Why winter wash…because dirt can hurt! We already know Midwest Winters are particularly cruel to our vehicles. Thanks to all the sand, salt, slush, and dirt our cars, trucks, and SUVs look pretty scuzzy from November through April. That’s SIX MONTHS of wear and tear! Much like you, we get lazy about maintenance once the temps drop. However, Winter is the most important time to care for the exterior of your vehicle. Check out this rundown of how and why to care for your car, inside and out, during the coldest months of the year. PLUS preventative pro-tips for making that car care easier than ever!
Exterior: Salt, grit, and rotting leaves are on the road and ready to stick to your vehicle. These elements do the most damage to your undercarriage, that part of the car that only your mechanic sees, creating rust which will eventually eat away at the exposed metalwork causing mechanical issues and costing you $$$ down the road. Replacing rusted suspension components gets pricey not to mention the hit you take when the resale or trade-in value of your car, truck, or SUV drops due to rust.
Interior: Mud, slush, snow, and ice. The four horsemen of your interior. Add in your kids’ and pets’ indifference to cleanliness and your vehicle’s upholstery is done for! Keeping the carpet mats dry and clean is a struggle for sure but an absolute must. Dirt and moisture will work itself into the fibers of your carpet and upholstery creating the perfect atmosphere for mold, stubborn stains, and smells like no other. If you don’t have rubber all-weather liners consider upgrading for the season. They’ll trap water and dirt instead of absorbing it.
Heads up, manufacturer accessories like Winter floor mats and liners, Tonneau covers, and splash guards are 10% off right now! Not sure what to get? Don’t worry…our Parts Department will help you find the perfect fit to protect your vehicle. Check out the deals and order what you need HERE. Bonus tip, having a portable vacuum nearby goes a long way in keeping your interior neat. Work smarter not harder. Tidying up for a few minutes each week is way better than spending an hour in the cold when it gets to be too much.
How Often: You should make time to have your vehicle washed at least twice a month or whenever it looks particularly rough following severe wintry conditions. In the Midwest this doesn’t just mean snow. Most cities use salt or sand on the roads to avoid icing during extreme cold temperatures too! If the car wash you visit has an option to spray down the undercarriage DO IT. Trying to save a few bucks, wait for warmish day (40+ degrees) and use a pressure washer on the undercarriage at home.
Preventative: Unless you have a heated garage it’s too late in the season to apply preventative measures like a wax coat. Most products don’t cure properly below 60 degrees. What can you do next time? Wax your car each Fall! Schedule a detail or do it yourself but a fresh layer of protective wax will keep dirt and debris away from the paint and make your car, truck, or SUV easier to clean.
Pro Tip: Thanks to technology you can avoid this yearly ritual with glass, plastic trim, and paint protection. Using Carefree Paint Protection’s ceramic coating you can preserve your vehicle inside and out…guaranteed*. Basically, it’s an invisible force field protecting your car from the elements! New or used you can schedule your car, truck, or SUV for an appt with our Service Department at bachrodtchevy.com, even if you didn’t buy it here. No more waxing every year. In fact, buy once and we’ll detail your vehicle and reapply this eco-friendly coating every 5 years to expand the life and enhance the value of your ride! Sounds to good to be true, right? It’s not! *Get all the details from our Customer Relations Manager, Chuck Panos, at (815) 580-2179
Whether you’re a “do it yourselfer” or book the appointment kinda car owner don’t neglect your wheels when Winter hits. Sure, you can’t bust out the hose and give it an old-school bath but you can protect it from the elements with just a few minutes of care each month.
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