One of the secondary dangers to winter as regards to your automobile comes from the salt that is used on roads to help against snow and ice buildup. The damage that this salt can do to your car in the long run requires you to fulfill some important cleaning protocols.
Everyone knows that road salt can damage your car's finish,
promote rust, and affect the mechanics of your vehicle. In addition to the
damage that road salt can cause your paint, it can be especially hard on chrome
as it can cause it to corrode and flake.
While many Subaru owners in Philly opt for mud flap
accessories to protect their paint finish and parts of their undercarriage from
salt and dirt, they understand that this is only a partial protection from the inevitable
salt and slush spray. It helps to understand how salt exactly leads to problems
of rust for your car.
The reality is that the salt attracts more water, which
accelerates the oxidation process, which is rust. In addition to car doors,
fenders and hoods, the undercarriage of the car gets it the worst. If not
removed, it will eventually cause problems for mufflers, brake lines and tires. Snow and ice can pose the same risk of promoting oxidation without
salt, but the process is much slower. That's why Subaru owners that park their car in
the garage should remove the snow and ice as the constant melting/drying
followed by a reintroduction of snow and ice each day takes its toll as well.
It's perfectly fine to wash and wax your car by hand at home
during the summer, but it's best to take it to a car wash for a thorough
cleaning during the winter and especially as the spring approaches. Take
advantage of the car washes that offer steam cleaning and undercarriage
cleaning. This is a good time to also have the car re-waxed and sealed
in addition to the wash. Don't forget to have them detail the interior or do it
yourself to remove the salt and moisture from the carpet as well as around the
interior of the doors.
As stated earlier, it's best to try and take your car to the
car wash at least several times a month during the winter, but it's imperative
to do so as it starts to get warmer outside after a long winter. By eliminating
the salt, dirt and debris from your car and protecting it you potentially add
years to the life of your car and cut down on some repairs as well.
