Winter Protection for your vehicle

Winter Is Coming — Is Your Car Protected?

Winter is nearly here across the East Midlands.

In Northampton and surrounding areas, salt, grit, and road grime all threaten your car’s paintwork.

Before the cold months arrive, now is the time to make sure your car has the protection it needs!

 

Why You Should Protect Paint in Winter

- Salt & grit attack: Salt and grit used on roads to melt ice stick to your car. They can wear through the clear coat or scratch the surface, leaving paint vulnerable.

- Moisture & freeze cycles: Water gets into tiny chips or cracks. When it freezes and expands, it forces paint outward and worsens damage.

- Debris & road grime: Stones, loose gravel, and road muck are more common in winter and can chip or scratch paint.

- Corrosion & rust risk: Once paint or clear coat is breached, salt + moisture attack the bare metal underneath, causing rust sooner rather than later.

Without protection, your car’s finish can look dull, and your paintwork can get really worn out..

Protection Options You Can Consider

Here are common protection methods used by car detailers (including some we offer locally):

- Wax / Paint Sealant
A simple protective layer. Helps repel grime and gives some barrier. Needs reapplication more often in harsh winter conditions. (We apply sealants on every maintenance wash for our clients)

- Ceramic Coating
A stronger chemical bonding layer that makes water, salt and dirt slide off more easily, so all that grime doesn't build up. Very effective but it does not protect against rock chips.

- Paint Protection Film (PPF / Clear Film)
A clear urethane film applied to high-risk areas (front bumper, bonnet, mirrors) to absorb chips, scratches, stone damage.

- Combo: PPF + Ceramic Coating
This is one of the best approaches: film protects physically, coating protects chemically and makes maintenance easier. Many professional detailers recommend combining the two.

What Could Happen If You Skip Protection?

- Small chips become bigger patches

- Rust could begin under the damaged paint

- Paint may fade, become etched or dull

- You might need panel resprays or repairs later (expensive)

- The car’s resale or trade-in value falls

- More time and money spent on cleaning and fixing

Tips to Help Your Protection Last (Winter Care)

Even with protection applied, you’ll want to look after your car through the winter:

1. Wash regularly (especially underside and wheel arches)
Don’t let salt settle. Cleaning often removes corrosive agents before they can damage.

2. Use gentle, pH-neutral car shampoos
Avoid harsh cleaners that degrade coatings or waxes.

3. Avoid harsh scrapers / brushes on paint
Use soft brushes on painted surfaces in the case of heavy snowfall.

4. Park under cover / in garage / use a breathable car cover
Reduces exposure to snow, ice, and debris.

5. Maintain your coating
Even ceramic coatings may benefit from maintenance washes or boosters to stay effective.

In Your Area — Why Local Detailing Makes Sense

If you live in Northampton, Market Harborough, Leicester or nearby, you’ll know how quickly roads turn salty and slushy in winter. Local detailers (like us) understand climate here: the frequency of rain, salt, grit, and freezing cycles. We can offer:

- Custom winter prep packages

- Ceramic coating applications

- Regular maintenance / top-ups through winter

If you're interested, send us a message on 07787 927204.