Seasonal vehicle maintenance is important no matter where you live, though the region where you reside impacts the treatment your car needs. If you live along the oceanic coast, you should take certain steps to protect your vehicle from the salty air and seaside storms.
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If you live near the ocean, maintain your car by protecting it
Ocean breezes are invigorating for people but detrimental to vehicles. The salt-saturated air combined with the seaside moisture and direct, unimpeded sunshine adds up to faster deterioration of your car. Even if you live in a colder climate near the ocean, the sun will still reflect off the water and shine on the paint — causing it to absorb more salt.
To protect your car from accelerated decay, keep it out of the elements as much as possible. When you’re not driving it, store the car in your garage or wrap it in a cover. If you work right near the ocean and park it all day there, consider covering it then, too. Find a way to carpool or use public transportation so you’re not leaving your car out all day.
Remove salt and shield the paint by washing and waxing your car at least every month. Make sure you scrub the undercarriage too, especially where the metal components of the wheels and exhaust system are exposed. If ocean water or sand splash up on your car, wash it off immediately. Make sure you use soap, because a basic rinse won’t be enough to remove all the salt adhering to your vehicle.
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The salty air, morning dew, and humidity will eat away at exposed metal parts, causing them to rust and break faster. Have these inspected by a mechanic whenever you have the oil changed. Keep in mind that certain parts will need replaced often, too. The salty air can damage the rubber blades on the windshield wipers and clog up the air filters.
As much as living near the ocean can feel like a vacation, don’t take a break from maintaining your vehicle or else you’ll spend more time at the mechanic’s than the beach.
Source: How Stuff Works
Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.