Proper post-storm vehicle care protects your investment and ensures long-term reliability after exposure to harsh winter conditions. This section covers essential maintenance including thorough salt rinse procedures, comprehensive underbody washing, proper drying to prevent freeze damage, garage ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, rust prevention strategies, spring transition maintenance, summer tire changeover timing, and proper winter equipment storage to maintain your vehicle's condition through and beyond winter.
Rinse undercarriage thoroughly after every storm or exposure to road salt which causes extensive corrosion damage. Use touchless or wand wash to reach wheel wells, suspension components, and frame members where salt accumulates, pay special attention to seams and crevices where salt and moisture hide, rinse more frequently during periods of heavy salt use or freeze-thaw cycles, and consider this maintenance as essential not optional for vehicle longevity.
Schedule professional underbody wash services monthly during winter for thorough cleaning beyond basic rinses. Ensure wash includes wheel wells, suspension components, brake calipers, and exhaust system where salt and corrosion accumulate most, consider underbody coating or rust protection spray application after washing, inspect for damage or excessive rust during washing, and maintain underbody cleaning schedule consistently throughout winter and into early spring for maximum protection.
Dry door jambs, locks, trunk and hood seals thoroughly after washing to prevent freezing shut overnight. Use compressed air or clean towels to remove water from crevices and drainage areas, leave doors open briefly in heated garage if available to allow interior moisture to evaporate, treat seals with silicone spray after drying for freeze protection, and avoid washing right before temperatures drop below freezing when possible to minimize freeze risk.
Ensure adequate garage ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and carbon monoxide accumulation when running vehicles indoors. Open garage doors or windows periodically to allow air circulation and moisture escape, avoid storing wet vehicles in unventilated garages where trapped moisture accelerates rust formation, use dehumidifiers in garages if moisture problems persist, and never run vehicle in enclosed space without adequate ventilation for safety and health reasons.
Apply professional rust-proofing treatment before winter or after thorough cleaning to protect vulnerable areas from salt corrosion. Inspect body panels, wheel wells, and undercarriage regularly for rust development and address immediately before spreading, touch up paint chips and scratches promptly as exposed metal rusts quickly with salt exposure, consider annual rust prevention treatments as maintenance investment, and understand that rust prevention is far more effective and affordable than rust repair later.
Perform comprehensive spring maintenance including thorough washing and detailing to remove all winter salt and grime. Check tire condition and tread depth after winter wear, test battery which may be weakened from cold weather use, inspect suspension and undercarriage components for damage from potholes and road hazards, replace wiper blades if damaged by winter conditions, and address any deferred maintenance items before summer driving season begins for reliable operation.
Switch to summer or all-season tires when temperatures consistently stay above 7°C as winter tire rubber compounds wear quickly in warm weather. Avoid changing too early as surprise late spring snowstorms can occur across Canada, inspect summer tires for damage or excessive wear before mounting, have tires professionally balanced during changeover for smooth operation, mark tire positions for proper rotation next season, and store winter tires properly for maximum longevity.
Clean and dry all winter equipment before storage including shovels, scrapers, and emergency kit items to prevent rust and deterioration. Store winter tires in cool dry dark location away from ozone sources using tire bags or covers for protection, refresh emergency kit supplies that may have expired or been used during winter, organize winter equipment together for easy access next season, and review what worked well and what additions might improve next winter's preparation and readiness.