If you care about protecting your vehicle and preserving its appearance, there’s a good chance you take the time to wax it during the spring and summer months. What you may not have considered, however, is waxing your car in preparation for winter.
So, what are some of the practical benefits of waxing your car in preparation for cold weather? How do you go about choosing the right wax for your needs? We’ll cover this and some tips for waxing in cold weather so you can head into another frigid Canadian winter with a little more confidence behind the wheel.
Should I Wax My Car Before Winter?
Many of the same benefits of waxing your car during the warmer months also apply to the winter months. Not only does a fresh coat of wax on your car help it maintain its beautiful sheen and shine, but there’s the added benefit of repelling precipitation in the form of snow and ice.
Just as wax can protect your car’s paint job from the sun’s unforgiving rays during the spring and summer months, the same applies during the winter. While it’s true that the weather tends to be more overcast during the winter, there are still plenty of sunny days that could wreak havoc on a car’s paint job without a proper wax. This is especially true when there is already snow on the ground, as UV rays can bounce off the snow’s glistening surface and intensify against your vehicle.
Last but not least, a proper wax job will also provide your car with an added layer of protection against road salt, dirt, and other common winter road grime. If you’ve ever experienced the frustration that comes with trying to remove chunks of ice and road salt from the bottom of your car, then you should really see first-hand what a difference it makes to wax your vehicle in preparation for winter. You’ll enjoy less of this build-up—and any build-up that does occur will be much easier to remove. This, in turn, protects your vehicle from rust or corrosion damage often caused by road salt and other debris.
How to Wax Your Car in Winter
So, we’ve convinced you to wax your car this winter…but where do you begin? Start by choosing the wax that is best for your car’s finish. There is a wide range of wax brands available on the market; whatever you select, make sure that the wax is rated for use in cold weather. You might also consider a ceramic coating, which is similar to wax but offers longer-lasting protection, for some added peace of mind.
Before you start waxing your car, consider having it detailed (or, at the very least, washed). Otherwise, you could actually be sealing dirt and debris onto the surface of your car.
For the best results, apply wax to your car before winter hits; this way, your car will be prepared for the first snow of the year. Ideally, you should apply wax in dry weather and when temperatures range between about 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.
When applying wax, it is best to work in small, circular motions. This is known as buffing, and it’s a technique that takes some time and practice to perfect. After you’re done applying the wax to your car, try to leave your vehicle out in direct sunlight for several hours.
Winter Car Maintenance Tips
Taking the time to wax your car before winter hits is a great way to protect it from the harsh elements over the next few months. In addition to waxing, there are some other car maintenance tasks you may want to perform before the weather changes. This may include:
- checking and adjusting your tire pressure
- scheduling an oil change
- topping off fluids (especially antifreeze)
- checking your brake pads
- testing your battery
- replacing worn wiper blades
Tackling these small maintenance tasks will ensure that your car is prepared to handle even the most treacherous of winter road conditions.
Ready to Get Waxing?
As you can see, waxing your car is no longer just a spring and summer activity. Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits of cold-weather waxing and where to begin, perhaps it’s time to set aside an afternoon to wax your own vehicle. For more car maintenance tips and advice, be sure to keep an eye on the Wayfarer Insurance Group blog!
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