Road salt, dirt and debris cause corrosion that can affect brake pads, suspension, wheel arches, exhaust system and other parts.
Although it is recommended to wash your car regularly, many drivers wait until winter is over, which increases the risk of corrosion. To keep your vehicle shiny, it is recommended to use a microfiber sponge to remove dirt and grime.
Cleaning the underside of the car is also essential, where corrosion causes invisible damage.
Because it can be difficult to clean the underside of the car yourself, many choose to take their vehicle to a car wash or place their vehicle on jacks.
2) Fight rust
If the vehicle has rust, it needs to be dealt with immediately as it tends to spread and could cause further damage to the vehicle if left untreated.
Although it is possible to repair corrosion damage yourself, it is a time-consuming process that requires specific tools and precision.
First, the damaged paint is peeled off and removed. The surface is then cleaned with mineral solvents and a rust converter is applied with a brush. Once this is done, the body filler is applied and later the primer.
After drying, the area is sanded with wet sandpaper, the surface is cleaned and the damaged parts are repainted.
3) Clean the interior of the vehicle
When a driver gets into a car in winter with a wet coat and snowy boots, moisture builds up inside the vehicle. Over time, this will lead to mold and mildew growth.
Car seats can also be affected, as the material begins to deteriorate. Not to mention the unpleasant odors inside the vehicle, which are difficult to eliminate when interior maintenance is postponed.
It is important to vacuum the car regularly to remove all sand and dirt from the interior, as well as taking care of the seats and vacuuming the gaps between the seats and the backrest.
The panels, steering wheel and dashboard can be cleaned using a special car interior cleaner. It is recommended to use a small brush to remove dust from pimples and crevices.
If the car is equipped with leather seats, it is also possible to use a conditioner that protects the leather from cracking.
4) Replace the wiper blades
While it is normal for wiper blades to wear over time, extreme temperatures accelerate this process. Rubber blades can begin to crack and split, causing streaking and poor visibility.
Experts recommend replacing wiper blades every 6 to 12 months. Most cars do not require special tools to replace the brushes and the task takes no more than a few minutes to complete.
5) Check vehicle tires
The use of all-season tires or different sets for winter and summer does not matter. On the other hand, it is important to assess the condition of the tires, check the treads and sidewalls of the tires and look for any damage or wear.
Estimates suggest that tires should be replaced every 3 to 5 years. However, it depends on the condition of the road, driving habits and maintenance.
Tires also age, so motorists should not use tires that are 10 years old or older, even if they still have enough tread.