by Kara Bishop
VehicleMD Staff Writer
Originally published in Summer 2011 Issue

We love our cars. They get us from A to B in a timely manner, while protecting us from the elements. But more importantly, they define us. People walking down the street can tell what kind of person we are by what we drive—and how we take care of what we drive.

We want to take care of our cars. We want them in tip-top shape for every occasion, whether it's a trip to the grocery store or a "red carpet" event. We are willing to invest in our adorable rides because they're dependable and, well, adorable.

So what should we do when winter comes along? We love snow and ice and cold temperatures, but have we ever thought about what these elements could do to our cars, especially on the outside?

Think about it. Winter is all about cold snow, rough ice, scratchy dirt, ice-melting chemicals like salt and ash, etc. None of these is particularly good for your car's finish, and taken together they can turn the sparkling boulevard cruiser you drove last summer into a jalopy look-alike.

However, there is hope for those who want to win the war against the damage that winter and its cohorts can wage against your car's exterior. Follow all or most of these, and winter won't stand a chance against your car's finish. (And it's never too soon to start some of these tasks now, before winter weather makes them even tougher to perform!)

Visit the Carwash
With winter on the horizon, be sure to visit your friendly neighborhood carwash soon—and as often as necessary during the winter. The carwash does more than just keep your car shiny, the soap and water also help remove salt and other chemicals that can dull or mar your car's finish.

"One of the best ways to prevent rust and corrosion to your paint job is to have your car washed clean of winter's nasty components," said Mark Negast, technical director for Lucas Oil and an expert on automotive exterior care.

Also, don't be afraid to invest in an upscale carwash, which generally features extra protectants that will give your car's paint job that precious extra skosh of protection. And don't neglect the undercarriage, which sees most of winter's elements in full force, either. Ordering the undercoat wash can help remove those rust-causing bits of salt and other chemicals that may, over time, corrode the suspension, exhaust and other undercar components.

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