WINTERIZE YOUR CAR: Tips on how to make sure your car is winter-ready 

Caring for your car during harsh winter weather is crucial. Cold conditions can take a toll on your vehicle, from corrosive magnesium chloride eroding away protective layers of paint, to storms blanketing the windshield or passengers trudging dirty, slushy snow throughout the inside of the car. 

Keeping your car clean on a regular basis not only helps maintain the luster and shine of the exterior of your vehicle, but it also helps to protect the exposed metal undercarriage. Brake and fuel lines are especially susceptible to corrosion and rust because they are so close to the undercarriage of the car, which takes the brunt of the damage that can be caused by salt-treated roads. 

Follow these “winterizing” tips from the professionals at Ultimate Shine to keep your car in tip-top shape throughout the winter season: 

• Wash it! While it may sound counterintuitive, getting your car washed during winter months is incredibly important. This time of year, our roads are regularly treated to help melt snow and keep us safe while driving. Salt & brine create chemical reactions that can chip away at your vehicle’s paint and rust and wear down the undercarriage when left unrinsed. Ultimate Shine’s high-powered undercarriage rinse is sure to remove any salt & brine that may be stuck in the nooks & crannies of your undercarriage.  

• Choosing the right wash can also help you protect your paint’s finish. Ultimate’s top wash, the Ultimate Ceramix, includes our Ceramic Shield compounds, which serve as a protective coating for your car’s exterior. These agents bond directly with your vehicle’s paint, providing a durable layer of protection, that gets even better after multiple washes! That’s right…the compounding qualities of these agents help to create a stronger layer of protection against the elements, making frequent washes imperative.  

• Crank up the tire pressure. Have you noticed your tire pressure indicator light up the moment weather temperatures drop? When the temps drop, air molecules shrink and take up less space, which results in less pressure in your tires. Always be sure to fill your tires up to the proper PSI and pay attention to your indicator lights during winter to ensure your tires can perform to the level of grip and traction needed when driving in hazardous winter weather. 

• Preventative maintenance is key. Are your windshield wipers ready for the next upcoming snowstorm? Replacing them with new quality blades and topping off windshield wiper fluid will give you the tools you need to maintain visibility at all times while driving. Also, don’t forget to clean your headlights! Dirty headlights can decrease your vehicle’s light emission by up to 80%. 

Of course, there’s more than just salt & brine to deal with on the roads. Here are a few general tips for making sure you have a smooth drive during the winter season: 

• Equip your vehicle with winter gear. Extra winter coats, blankets and gloves can be extremely handy during the winter months. Having weather mats can also go a long way to protect the interior of your car from that inevitable muddy snow. 

• Prep your car! Clean the snow off your license plate and avoid getting pulled over for license plate visibility. Keep necessary items such as an ice scraper or snow-remover in your garage to remove as much snow and ice off your car before you hit the road. The more you can prep your car ahead of your travels, the better off you’ll be. 

• Stay safe. Pack an emergency kit! Properly preparing for the unexpected can be a lifesaver in the long run. Your car kit should include jumper cables, water bottles, a flashlight and roadway cones. Keep your fuel tank at least three-quarters full or consider bringing an extra gas can if you’re planning to take a road.  

Winterizing your car will not only result in a beautifully maintained vehicle but can also lead to safe travel during the harsh winter season. If you have any questions about winter car care tips, the experts at Ultimate Shine are here to help. Find an Ultimate Shine Car Wash location near you.