Winter is the cruelest season for your vehicle.
Nature is harsher on a vehicle when it’s cold out. It’s not just the weather in the winter that causes the increase in damage, either – the secondary effects of winter, such as sanded streets, tire chains, and ski racks, can cause serious damage as well. Take care to keep in mind the following tips, and you’ve got a great chance of being the one guy on the block whose car doesn’t look like it was in a fender bender by the time April rolls around.
In order to preserve traction on road surfaces, the department of transportation sacrifices aesthetic concerns. The sand that keeps your car from sliding off the road also scuffs up the exterior. In places where roads are salted, the wear and tear can be even worse. Cracked windshields are common occurances in winter – both from flung bits of gravel or sand, as well as from temperature changes. Windshield chips should be repaired as soon as possible, so as to prevent the ding from becoming a major crack. Safe practice is to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead while driving in the winter; tailgating could result in a windshield cracked from a flung rock or a fender bender caused by poor road conditions.
When it’s cold out in the morning and you’re half-consciously getting the ice off of your car, it’s easy to forget about being careful. Window scrapers can scratch paint surfaces, window tint, and rear view mirrors. Wake up five minutes earlier than you did before, if that’s what it takes to keep you from being lazy or careless about how you de-ice your ride.
In a big rush to hit the ski hill, you might consider slapping on a sweet new ski rack you bought from a local store. Great idea – but make sure to do it right, or have it done professionally. a poorly installed ski rack will cause scratches and dents to your roof, and may fall off, resulting in the loss of more than just the condition of your vehicle’s roof.
Also, take care to monitor the condition of your tire chains. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when you install the chains, follow the reduced speed limits, and avoid riding on a dry road with chains on. If a chain breaks, get rid of it immediately. Broken tire chains can seriously damage fenders and wheel wells.
Lastly, when you go get your Christmas tree, bring a blanket to throw on your roof. And when you get home, don’t forget to completely remove any bits of twine the Christmas Tree Carnies may have rigged you up with. These bits of twine can really lash the paint off of a roof at high speeds.