially during nighttime in winter. An enclosed garage can keep ice off your windshield and can insulate your vehicle while keeping away the frost.
During the brutal winter months, a garage will keep your car relatively warm. The fluid and oil will remain in a stable condition, allowing the engine to run smoothly and better than those vehicles that are kept outside.

Keep Your Car Covered

If you are not fortunate enough to own a garage, you will have to park your vehicle outside where it will be exposed to many elements like snow, salt, and other debris. A top-quality cover can protect your car from the elements.
Even if you own a garage, it is advisable to purchase a car cover as your car will not remain in your garage always. You may have to park it outside at your workplace or other places you visit. Putting a car cover on your vehicle is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle when it is not in use.
An effective car cover will ensure that snow and salt do not sit on the paint and will reduce the amount of frost that forms on your windows.

Why Choose Seal Skin’s Smartly Designed Car Covers?

At Seal Skin, we offer an extensive range of semi-custom-fit snow-resistant car covers that are affordable, durable, and reliable. Our car covers ensure a snug fit, hugging the contours of your vehicle. This prevents snow or ice from getting formed at the bottom of your car, thereby preventing any kind of rust.

Our smartly designed car covers include vents that allow moisture to escape, thereby preventing mold and mildew build-up. Our semi-custom covers are made of polyester fabric material which prevents premature corrosion by allowing condensation to evaporate, ensuring complete protection of your car during freezing temperatures.

You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST) and we will help you find the right snow-resistant car cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.