- Regularly wash and wax your car. The longer grime and salt sit on your car, the more likely it is to create rust. Washing regularly prevents rust issues before they start. Waxing provides a barrier between your cars paint and the elements. Some waxes also have sunscreen to protect against UV rays, another car enemy that is prevalent in Huntington Beach.
- Invest in a car cover. Car covers may seem like a pain, but the protection they provide is worth the extra effort, especially if you don’t have a garage or if your work place does not have a covered parking lot. Even if you only put a car cover on for extended parking times, say 2 hours or more, you’ll be protecting your car from sea salt, dirt and pollutants. If you don’t have a garage, you should purchase a heavy duty weather resistant cover. If you do have a garage, a lighter dust cover will be sufficient.
- Quickly fix paint scratches. Paint is like skin in that it protects the body of your car from outside elements. If there is a break in the skin, infection easily forms and spreads. Same with paint. So regularly inspect your car for scratches and cracks in the paint and get them fixed quickly (you can fix them yourself if you keep a can of touch up paint handy).
- Purchase rust fighting treatments. Many car washes in coastal towns like Huntington Beach provide special rust fighting treatments to minimize damage by the salt air. Also, when you buy a new car you often have the option of rust proofing it (although there is some debate as to whether this is actually beneficial and or just another way to get your money). Do some research to find a rust treatment that will protect your car and your wallet.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Don't Let Salty Sea Air Turn Your Caddy Into A Clunker
I’m taking a break from talking about the home today, and instead am going to talk about another item that you use all the time and likes to take all your money. I’m talking about your car. As Huntington Beach residents, we get to enjoy gorgeous ocean views and salty sea breezes. While it makes us happy, the ocean is not a friend to the paint on our cars. Sea salt and excess moisture causes rust which can cause serious damage to your car. It starts on the body where it just looks ugly, but then it moves to the undercarriage and the real problems begin.
