As winter approaches, you should make it a priority to protect your vehicle from the harsh elements. Snow, ice, road salt, and freezing temperatures can ruin your car’s exterior finishes. Paint damage and rust are unsightly and weaken your car’s bodywork; even if cosmetic, this damage can significantly diminish your car’s resale value. The solution? Winterizing your car’s exterior.
At Mike White Ford, our showrooms and lots are in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho, so we’re familiar with the issues involved in maintaining cars over the winter. Keeping them in good condition is essential for preserving their showroom finish. For your vehicle at home, one of the best ways to preserve your car’s overall appearance and condition over the winter is to take the time now to apply wax, sealants, or protective coatings. These products offer varying degrees of defense against winter’s challenges.
How Winter Weather Affects Your Car’s Exterior
North Idaho winters bring plenty of snow and freezing rain, and while that can create a picturesque landscape, it’s a different story for your vehicle. The primary culprit for exterior damage is road salt. Several different “road salt” products are used to keep roads de-iced, and some are more corrosive than others. But the bottom line is that these products can corrode the paint and metal on your car. Additionally, moisture from snow and slush seeps into every crevice, increasing the risk of rust. UV rays, which are still present in winter, combined with freezing and thawing cycles, can cause your car’s paint to fade and crack over time.
Protecting your vehicle’s exterior with the right products — wax, sealants, and advanced protective coatings — can help mitigate the damage caused by these factors. Let’s break down each of these methods.
Waxing: A Classic and Effective Shield
Waxing has been a time-honored method of protecting vehicle paint for decades. Applying a high-quality car wax before winter provides a smooth, hydrophobic layer that helps repel water, snow, and grime. Wax establishes a thin barrier between your car’s paint and the outside elements and adds shine, enhancing your vehicle’s appearance. Wax provides:
- Water Repellency: Wax makes water bead off the surface, preventing moisture from sticking and reducing the chance of rust.
- UV Protection: Wax helps protect your paint from harmful UV rays, even in winter, when the sun’s reflection off the snow can be intense.
- Enhanced Appearance: Regular waxing adds a glossy finish that enhances your car’s look, making washing off dirt and road salt easier.
Before applying wax, clean your car thoroughly. Use a car-safe detergent to remove dirt, salt, and contaminants. Apply a thin layer of wax using a microfiber cloth or foam applicator, working in circular motions. Allow the wax to haze, then buff it off with a clean cloth for a shiny, protective finish. Plan to wax your car at least twice a year—before winter and in spring—to keep it well protected year-round from the harshest weather conditions in winter and summer.
Paint Sealants: Longer-Lasting Protection
Consider using a paint sealant if you’re looking for something more durable than wax. These synthetic products are engineered to bond directly to the paint, offering a protective layer that can last much longer than traditional wax—sometimes up to six months or more. Paint sealants create a hard, slick surface that resists water, dirt, and other contaminants while providing a high level of shine. Paint sealants enhance:
- Durability: Sealants offer longer-lasting protection than wax, making them ideal for harsh winter conditions.
- Easier Maintenance: The slick surface repels dirt and grime, making cleaning your vehicle easier.
- UV Protection and Shine: Sealants provide excellent UV protection and enhance the appearance of your paint.
As with waxing, apply paint sealant only after thoroughly washing and drying your car. Use a soft applicator to apply the sealant evenly across the vehicle’s exterior. Give the sealant enough time to bond with the paint — usually for 15-30 minutes — before buffing it off with a clean cloth.
Protective Coatings: Maximum Defense
Ceramic or graphene coatings are the most advanced options for car owners looking for the ultimate defense against winter conditions. These coatings chemically bond with the paint, forming a hard, glass-like layer that offers superior protection against scratches, road salt, and UV rays. Ceramic coatings, in particular, provide hydrophobic properties that keep water and snow from adhering to the surface, making it easier to clean your car. Protective coatings provide benefits that include:
- Superior Longevity: These coatings can last years once applied, offering continuous protection without frequent reapplication.
- Extreme Hydrophobic Properties: Coatings cause water to bead and roll off effortlessly, reducing the chance of developing rust or water spots.
- Scratch and Stain Resistance: Advanced coatings offer a high level of protection against scratches, oxidation, and chemical stains.
Start by ensuring that your car is spotlessly clean; this may require professional decontamination of the paint. Apply the coating with the special applicator pad in small sections, working in straight lines. Buff the area after the coating cures, usually within minutes, to ensure an even, glossy finish. Unless you have experience, we recommend that you hire a professional to apply the coating for long-term protection, as proper application can be tricky for beginners.
Winter in North Idaho can be unforgiving, but taking the right steps to protect your vehicle’s exterior can help it weather the season beautifully. Whether you opt for a simple wax job, a durable paint sealant, or an advanced ceramic coating, each product offers unique benefits that safeguard your car from snow, ice, and road salt. By winterizing your vehicle with one of these protective methods, you’ll maintain its appearance and value for years to come.
At Mike White Ford, we know how important it is to keep your car looking showroom-new, and we can help you select a product that will protect your vehicle. Contact us today to find Ford-compatible products and accessories or to check out our fantastic line of the latest Ford vehicles.