Print
Winter travels can leave an unsightly film on your vehicle’s exterior. There’s no avoiding it as you travel through snow and slush and rain this holiday season.
“Whether you go on a road trip, a weekend getaway, or simply a day trip, your vehicle gets exposed to a variety of contaminants,” said Mike Pennington of Meguair’s car care products.
But removing this unsightly grime isn’t just about making your car look good, it’s also about preventative maintenance. That grime can cause permanent damage to painted surfaces including wheels. And when you’re traveling, it can be hard to stay on top of keeping your car clean.
How can you win the fight against winter grime while still traveling this winter?
“A protective layer of wax provides a sacrificial barrier that allows you time to wash or wipe off contaminants,” Pennington said.
Much of caring for your vehicle while on the road involves preventative measures. Pennington said. Automotive wax helps prevent fading and scratches by placing a layer of protection between your vehicle’s paint and the environment.
“Applying a protective layer of wax is similar to the benefits of a cooking spray that helps keep food from sticking to the grill,” said Pennington, who uses a ceramic-based product for his vehicles. “Waxes with the most advanced coating technology are longer lasting, easier to apply, better at removing grime and include UV protection.”
Pennington offered his list of winter car care suggestions whether you are staying put or driving far from home this holiday:
- Wash away all the hazy dust and grime as a first step in winter protection.
If the weather outside is frightful, visit an automated wash. When you return home, park your vehicle under an awning or in the garage to remove any remaining residue.
“The longer the grime sits on the car the more time it has to bond to your car and ruin it,” says Pennington. “What’s important here is to rinse the car’s undercarriage and wheels and pay close attention to your car’s troublesome spots.” - Run your hand across painted and wheel surfaces. Do you feel a sandpaper-like texture? If so, invest in a clay bar designed for automobiles.
Clay bars safely remove hardened contaminants left on your vehicle after summer and autumn–road tar, sap and insect parts. They may be applied to glass, wheels and painted surfaces.
Store the clay bar in the glove box when traveling during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Note from Pennington: Make sure to read directions for the proper use of a clay bar and re-apply wax after using it. - Use a waterless car wash and wax spray to keep your vehicle protected against winter weather and grimy roads. These kinds of products work well for quick touch-ups at home or while traveling.
Pennington suggests spraying wheels and wiping them down with a microfiber towel to remove brake dust, road salts and other contaminants that can damage surfaces. - Look into the latest types of ceramic-based waxes and polishes, which bond chemically with painted surfaces to form a strong and resilient shield.
“Ceramic-based products are much stronger than the traditional waxes,” Pennington said. - Don’t forget the interior when traveling this holiday season. Wipe up coffee spills and sticky substances such as sugary drinks or candy before they permanently damage upholstery. Condition interior surfaces by removing embedded grime during winter driving. Use upholstery cleaners and protection designed for automobile interiors.
- Invest in microfiber towels. They are fast absorbing, gentle on your car’s exterior and work great for interior messes as well.
While winter varies by region, the basic requirements for protecting and maintaining your vehicle don’t change. The season's weather makes regular cleaning essential, regardless of where you live and where you travel.
Copyright © 2024 by Sensible Driver. All rights reserved.