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Our customers know that winters in Plattsburgh, NY; Burlington, VT; Potsdam, Lake Placid, and Malone, NY can be brutal. Between the ice, snow, road salt, and mud, most people accept that they may not see their car clean until April! DELLA Honda in Plattsburgh wants to warn you that these winter elements don’t just make your car unattractive, they can actually be harmful to the exterior. Salt, dirt, and snow mixed with moisture can cause rust to form and spread on your vehicle. If you want to help extend the life of your vehicle and keep the trade-in value, take a look at our four tips below. Winterize with Wax - If you want to add an extra layer of protection between the winter elements and your vehicle, we suggest adding a coat of wax. This will act as the first line of defense against road sludge. You Missed a Spot - The first step to avoiding vehicle rust is knowing the places it tends to form. Pay special attention to behind the wheels, front grille, and quarter panels, as these are places road salt tends to collect. Make sure you’re cleaning these areas regularly! Wash It Down - Your neighbors may think you’ve lost your mind if they see you washing down your car in the dead of winter, but believe us, come springtime, it will be worth it. Whether you decide to use a power washer, hit the automatic car wash on the way to work, or wash it by hand, just make sure you’re doing this regularly (every other week if you can). One more tip: make sure you’re washing your vehicle when the temperature is above freezing, or else you’ll find yourself driving a popsicle. Switch It Up - The outside of your car isn’t the only thing that can be damaged by the elements. If you’re trudging through salty, muddy, snowy roads and parking lots, chances are you’re bringing that inside your vehicle with you. Buy some custom fitted rubber mats to protect the floors of your vehicle. Have more questions or looking for some additional tips? Stop by our Service Department or schedule an appointment online! Woo, Kevin. "Why Washing Your Car in Winter Is Important." YourMechanic Advice. N.p., 31 Mar. 2016. Web. 27 Jan. 2017. < https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/why-washing-your-car-in-winter-is-important-by-kevin-woo >.