By Madeline Klein on September 15, 2020 in Life Hacks
Over time, weather can cause damage to your vehicle, especially if your car is exposed to the elements. Here at Say, we are determined to help slow that process down and even debunk some car care myths along the way!
Myth: Where you park doesn’t affect rusting on your vehicle.
One of the easiest ways to prevent rust on your vehicle is mindful parking. If you park on grass, dirt, or other moist surfaces, rust can develop on your car more easily. The moisture from the ground causes rust to form. Be sure to inspect the underside of your car regularly because the undercarriage of your car suffers the most on any given day, and it is susceptible to moisture, road salt, and winter chemicals. If you think investing in a gravel driveway is too expensive, consider the parts needed to fix exhaust systems, brake rotors, or even fuel lines. Let’s do some quick math: brake pad and rotor replacements could cost anywhere from $200-400 for parts and another $150 for labor. These costs in addition to the other potential fixes will likely exceed those of a new driveway. Why not save your vehicle some trouble and increase your home value all in one!
Myth: If you wash your car too much, it will rust faster.
It’s important you keep the outside of your car clean and remove dirt or other substances that can eat away at your paint. One material that might not seem like a big deal but actually speeds up the corrosion process if left untreated--bird droppings. Since getting your car washed every day may seem excessive, let’s shoot for once a week! No stress, you can wash your car from the comfort of your home and save a few bucks while you do.
Myth: There are no positives to waxing your car.
When washing your car, add a wax. This wax coating can protect against scratches and exposure to the elements. This not only saves you money on future repairs but can improve your vehicle’s resale value! The average price for car detailing in the U.S. is $161, which usually includes a wash, polish, wax, interior cleaning, and tire cleaning. Waxing is also beneficial in the winter months (sneak peek to our next myth). Plus, who doesn’t love that shiny new car look?
Myth: When approaching the winter months, no need to worry about winterizing your car.
What is winterizing your car? It’s checking the essentials before the season of snow and ice begins! A couple of must-dos on this list: fill the antifreeze, check the battery, check the windshield wipers, inspect the tires, and pack an emergency kit. We also want to note that waxing your vehicle helps protect the paint against any salt placed on the roads!
Moral of the story – inspect your vehicle regularly for any signs of rust. Start by checking wheel wells and bumpers because these are often the start of the issue. Sadly, rust problems tend to become expensive if left untreated, so take our advice and slow down the rusting process.
Protect your investment and keep your vehicle rust-free!