Winter can be one of the most challenging seasons for your vehicle. From snow and ice to harsh road salt and debris, the winter elements can wreak havoc on your car’s paint. However, applying PPF before the cold months arrive can significantly protect your vehicle’s appearance and long-term value. Keep reading to find out what PPF can do in winter!
PPF – What is it?
Paint Protection Film (PPF) is a transparent, durable layer of film applied to a vehicle’s exterior surfaces. Its primary purpose is to shield the paint from various environmental hazards, such as rock chips, scratches, and stains. PPF is particularly effective at preventing damage caused by road debris, harsh weather conditions, and chemical substances.
Read more: Why do you need paint correction before ceramic coatings?
Why winter is particularly harsh on your car’s paint
Winter conditions bring a set of challenges for your vehicle’s paint. Here’s why these factors can be particularly damaging:
- Road salt: Used to melt snow and ice, road salt is notorious for being corrosive. When salt mixes with water and sits on your vehicle’s surface, it can slowly corrode the paint, leaving rust spots that can spread over time.
- Gravel and road debris: During winter, road crews often spread gravel or sand to increase traction. These particles can easily kick up as you drive, causing tiny chips and scratches in your car’s paint.
- Freezing temperatures: Freezing temperatures can cause paint to become more brittle and susceptible to chipping.
- Ice scrapers: Many car owners unintentionally scratch their paint while using ice scrapers to remove ice or snow.
Winter conditions bring a set of challenges for your vehicle’s paint
How PPF protects your vehicle in winter
Applying PPF to your car before winter offers extensive benefits.
- Protection from road salt: The transparent barrier PPF ensures that road salt doesn’t come into direct contact with your car’s paint. Instead, the salt sits on top of the film, which can easily be washed away without damaging the paint underneath.
- Deflects rocks and debris: Winter roads are full of loose gravel, sand, and debris that can be kicked up by other vehicles. PPF is designed to absorb the impact of these objects, preventing chips and scratches that would otherwise mar your paint.
- Self-healing properties: One of the key benefits of modern PPF is its self-healing ability. Minor scratches or swirls disappear when exposed to heat, like warm water or sunlight, keeping your vehicle looking flawless even after harsh winter conditions.
- Preserve your car’s shine: Winter grime and dirt can dull the shine of your vehicle’s paint. With PPF, your car’s shine is preserved, giving it a freshly polished look throughout the season.
- Protection against UV rays: Even during winter, UV rays can still damage your car’s paint. PPF can help block these harmful rays, preventing fading and discoloration.
- Easier maintenance: Maintaining a car in winter is easier with PPF. Its smooth surface repels dirt and grime, making it quicker to clean off winter debris, so you spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying your drives.
Related: Why you should detail your car for winter
Tips to protect your PPF in winter
Here are some tips to protect your PPF in winter:
- Regular washing: Keep your PPF clean by washing your vehicle regularly to remove road salt, grime, and other contaminants. Use a pH-balanced car shampoo and a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the film.
- Dry thoroughly: After washing, dry your vehicle with a clean, dry microfiber towel to prevent water spots and residue buildup.
- Use a car cover: If possible, use a car cover to protect your vehicle from snow, ice, and road salt. Ensure the cover is clean and breathable to avoid trapping moisture against the PPF.
- Remove snow and ice carefully: Use a soft snow brush or a dedicated ice scraper to remove snow and ice, be gentle to avoid scratching the film. Avoid using metal scrapers or abrasive tools.
- Apply ceramic coatings: Consider adding ceramic coatings on top of your PPF. The coating helps to provide an extra layer of protection, making the surface slicker and more resistant to dirt and grime. It also makes cleaning easier, helping maintain your PPF’s integrity throughout the season.
- Professional maintenance: Consider having your PPF professionally inspected and maintained by experts like Cloud 9 Tint Studio and Auto Spa to ensure it continues to provide optimal protection throughout the winter season.
Consider adding ceramic coatings on top of your PPF to provide an extra layer of protection
Shield your vehicle from winter damage with PPF service at Cloud 9 Tint Studio and Auto Spa
Protect your car from the harsh winter elements with our expert PPF service at Cloud 9 Tint Studio and Auto Spa. Our high-quality paint protection film acts as a durable barrier, defending your car’s paint and ensuring it stays in pristine condition throughout the toughest months of the year.
In addition to PPF, we also offer ceramic coatings for those looking for enhanced protection and a brilliant lasting shine that further prevents contaminants from sticking to your car.
Visit us at South West St, Perryville, MO 63775, or call us at 573-570-4470 – 573-768-2721 to schedule your service today! Don’t let winter ruin your car’s paint!