Winter Tips to Avoid Rust on Your Car

Rust is not ideal for cars. It will destroy important components and leave you with a car you probably wouldn’t be able to sell. Rust is something all car owners should be aware of and know what precautions to take to lessen your chances of severe rust damage. Particularly in winter time when salt is used for the snow. In this article we are going to discuss what rust is and what preventative measures you can take against rust. Here are our winter tips to avoid rust on your car.

What is Rust & What Causes Rust?

Rust occurs on the surface of iron when it oxidizes. Oxidation occurs when one or more electrons have been lost, so rust is really about the movement of electrons. This quicker the movement then the quicker the rust will spread. Rust happens when iron is exposed to prolonged moisture and oxygen which causes the oxidation to take place. This is why it seems as though the rust is eating away at the metal. It is rather changing the metal.

How to Avoid Rust in Winter

Thorough car maintenance is a great way to keep a close eye on potential rust problems and quickly take care of the issue. It will also assist in keeping oxidation to a minimum and in turn lessen the rust on your car. To begin with, here is a list of inspections you can do to check for any rust damage on your car:

• Wheel wells
• Tires
• Bumpers
• Inside of the doors, hood, and trunk
• Underneath the car

Then you can take a look at your washing schedule for your car. Every second week is often recommended, which can be done at home or via a car detailing company that can ensure the best care. This is true for all seasons as dirt and other debris can accelerate rust damage. In winter the number one cause in areas where there is snow is the salt thrown out of the snow. When driving the salt kicks up in the wheel wells, calipers, suspension, door joints, brakes, and tires. Salty water or moisture quickens the damage of rust even more. It happens faster than you might think. When cleaning the car, make sure to get the salt and dirt off from all the surfaces listed above and then use a coating like anti-rust spray to protect those parts. For the exterior of the car you could consider a ceramic coating that will help protect the outside of the car from rust for up to three years.

General Cold Weather Driving Tips

Between how you react and how quickly the car can react is how much time you have to avoid an accident. Driving in less than desirable conditions can lead to accidents. It is important to recognize when to slow down and take it easy. Especially if you drive where it rains or snow falls. During winter months light can be lacking which can also impact your reaction times. So when it is cloudy out, or there is rain, snow or sleet then remember to slow down, check three times, and have emergency gear with you in case you get stuck out in harsh weather conditions. Find out more about winter weather driving in a previous article: Winter Driving Tips.

What are Extended Car Warranties?

Extended car warranties are in fact vehicle service contracts offered by third-party providers, such as those here at Chaiz. When buying a new car you receive the factory warranty with the vehicle. These warranties are generally either the powertrain warranty or the bumper-to-bumper warranty and sometimes additional coverage options like diesel engines, corrosion, or emissions coverage can come with more luxurious brands. Extended car warranties, also called a vehicle service contract, offered on Chaiz give you the choice of three different warranty types. This is the powertrain plan, powertrain plus plan, and the bumper-to-bumper or “most comprehensive” plan. Many of these plans come with the additional coverage options and added benefits that alleviate the cost of ownership greatly.

Should I Get an Extended Car Warranty with Chaiz?

Ultimately to alleviate the stress of driving and keep ownership costs low it is a good idea to invest in an extended car warranty. Especially here at Chaiz, where we strive to deliver the best in online car warranty services. Through the Chaiz search tool you can input your car’s details and the top third-party providers will pop up. Each plan has a more detailed tab if you want extensive information on the plan. Otherwise you can request a call back. We only call when you ask, no robocalls or pressure to purchase here at Chaiz.

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