Simple Tips Protect Your Vehicle During Cold Temperatures and Tough Driving Conditions

LONDON, Ont. – With winter weather comes salty, sandy roads, foggy driving conditions and limited visibility for your vehicle. But a few simple tips from can give your vehicle the equivalent of winter parka and ski goggles to protect it all winter long.

“Winter preparation is more important than spring cleanup for your car,” said Scott Blanchard, car care expert for 3M Car Care. “The harsh weather can wreak havoc on your car’s exterior and make for difficult driving. With a few easy maintenance projects, you can really improve the performance of your vehicle this winter and enhance the longevity for years to come.”

Blanchard learned about winterizing vehicles from his colleague, Larry Lavigne, who spent many years in the freezing Minneapolis climate. While 3M engineers complete thorough testing of their products and recommended processes in the laboratory, Lavigne and his team take their testing to the streets. In fact, they field tested the new 3M Performance Finish last winter and found it stood up to 50 washes without losing its shine or protective qualities.

3M Car Care Recommends Exterior Clean-Up and Protection

For the car’s exterior, the key is to get all of the exterior finishes cleaned and prepared for a protective winter coat, then keep damaging salt and sand off of the car’s finish throughout the winter. The top 10 tips include:

1. Give it a good bath with car wash soap to remove dirt and grime without removing wax protection.
2. Remove the tar and debris from road work with adhesive remover from 3M. Just rub it on with a microfiber cloth, let sit for a few minutes to loosen dirt, old wax and tar, then wipe off.
3. Restore plastic headlight lens to like-new clarity in time for winter snow and fog with the new 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System, an easy-to-use solution for removing the yellowing and hazing that reduces headlight performance and visibility.
4. Clean the wheels and tires to remove brake dust and highway grime then restore tires to brand new finish with a tire restorer. Tire restorer is also good for restoring black plastic bumpers and door handles to showroom style.
5. Protect the clean finish on the wheel hubs or rims with a high performance finish. Just wipe on and wipe off. Not only will it stand up to months of car washes, it also will endure sleet, snow and sludge on winter streets.
6. Remove surface scratches with by applying a one-step cleaner wax which eliminates surface scratches and restores the shine to the paint finish in one easy step.
7. Give the car a good protective coat of performance finish. 3M’s innovative finish chemically bonds with clear coat finishes to keep the car’s finish looking good through up to 50 washes. And it is simple to apply with no hazing – just wipe on and wipe off in minutes without any worries about residue left in cracks and crevices.
8. Get the glass clean inside and out with a high quality glass cleaner. 3M’s has a unique vertical cling to prevent drips and is safe to use on glass, plastic, chrome, metal and painted surfaces.
9. Protect the upholstery with leather and vinyl restorer to revive the natural sheen and soft feel of the factory finish.
10. Clean the car’s carpet and protect it from winter salt and dirt with 3M Scotchgard Fabric and Upholstery Protector spray.

“Once you’ve cleaned and protected your car, all you need to do is wash it at least once a month to remove damaging salt and sand,” added Blanchard. “When spring comes, you’ll be ready to ride with a great-looking car.

The 3M Car Care product line is a comprehensive line of 3M products for automotive maintenance. The innovative product line includes performance cleaning products, waxes, compounds, adhesives, abrasives and specialty products, previously available exclusively to the professional market. 3M's Automotive Aftermarket Division serves the automobile owner and hobbyist as well as professional body shop, recreational vehicle and mechanical service markets.

The 3M Car Care product line can be found at leading automotive aftermarket retailers and online through select distributors. For more information on 3M Car Care products, visit www.3Mcarcare.com.

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For more information:

Jacqui Newell
Public Relations Coordinator
3M Canada
519-451-2500 ext. 2564
jnewell@mmm.com