Can Snow Damage Your Car?
How Does Snow Affect Your Vehicle?
The winter months bring many exciting events some look forward to all year. Lots of family gatherings, quality time with loved ones, and great food, just to name a few. In addition to these wonderful holiday moments, we may also experience the dreaded cold of the snow. While some love the chance to snuggle up with a warm cup of hot chocolate or perfect their snowman making skills, your car may not be so fond of our fair weathered friend. This is because extreme cold weather or heavy snow can damage your car. Portsmouth Auto Body Center is here to help you keep your car in great shape during the winter by detailing how snow can be harmful to your car and what you can do to prevent damages. Follow along to learn more.
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Snow can be hazardous to any type of vehicle, large or small. Heavy snow build up, in addition to the exposure to salt from the roads, can affect your vehicle's performance in a major way. If you’re unsure of the ways snow can damage your car, pay attention to these factors, including:
Cracks in Your Windshield
Heavy amounts of snow can put a strain on your windshield and cause it to become loose from the weight of the snow. If this happens, cracks or breaks may appear and you will have to replace your windshield before getting back on the road. To avoid damage to your windshield from the snow, avoid parking under trees and shovel snow off of your car when possible.
Dents in Your Frame
Snow can cause damage to your car's frame by leaving dents from heavy snow if proper measures are not taken. This typically occurs on the roof or hood of your car, where large weights of snow left for long periods can cause the most damage. If this happens, it can damage the value and appearance of your car. Keep your car in great shape by shoveling snow when necessary or parking your car inside a garage when snowing.
Damage From Rust
In some cases, snow does cause your car to rust. Snow can cause rust by pools of water sitting on top of your car for extended periods or corrosion from road salt. Rust can be a major problem for your vehicle as it slowly corrodes the metal of your vehicle’s frame and inner parts. If snow has caused rust damage to your car, Portsmouth Auto Body provides rust removal services to ensure your car is in top condition.
How Can I Protect My Vehicle From the Snow?
The best way to avoid damage to your car from snow and rust is to take preventative measures before the winter months hit. By doing so, you ensure your car is prepared and protected from extreme weather conditions and likely preventable damages. But never to fear, there are many things you can do to protect your car from the snow, including:
- Washing your car frequently
- Driving safely
- Avoiding ice or large puddles in the road
- Installing winter snow tires
- Not driving in deep or heavy snow
- Avoid parking on the street
Get Ready for Winter
Are you prepared for the coming snow? Talk to Portsmouth Auto Body to learn more about how to protect your car from damages snow can cause in the winter.