We've officially had our first snowfall here in Minnesota! While some of us might not be thrilled about the return of snow and ice, it's important to remember what this means for our vehicles: it's officially rust season!  Even a tiny speck of rust can quickly spread and cause significant damage to your car.  With the harsh winter weather, road salt, and chemicals used to de-ice Minnesota roads, protecting your car from rust can feel like an uphill battle. But don't worry, Sun Control of Minnesota is here to help! We've been protecting vehicles for 45 years, so we know a thing or two about keeping your car rust-free all winter long!

Paint Protection Film:

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At Sun Control of Minnesota, we're experts in paint protection film, and we truly believe it's one of the best investments you can make to protect your car from the winder season. This film acts as an invisible shield, available in gloss or matte,  protecting your car's paint from the harsh conditions of winter driving.

But what exactly is paint protection film?

Imagine a thin, yet incredibly durable, layer of protection that covers your car's paint like a second skin.  This 7 to 8 mil thick film is virtually invisible, so it won't affect the appearance of your car, but it provides a powerful barrier against the elements.

Here's how it combats rust:

• Defense Against Road Salt and Chemicals: Paint protection film acts like a shield against the corrosive effects of road salt and other chemicals used to de-ice roads. These substances can eat away at your car's paint, leading to rust formation. The film prevents these substances from coming into direct contact with your car's paint, keeping it safe from harm.
• Impact Resistance: Winter driving often means encountering flying debris, rock chips, and even minor fender benders. These incidents can chip or scratch your car's paint, exposing the metal underneath to the elements and increasing the risk of rust. Paint protection film provides a layer of impact resistance, helping to prevent these chips and scratches from occurring in the first place.
• UV Protection: While it might not seem like a major concern during the winter, UV rays from the sun can still cause damage to your car's paint, leading to fading and discoloration. Paint protection film offers UV protection, keeping your car's paint looking vibrant and new.

While we typically recommend applying paint protection film to the front of the vehicle (hood, fenders, front bumper, and mirrors) – the areas most susceptible to damage – it can be installed on the entire car for ultimate protection.

Regular Washing:

Washing your car regularly during the winter is absolutely crucial to prevent rust. Think of it this way: every time you drive in the snow, your car is being coated in a layer of salt, grime, and other contaminants.  If left unattended, these substances can quickly begin to damage your car's paint and lead to rust formation.

Here's why regular washing is so important:

• Salt Removal: Road salt is the biggest culprit when it comes to winter car damage. It's designed to melt ice and snow, but it's also highly corrosive. Regular washing helps to remove salt residue from your car's surface, preventing it from eating away at the paint and causing rust.
• Grime Removal: Winter driving often means encountering slush, mud, and other debris that can accumulate on your car. This grime can trap moisture against your car's surface, creating the perfect environment for rust to develop. Regular washing helps to remove this grime, keeping your car clean and dry.

How often should you wash your car in the winter?

We recommend washing your car every 1-2 weeks, especially during periods of heavy snowfall or frequent road salt use.

Don't forget the undercarriage!

The undercarriage of your car is particularly vulnerable to rust because it's constantly exposed to road salt, slush, and other debris. Many car washes offer undercarriage sprays, which are highly effective in removing these harmful substances.  If you're washing your car at home, be sure to pay special attention to the undercarriage, using a hose or pressure washer to rinse away any accumulated grime.

Hand washing vs. automatic car washes:

While automatic car washes can be convenient, hand washing your car allows you to give it a more thorough cleaning.  You can ensure that all areas are properly cleaned and rinsed, including those hard-to-reach spots.

Pro Tip:  Consider using a car wash soap specifically formulated for winter use. These soaps often contain rust inhibitors that provide an extra layer of protection.

Waxing:

Your car, not your body. Waxing your car might seem like an extra step, but it's a valuable one, especially during the winter months.  Wax provides an additional layer of protection against the elements, helping to keep your car's paint looking its best and preventing rust.

Here's how wax helps:

• Protective Barrier: Car wax creates a protective barrier between your car's paint and the harsh winter environment. This barrier helps to repel water, salt, and other contaminants, making it more difficult for them to penetrate the paint and cause damage.
• Shine and Protection: Waxing not only protects your car but also gives it a beautiful shine. This is because wax fills in microscopic imperfections in the paint, creating a smooth, glossy surface that reflects light more evenly.

When should you wax your car?

For optimal protection, apply wax after washing your car and before the first snowfall. This will ensure that your car is well-protected throughout the winter months.

Keep It Garaged & On Vacation:

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One of the simplest, yet most effective, ways to protect your car from rust is to keep it garaged whenever possible.  Parking your car in a garage or covered area limits its exposure to the elements, reducing the risk of rust and other winter-related damage.

Why is garage parking so beneficial?

• Reduced Exposure to Moisture: Garages provide a relatively dry environment, which helps to prevent moisture from accumulating on your car's surface. Moisture is a key factor in rust formation, so keeping your car dry is essential.
• Temperature Control: Garages also help to regulate temperature, preventing your car from experiencing extreme temperature fluctuations. These fluctuations can cause your car's paint to expand and contract, leading to cracks and chips that can expose the metal underneath to rust.
• Protection from the Elements: Garaging your car protects it from snow, ice, and freezing rain, all of which can contribute to rust formation.

If you don't have access to a garage, consider investing in a car cover.  Car covers provide a barrier against the elements, helping to keep your car clean and dry.

Touch Up Paint:

Even with the best preventative measures, it's still possible for your car to get a few chips or scratches during the winter.  It's important to address these imperfections promptly to prevent rust from taking hold.

Why are touch-ups so important?

• Exposed Metal: When your car's paint is chipped or scratched, the underlying metal is exposed to the elements. This exposed metal is highly susceptible to rust, so it's important to cover it up as soon as possible.
• Rust Prevention: Touching up chips and scratches helps to prevent rust from forming in the first place. By sealing the exposed metal, you're creating a barrier against moisture and other contaminants that can cause rust.

How to touch up paint:

Touch-up paint is available at most auto parts stores. Be sure to choose a paint that matches your car's color exactly.  Clean the area around the chip or scratch thoroughly before applying the touch-up paint.

Rustproofing:

For those who want to take a proactive approach to rust prevention, professional rustproofing is an excellent option.  Rustproofing treatments provide a long-lasting barrier against rust and corrosion, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with regular washing and waxing.

How does rustproofing work?

Rustproofing treatments typically involve applying a specialized coating to the undercarriage of your car. This coating acts as a shield, preventing moisture and road salt from coming into direct contact with the metal components of your vehicle. This significantly reduces the risk of rust formation, even in those hard-to-reach crevices and seams where rust often begins.

Benefits of rustproofing:

• Long-lasting Protection: Unlike waxing, which needs to be reapplied periodically, rustproofing treatments can provide years of protection against rust and corrosion. This can save you time and money in the long run by preventing costly rust repairs.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that your car is protected from rust can give you peace of mind, especially during the harsh winter months when road salt is prevalent. You can drive with confidence, knowing that your car's undercarriage is shielded from the elements.
• Resale Value: A rust-free car is a more valuable car. Rustproofing can help maintain your car's resale value by preventing unsightly rust and corrosion that can detract from its appearance and overall condition.

Taking these steps will help you keep your car rust-free and looking its best throughout the Minnesota winter.  If you have any questions about paint protection film, don't hesitate to contact us at Sun Control of Minnesota! We're here to help you protect your investment and enjoy worry-free winter driving.

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