Tips To Maintain Your Car In The Ocean State

Fighting Back The Rhode Island Saltwater Air

Living by in the Ocean State is a great experience. With access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there’s a reason we stay here.

Unfortunately, it’s not great for your car. The Narraganset and Newport salty atmosphere cause serious damage to your cars appearance and ability to function properly. Here are some tips to minimize or prevent the destruction caused by salty air.

• Seek cover. When possible, park inside, out of the sun and sea air. Whether in a garage at home or underground when visiting the mall, staying out of the sun provides a measure of protection. It won’t take the salt out of the air, but it will deflect the harmful rays of the sun. If you don’t have a garage at home, a car cover will help.
• Take care of the paint. New cars are more resistant to damage caused by the climate because the paint is in prime condition. As the years go by, the paint will suffer from daily exposure to the air, nicks, scratches, dings and other circumstances that can chip and/or erode the paint. Touching up the paint as soon as you notice any damage can prevent rust and keep your vehicle looking good.
• Wash and wax your car on a regular basis. After buying a new car, most people take good care of it with regular washes and waxes. As the newness wears off, it can be easy to slip into the habit of less frequent cleanings. Yet, one of the best things you can do to protect your car’s paint and metal is frequent washes and waxes – especially when living near the ocean.

At a minimum, wash your car at least once every two weeks, and wax it every three to four months. The older your car, the more frequently you should wash and wax. One good way to get in the habit is to run your car through the carwash every time you fill up for gas. If you don’t drive much and only fill up your tank once a month, you will need to wash your car by hand or make a separate trip to a carwash facility.

Regular maintenance goes a long way toward extending the life of your car and keeping it looking good. If you fall behind in these important tasks and your car starts looking tired and dreary, bring it into State Auto Body. Our expert paint and body professionals will have it looking great again before you know it.