With the weather growing colder, car owners are taking steps to prepare for winter. Some have already switched to winter tires or refreshed their emergency kit in the trunk. Unfortunately, many drivers don't consider the damage winter can have on their car's paint. A few flakes of paint chipping off might seem insignificant now, but it could become a bubbled mess by spring. Here are three preventive measures to take if you want to avoid an early visit to the auto paint shop.

How to Avoid Car Paint Damage During Winter

1. Cover Your Car

The best way to protect your car's paint job is to park it in the garage or a covered area. If this isn't possible, invest in a car cover. Made of polypropylene or polyethylene composite, the cover blocks out UV rays from the sun, dust, and dirt, and it prevents snow and ice from coming in contact with your car's exterior. Snow and ice that get into scratches on the car cause rusting and structural damage, resulting in a trip to an auto paint shop for repairs.

2. Wash Vehicle Regularly

Slushy roads mean your car will get dirty more often during winter, requiring more frequent car washes. Aside from ensuring your vehicle's cleanliness, a car wash also gets rid of rock salt that makes its way onto your car from the roadway. This material is highly corrosive and could cause body panels and paint to slowly deteriorate if left too long on your car's exterior.

3. Be Extra Gentle With Brushing

Drivers living in states that experience regular snowfall are probably used to brushing snow and ice off their vehicles. However, as the professionals at auto paint shops explain, there's a proper way to do this. Use a soft foam brush or one that has natural bristles instead of hard plastic ones. The hard bristles on some brushes can scratch the paint off the car's outer layer. This also leaves the surface open to rust-causing moisture.

When it’s time to give your car a professional-grade paint job, drive over to Valiante Auto Body. The Norwalk, Connecticut-based company is more than your regular auto paint shop. They also offer car dent repair and auto collision repair services. Check out their website or call (203) 847-3043 to talk to a licensed technician.