Community Corner

Protect Your Car Against Winter Weather Damage, Local Expert Shares Tips and Tricks

For most of us, our vehicle is the second most expensive thing we own. From local automotive detailer Tim Thoelecke, check out the how-tos of keeping your wheels in tip-top shape.

As temperatures drop and salt, slush and snow become regular fixtures of daily commutes, prepping your car for the long winter can mean a better looking car come spring.

Local resident and owner Tim Thoelecke knows this first hand. Tholecke sees all kinds of vehicles— some in better shape than others, he says. From 12-year-old cars that look virtually new to their two-year-old counterparts that have seen better days, Tholecke encounters a little bit of everything.

Although a thorough detailing can give new life to the neglected car, it will never look as good as the one that is regularly maintained, Thoelecke explains. "Chicago area winters can wreak havoc with a car, both inside and out," he says. 

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Here, check out Thoelecke's tips to keep your car going strong all winter long:

1. Over the winter many people don't pay too much attention to their cars. But there are a few things you can do to help keep your car looking sharp over the long term. For one, get rid of the salt. Don't let salt sit on the paint, undercarriage or carpets. Secondly, use care when removing snow and ice. You can easily scratch and scuff the paint, though you probably won't notice till spring. 

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2. For the exterior, make sure you apply a good coat of wax before the weather changes. Better yet, use a polymer paint sealant, which is a synthetic product that affords the same protection as a wax, but it lasts six times longer. A good wax or paint sealant will protect your car from oxidation, rust and corrosion.

3. On any car, if the paint shows any signs of oxidation or has any surface scratches or scuffs, you may want to consider buffing the car prior to applying the wax or paint sealant. Buffing is most often best left to the professional, but a prepared and experienced amateur can do it too. Buffing is performed with a high- speed machine and various compounds and polishes. It can bring back the luster in an oxidized or dull paint surface, as well as remove some minor blemishes. 

4. The interior of a car needs TLC too. Try getting winter floor mats. These can be as simple as a rubber version available at a hardware or auto supply store, or they can be the custom sized versions that afford more coverage. On the driver side, make sure the mat does not interfere with the brake, gas and clutch pedals.

5. You can also apply a leather or fabric protector to seats, carpets and mats. These products won't keep things from getting dirty, but they will make cleaning easier. Some fabric protectors are water based, and some oil based. The oil based will last longer, though it may be harder to find. Of course you should apply these products only to clean surfaces.


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