Winter/Snow Driving...?

[kng1999]

As my luck would have it, my daily driver broke down right as the winter season started and I've been driving my Cobra everyday since. A pretty big snow storm just rolled in a few days ago and the roads are a mess; snow, ice, dirt, salt... It's terrible but I have no choice really but to drive in it, roughly 30 miles each way. :shrug:
My main question is: what can I do to help protect my car from the harsh road conditions? I know 3M sells a kind of tape that you can put on the car to protect it during long drives, would that be my best bet? Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated :thumbsup:

 

[05satinGT]

Idk what kind of tires you have but these things aren't good in the snow (obviously). I remember back in highschool we had a blizzard and getting my cousins 02 GT home was a endeavor. My mom crashed into a tree going down out driveway this morning in her AWD CTS.

I'd throw some weight in the trunk first to keep the ass end from kicking out. Try some salt bags or something similar. I don't think there is much you can do to protect the car besides hosing it off when you get home to get all the snow and ice off (and salt).

Get the dd fixed man, good luck!

Edit: Just saw you're from Texas....it can't be snowing that bad can it? lol up here in the northeast we just got a tiny bit today which was the first of the year.

 

[TEG-84]

As my luck would have it, my daily driver broke down right as the winter season started and I've been driving my Cobra everyday since. A pretty big snow storm just rolled in a few days ago and the roads are a mess; snow, ice, dirt, salt... It's terrible but I have no choice really but to drive in it, roughly 30 miles each way. :shrug:
My main question is: what can I do to help protect my car from the harsh road conditions? I know 3M sells a kind of tape that you can put on the car to protect it during long drives, would that be my best bet? Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated :thumbsup:

Couple things I do....

1. Right before winter hits I wash, clay, polish, seal, wax my car (or in your case as soon as its a nicer day and you can get it cleaned up)

2. I put it up on jack stands and spray a majority of the components with Amsoil Heavy Duty Metal Protector. (none that get overly hot as it'll just burn off) I have done this to all my vehichle and I have yet to even have a bit of rust!

3. I wouldn't go with 3M for the paint protection I would go with Xpel. (Not impressed with the 3M spray on crap)

4. On the nicer days, when the roads are some what clearer and the slop isn't as bad...I run it through a touch less wash that spray up underneath the car.

I think its imperative that you get that salt off ASAP

EDIT* Another thing most people neglect is cleaning the wheels! I clean them with my drill and Adams attachment then I give them a good waxing. I didn't do this to my 88 GT and the wheels paint was horrible looking after 2 winters of salty goodness!

Hope this helps!

Adam's Premium Car Care Winter Washing Tips - YouTube

 

[kng1999]

Thanks! I'm gonna try to get the dd fixed asap. For now it's got pretty bad tires on it but I plan to get better ones. It snowed a good 3-5 inches here thursday night. I'm pretty sure it's done snowing but since the temps are below freezing it all turned to ice very quickly and isn't going away fast. I'm more concerned about the salt and sand they put on the roadways... Trying to keep that from damaging my paint

Idk what kind of tires you have but these things aren't good in the snow (obviously). I remember back in highschool we had a blizzard and getting my cousins 02 GT home was a endeavor. My mom crashed into a tree going down out driveway this morning in her AWD CTS.

I'd throw some weight in the trunk first to keep the ass end from kicking out. Try some salt bags or something similar. I don't think there is much you can do to protect the car besides hosing it off when you get home to get all the snow and ice off (and salt).

Get the dd fixed man, good luck!

Edit: Just saw you're from Texas....it can't be snowing that bad can it? lol up here in the northeast we just got a tiny bit today which was the first of the year.

 

[kng1999]

Thank you for the advice, every bit helps. Would the Xpel be ok to put on the bumpers? I noticed their website says headlight protection, does it work just as well for body panels and bumpers?

Couple things I do....

1. Right before winter hits I wash, clay, polish, seal, wax my car (or in your case as soon as its a nicer day and you can get it cleaned up)

2. I put it up on jack stands and spray a majority of the components with Amsoil Heavy Duty Metal Protector. (none that get overly hot as it'll just burn off) I have done this to all my vehichle and I have yet to even have a bit of rust!

3. I wouldn't go with 3M for the paint protection I would go with Xpel. (Not impressed with the 3M spray on crap)

4. On the nicer days, when the roads are some what clearer and the slop isnt as bad...I run it through a touchless wash that spray up underneath the car.

I think its imperative that you get that salt off ASAP

Hope this helps!

Adam's Premium Car Care Winter Washing Tips - YouTube

 

[TEG-84]

Thank you for the advice, every bit helps. Would the Xpel be ok to put on the bumpers? I noticed their website says headlight protection, does it work just as well for body panels and bumpers?

They can put Xpel on pretty much anything! Heck, the car at SEMA this year was completely covered in it! Best of all, its self healing...which means as the temperature gets warmer there, the fine scratches you will get will work themselves out. Plus, orange peel isn't as prevalent as it is with 3M. The only downside to Xpel vs 3M is cost. However, with 3M its a 5 year warranty with Xpel its a 10 year warranty. :beer:

I hate topify!

 

[NewDuuude]

We all freak out around here when we get more than an inch lol