Is it OK to Leave My Car Out in the Snow?

If you live in an area that sometimes has harsh winters, you may have concerns about damage to your car caused by snow and ice. Indeed, there are some problems you might experience if you leave your car out in the snow.

Vinyl/Paint

Vinyl and painted surfaces on your car are at risk from damage caused by repeated exposure to snow and ice. The water can cause the paint to chip off the surface of the car.

Metal

Any part of the car made of metal is also at risk for damage. When the ice and snow melt, they can cause the metal parts to rust and holes to appear in the body and fuel tank.

Identification

You can identify signs of damage by looking for peeling or bubbled areas of the paint, which indicate that moisture has soaked underneath. You can also look for any signs of rust.

Prevention/Solution

There are certain products you can use to protect your car, such as vinyl protectant. This creates a seal on the vinyl or paint that protects it against damage from water.

Warning

Even a small amount of damage can lead to more-serious problems, such as a small crack that lets moisture build up. As soon as you see any problems, take steps to remedy things right away.

References

• Union Leader newspaper: Keep Snow Off Your Car

Resources

• Meguiar's Online: can Snow Damage a Car's Paint or Vinyl Top?