Even though vehicles are built to withstand the elements, they are still subject to damage. Winter weather conditions, such as snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, may wreak havoc on a vehicle’s exterior. While auto body repair technicians can fix these issues, there are steps you can take to protect your car. The following guide outlines why this time of year can be problematic and what you can do to keep your vehicle in top shape.
The Effects of Cold Weather on a Car’s Paint & Frame
Low temperatures throughout the winter can negatively impact small defects in your vehicle’s paint and protective coating, causing them to worsen. For instance, if there is too much moisture in auto paint during its application, it will develop small bubbles. When exposed to cold, moist weather, these air pockets will expand, causing the material to flake off.
Road salt also leads to a high number of auto body repairs during this time of year. Deicing products are corrosive, which means that they eat away at vehicle paint if they sit on the frame for extensive periods. If you don’t wash your car regularly, areas with chips and dents may start to rust, and corrosion can quickly spread to other components.
Avoid cold weather-related damage to your auto body by keeping the vehicle covered or parked in a garage. When you wash your vehicle, do it during the day to ensure it’s completely dry before temperatures drop at night. Have the exterior waxed or coated with ceramic coating to increase protection against salt and cold weather.
How Winter Impacts Other Areas of Your Vehicle
Freezing temperatures can impact your car’s battery. The unit may not start easily or at all since cold weather slows and impedes the battery’s chemical reaction. Your tires will also be affected by winter conditions. They will lose about 1 pound of pressure per every 10-degree drop in temperature. Windshield wiper blades can break or rip, and washer fluid might freeze in the tubes. The colder it gets, the less efficient the oil is in lubricating the engine. Incorrect coolant-to-water ratios can cause antifreeze to freeze, and as a result, the engine will overheat.
If winter conditions have wreaked havoc on your vehicle’s exteriors, schedule an auto body repair appointment at Consolidated Bodyshop in Crossville, TN. This locally owned and operated auto body shop has been offering a comprehensive range of services to drivers throughout Cumberland County for over a decade. Their technicians are dedicated to helping you maintain and restore your car’s look through auto painting to collision repairs. Learn more about their offerings online, or call (931) 456-4090 to receive an auto body repair estimate.
Consolidated Bodyshop LLC