How Winter Snow Damages Your Car (and Ways to Protect It)

By Amir

How Winter Snow Damages Your Car (and Ways to Protect It)

Winter driving comes with its challenges, but have you ever thought about how winter snow can damage your car? From cars and SUVs to trucks, all vehicles are vulnerable to the harsh effects of winter snow. Snow can harm your vehicle's exterior, interior, and mechanics. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your car from snow damage during the winter months.

Let’s dive into the ways winter snow can damage your car and what you can do to prevent it.

Table of Contents

How Winter Snow Damages Your Car (and Ways to Protect It)

1. Loose and Cracked Windshield

Heavy snow can build up on your windshield, causing the adhesive that holds it in place to weaken over time. This can loosen the windshield and may even cause cracks.

But how does snow cause cracks? When ice forms around your windshield wipers, the pressure exerted as they slide over the ice can crack the glass. If you're parking outdoors, regularly check for snow build-up and remove it to prevent damage.

2. Deformed Car Body

The weight of heavy snow can deform the body of your car. When snow accumulates on your vehicle, it may begin to press against certain areas, causing dents and deformations that lower the car’s value and appearance.

3. Rust Formation

Snow is just frozen water, and water is one of the main causes of rust. Allowing snow to linger on or around your car increases the risk of rusting, which slowly eats away at the metal components of your vehicle.

How Salt Damages Your Car

To make roads less slippery, city workers spread salt on the streets during winter. While this helps with traction, it can also damage your car. Salt particles corrode exposed parts of your vehicle, including the wheels, brakes, suspension, and exhaust system. The salt mixes with melting snow and air, speeding up the corrosion process, especially for parts of your car that are closer to the ground.

Additionally, salt can cause your car's paint to peel and chip, further exposing the metal to rust.

How to Protect Your Car from Snow Damage

1. Avoid Driving Through Deep Snow

Driving through deep snow might sound fun, but it can damage your car. Snow can get trapped under the car, causing rust to develop in areas like the exhaust pipe and wheels. Avoid driving through deep snow to prevent these issues.

2. Park in a Garage

Whenever possible, park your car in a garage to protect it from snow and freezing temperatures. If you must park outdoors, avoid spots with a significant snow build-up, as snow pressing against your car can cause rust and body deformations.

3. Use Oil-Based Under-Spray or Wax

Applying an oil-based under-spray to your car’s underside can help reduce snow build-up. Additionally, a layer of wax on your car's body creates a protective barrier against snow, ice, and salt.

4. Use a Windshield Cover

To prevent snow from damaging your windshield, invest in a windshield ice cover or use a large piece of cardboard to protect the glass when parking overnight or for long periods.

5. Install Winter Tires

Winter tires are designed for snowy and icy conditions. They offer improved traction, better steering, and more responsive braking, making winter driving safer for you and your car.

6. Apply Touch-Up Paint

Snow, ice, and road salt can cause chips and scratches on your car's exterior. Apply touch-up paint to exposed metal areas to prevent rust from forming. If possible, schedule any necessary repairs as soon as you notice damage.

7. Drive Responsibly

Snow and ice reduce your car’s ability to brake quickly. Always drive slowly and maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others. Sudden stops or sharp turns can cause accidents that may result in damage to your car.

8. Wash Your Car Regularly

Washing your car might seem unnecessary in winter, but it's crucial for removing salt, dirt, and grime that can cause rust. Pay special attention to the undercarriage, where salt buildup is common, and clean your headlights and mirrors for better visibility.

Does Snow Increase the Risk of Car Accidents?

Yes, snow makes roads slippery, reducing the grip your tires have on the surface. Snow can also freeze your windshield wipers, obscuring your vision. If your wipers fail to work properly, you could be involved in an accident before realizing your visibility is compromised. Drive slowly and cautiously in snow to minimize risks.

What Does NYDMV Say About Winter Driving?

According to New York State law, it’s illegal to drive a car with anything that obstructs your view. This includes snow and ice on your windshield. Before hitting the road, make sure to clear your windshield and windows of snow and ice. Additionally, your headlights must provide adequate illumination, and your license plates should be visible.

The law requires you to remove any snow or ice accumulation above 3 inches on your vehicle’s surface before driving. However, this doesn’t apply if your car is parked.

Final Tips

When driving in snowy conditions, remember that overpasses and bridges freeze first. Drive carefully and watch out for slippery spots that may not be visible, even after snow has been cleared. Always keep a snow shovel in your trunk in case you need to dig your car out of deep snow.

Avoid using hot water to melt snow off your car. It might seem like a quick fix, but the water can freeze in cold temperatures, creating more problems for you later.

Would you like to learn how to drive safely in winter conditions? At Drive Rite Academy, we offer driving lessons that include winter driving tips and techniques. Our instructors are among the best in New York, and we’re here to help you become a confident and safe driver. Visit us at Drive Rite Academy in Brooklyn today!

For more driving tips and to sign up for lessons, visit Drive Rite Academy to learn how to drive safely, no matter the season.

How Winter Snow Damages Your Car (and Ways to Protect It)