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The cold weather and heavy snow of Upstate New York can take their toll on your car as you drive through the conditions every day. However, while you may only be concerned about your engine and other car parts, your automotive paint can also be damaged by the weather. This paint is one of the most significant contributors to your car's appearance and resale value, so you must protect it when you can.

How to Protect Your Automotive Paint From Winter Damage

1. Wash Off Salt

Road salt is exceptionally corrosive, and even minor contact with your automotive paint can lead to spotting, fading, and rusting. Additionally, the front and sides of your vehicle will collect dirty slush as you drive through the snow, which can dim the paint and cause scratching. To protect your car's appearance, hose it clean of dirt, salt, and road grime once a week.

2. Park Indoors

automotive paintIf you have access to a garage, use it this winter. The roof protects your car against hail, freezing rain, and falling icicles that could damage the paint. Also, it keeps the vehicle off the street, where other drivers may have difficulty negotiating icy, snowy roads. Finally, parking indoors shades your car from harsh UV rays that can cause automotive paint to oxidize and fade, even during the winter.

3. Use Scrapers on Glass

After a freezing rain or snowstorm, you may step outside to discover your vehicle is a block of ice. While you'll be tempted to scrape it off with your handy ice scraper, the hard plastic blade can wreak havoc on automotive paint. Use this tool only to clear ice from the windows, and be careful not to scratch the surrounding paint.

 

If you need a touch-up on your automotive paint, make an appointment with Bob Hastings Collision in East Rochester, NY. They’ve served clients throughout Monroe County since 1972, and they’ve built a reputation for excellent work and unmatched customer service. In addition to automotive paint, they also specialize in auto body repair, car detailing, and scratch and dent repair. Visit their website to message them online or call (585) 383-8150 to schedule service.

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