How to Protect Your Vehicle From Freezing Temperatures and Ice Damage

When winter settles in, freezing temperatures, ice, salt, and snow can take a serious toll on your car. At Lackey Body Works, we see how minor winter damage — left unchecked — turns into bigger problems come spring. But with a little extra care, you can help your vehicle survive winter and look good doing it. Here’s how to protect your car from winter’s worst.

❄️ Why Winter Weather Is Tough on Cars

• Road salt, slush, and de-icer build-up — Salt and other de-icing chemicals melt ice on roads, but when they splash onto your car and then refreeze, they accelerate corrosion on paint and metal. Over time, this can lead to rust on body panels, undercarriage parts, wheel wells, and other vulnerable areas. 

• Freezing and thawing cycles — Moisture that freezes in small chips, scratches, or under panels expands and contracts, which can worsen cracks and promote rust. Even small paint chips can become big problems if they expose metal. 

• Ice and snow damage — Heavy snowfall, ice scraping, or slush can scratch the paint or damage trim, glass, and rubber seals — creating more entry points for moisture and corrosion.

Because we offer services like collision repair, paint work, auto glass repair, and frame / unibody straightening, winter damage can lead to bigger repair needs if you don’t act proactively. 

✅ Smart Steps to Protect Your Car This Winter

1. Wash and clean your vehicle regularly — including undercarriage

• Wash your car frequently during winter, especially after snowstorms or drives on salted roads. Salt and grime lock onto paint and underside surfaces.

• Don’t skip the undercarriage, wheel wells, and rocker panels — these areas collect salt and moisture, creating rust hotspots if neglected.

2. Apply a quality wax, sealant, or protective coating

• Adding a layer of wax or paint sealant before winter sets in adds a moisture-resistant barrier between your paint and corrosive winter elements. 

• For even longer protection, consider ceramic coatings or other durable sealants — they help prevent salt, ice, and slush from embedding in paint or bodywork. 

3. Inspect and repair paint chips, scratches, and dents promptly

• Even small chips or scratches expose bare metal, making those areas vulnerable to rust when moisture or salt gets in.

• If you notice any paint damage, consider scheduling a repair. At Lackey Body Works we can help restore the finish — preserving your car’s appearance and preventing corrosion.

4. Use smart parking and winter-proof accessories

• Whenever possible, park in a garage or under a carport to minimize exposure to snow, ice, and salt. If indoor parking isn’t an option, a high-quality car cover designed for winter can help protect the paintwork.

• Avoid using metal scrapers directly on frozen surfaces — they can scratch paint or crack glass. Instead, use a soft brush, plastic ice scraper, or safe de-icer spray. 

🧊 Extra Winter Survival Tips for Your Vehicle

• Wash promptly after slushy or salty drives — Don’t let salt or grime sit. A quick wash/reset can make a big difference over time.

• Dry thoroughly — Moisture trapped in seams or door seals can freeze and damage rubber/weather stripping or cause interior leaks.

• Check doors, locks & seals — Cold weather can cause rubber seals to stiffen or freeze, so lubricate or treat seals to keep doors from freezing shut.

• Inspect tires & alignment — Winter potholes, slush, and icy roads increase risk of wheel alignment shifts — if your wheels go out of alignment, it can affect handling and accelerate wear. Lackey offers wheel alignment as part of our service lineup.

Year-Round Peace of Mind: How Lackey Body Works Helps

If winter has already taken a toll — dents from icy collisions, paint chips from road debris, frame issues from potholes, or glass chips from freezing conditions — Lackey Body Works offers a full suite of services to restore your car: from complete collision repair and wheel alignments to paint work, auto glass repair, and unibody/frame straightening. 

Our trained, certified technicians use high-quality materials and follow expert processes to get your vehicle back in top shape — safe, reliable, and looking great again. We know winter weather hits hard, and we’re ready to help.

🛠️ Don’t Let Winter Sneak Up on You, Protect Your Vehicle Now!

Winter presents real challenges for cars, but with a little care — washing, sealing, checking for damage, and thoughtful parking — you can drastically reduce the risk of rust, paint damage, and costly repairs down the road. Treat your vehicle now, and you’ll thank yourself come spring.

If you notice paint chips, dents, glass chips, or anything suspicious, don’t wait. Schedule an inspection or auto body repair with us at Lackey Body Works — we’ll help you get winter-ready and keep your car protected all season long.

Stay safe out there, and happy driving 🚗❄️