Garage Guide No. 2: What a Michigan Winter Does to Your Paint

Michigan winters are rough on a finish. Road salt, brine, and slush cling to the lower panels, wheel wells, and door jambs, and they keep working long after the snow is gone.

What to look for in spring

Check the lower doors, rocker panels, and behind the wheels for a dull, gritty film. Run a clean hand over the paint after a wash. If it feels rough, there is still bonded contamination on the surface that a regular wash cannot lift.

Do not forget the underside

Salt collects where you cannot see it. A thorough rinse of the wheel wells and underbody in the warmer months helps wash it out.

Protect before the next winter

A coat of wax or sealant going into November gives salt and grime less to hold on to and makes spring cleanup easier. The best time to book protection is in the fall, before the first snow.

If your vehicle came out of winter looking tired, a proper hand wash and decontamination is a good place to start.