How Weather Can Damage Your Vehicle and How to Reverse It


Most vehicles are designed to withstand the harsh weather elements while keeping you safe inside. However, despite keeping you safe, these weather extremities could be wreaking havoc on your vehicle. Damages caused to your vehicle may not be visible after a few run-ins with the elements. However, prolonged exposure could cause server damage. For instance, exposure to direct sunlight can cause damage to the car paint.

This article is focused on some of these damages and how to effectively reverse these damages.

Erosion

During winter, to clear highways and freeways, road crews use salt to thaw the ice buildup and remove snow. This salty solution is then swept under your vehicle’s undercarriage and can cause erosion on some of the metal parts. Parts of the vehicle that are exposed to snow or ice can get damaged by the salt solution. To mitigate against this, it is advisable to wipe down your vehicle, especially after long drives. Use a soft piece of cloth to gently remove the debris and salt stuck to your vehicle. Use a garden hose to spray the underside of your vehicle. Avoid scrubbing or cleaning in a circular motion lest you interfere with the paint job.

Fluid problems

This problem is greatly associated with cold temperatures. Cold temperatures can thicken the fluids needed to operate your vehicle optimally. Fluids such as power steering, transmission fluid, oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze are greatly thickened, affecting their performance. The most affected fluid is the transmission fluid that needs to flow quickly to be effective. To reverse this, you can change the fluid in your vehicle or allow your vehicle to warm up before driving off.

Sun damage

Exposing your vehicle to direct sunlight can cause your car’s exterior paint to fade as well as the car’s interior. Oxidation from exposure to sunlight can also cause the paint to peel away from the protective layers. The paint used in cars serves more than just to improve the aesthetics of the vehicle. It helps protect the car’s chassis against dents, moisture damage, and other weather-related problems.

To prevent further damage to your car, it is best to always park your car in the shade. In case you have to park in direct sunlight, make sure you cover your vehicle. In recent years, there has been an upcoming trend that is sure to make a difference when it comes to sun damage, and this is the use of automotive powder coating.

Automotive powder coating is becoming one of the most popular options when it comes to protecting the metal component of vehicles from both erosion and sun damage. This process involves powder particles sticking to metal through electrostatic attraction. Once fused, the coated metal is then put in an oven, melted, and cured. This process is considered environmentally friendly and also offers extra protection to your chassis, roll cages, and even the entire car body.

Wind damage

Wind causes very minimal damage to your vehicle. It is the particle carried by the wind that you need to worry about. The wind carries debris and sand that can get stuck in areas such as in the windshield or even under the hood. Sand is a small coating that can still damage your car’s paint, scratch your car’s surface, and cause the paint to peel away. The clear coating applied to protect the inner paint is usually the most susceptible to damages caused by wind.

Sand and dirt should be the least of your worries when driving in a windy storm. You need to be concerned about flying objects, branches, and other items that can hit your car, leaving dents, scratches, and even severe damages to your windows and even windshield.

To protect your vehicle, it is best to cover your vehicle with a custom-fitted sheet. During a windy situation, it is best to park your vehicle in an enclosed shelter or garage. If you have any visible dents or scratches, schedule an appointment with a body repair specialist to work on repairs. Leaving these damages for long without repair can cause moisture to get inside the damaged area causing more damage to the vehicle.

The weather has a different effect on your vehicle that can affect the look and functionality of your vehicle. To protect your vehicle from the elements, it is best to regularly wash and wax it to protect the exterior coating and, more importantly, conduct regular inspections to check for any damages and schedule timely repairs.

 


Leave a Reply

365 Days Of Motoring

Recent Posts

Categories

Disclaimer

I We have no wish to abuse copyright regulations and we apologise unreservedly if this occurs. If you own any of the material published please get in touch.