Winter Weather Hazards That Can Damage Your Paint Job

Keeping your car in good shape is necessary due to the increasingly cold temperatures and harsh winter weather. It’s never a good feeling when you notice a scuff in your car paint from rogue salt rocks or ice forming across your vehicle. So taking the necessary precautions will lessen your chances of paint damage and keep the color pristine.

You don’t want to enter spring with your car marred by scuffs and scratches from the uncontrollable winter conditions. Preparing yourself will result in one less headache as you deal with the unfavorable climate. So here are some of the winter weather hazards that can damage your paint job.

Snowstorms and Blizzards

Depending on where you live and keep your car, snowstorms and blizzards are some of the winter weather hazards that can damage your paint job the quickest. It’s easier to protect your vehicle if you store it in a garage or shed. However, there are situations where you have no choice but to leave it outside. As a result, the accumulation of snow can cause several types of damage to your car.

One of the biggest tips to protect your car from paint damage is to remove the snow buildup after each snowfall. However, your snow removal technique can contribute to paint damage. Stay away from metal shovels and stick with a brush made of foam or rubber. Otherwise, preheat your car to help melt the snow or cover your vehicle with a car cover.

Negative Temperatures

Water has a freezing point of 32 degrees Fahrenheit—or 0 degrees Celsius. Ice can quickly freeze over your vehicle when it sits out in the evening air during a snowfall. You can wake up to your car completely frozen over. When that happens, you must scrape the ice off before going about your day. However, improper scraping can lead to scratches and scuffs.

Try to avoid using hot water or aggressively scraping at your car, as that can cause the paint to become damaged. Warm up your vehicle and remove the ice with your hands instead.

High Wind Mileage

High winds can kick up salt, rocks, and other debris onto your vehicle and cause scratches in the car paint. Coming across salt and rocks on the open road is inevitable, so make sure to keep your car clean.

Rinse your car first before going in with a rag or mop to wipe. Otherwise, any rubbing can scratch away the paint due to the salt’s abrasiveness.

Protecting your car from winter damage takes lots of work. But sometimes, scratches sneak their way in regardless of your efforts. If you need Honda OEM touch up paint for your vehicle, visit TouchUpDirect. We offer many OEM touch up kits for any make and car model. If you have any questions, reach out to us today.