Keeping The Shine

When the weatherman forecasts snow, then more snow, and more snow on top of that, keeping your vehicle in showroom condition can turn into an exercise in futility. But there's no reason to write off your car, truck, or SUV's appearance when the days grow short. A few tricks used with regularity will help reduce the harmful effects of ice, snow, and salt. Cars are expensive. Why let your money literally rust away?

The experts at Eagle One, makers of car-care products, gave us a few winter vehicle protection tips:* Coin-operated car-wash booths use heated water in winter, which may be preferable as opposed to turning your driveway into a skating rink.

* Alloy wheels should be cleaned weekly. Road salt plays havoc with the clear coat on most wheels. Two weeks is the longest you should go between cleaning your rolling stock.

* Start at the top of the vehicle and use car-wash-specific soap, not dishwashing lotion (which strips the paint of its protective layer of wax).

* Don't forget to spray the underside, the area that gets the heaviest buildup of road debris.

* After a thorough rinse, immediately wipe down the vehicle to prevent the doors from freezing shut.

* A light lubricant, such as WD-40, sprayed into door locks helps keep mechanisms from freezing solid.

* Wax your vehicle once a month, or no less often than once a quarter. Winter grunge is especially hard on protective finishes. Failing that, a good wax application in the fall and regular washings through the depths of winter will minimize the damage.

* When waxing, don't forget to put a coat on the wheels. It'll help resist slush, salt, and brake dust.

* Difficult water spots in paint or on glass often can be removed with a soft terry towel dampened with white vinegar.

Q&A
Car-Care Advice From The ExpertsQ I see more and more small vehicles driving around that appear lowered, with the body looking like it's touching the tires. Does this hurt the tires or car?-Leonard Cradit, Gowen, Mich.

A Lowering, or "slamming," a vehicle can affect more than just the tires. Stress is put on every suspension component, including springs, hubs, and wheel bearings. Wheel alignment is usually changed, with a corresponding (generally negative) effect on tire life and handling. A quality shop often can lower a vehicle safely, but it's not the kind of job most people can handle in their garages.

Q My driveshaft and rear axle/differential were unpainted from the factory. Should I paint them, and if I do, will it throw the driveshaft out of balance?-Robert T. Herb, Hillside, N.J.

A Those components come unfinished, yet they'll probably last longer than any other exposed part. They're built from durable materials, and their strength isn't affected by surface oxidation. Painting the driveshaft with a light coat from a spray can won't affect its dynamic balance.

Q I was removing the cylinder head from my engine for a valve job when one of the head bolts broke. What should I do?-Lorne Steinburg, via the Internet

A Depending on where the bolt snapped, you have a couple options. If part of the bolt is protruding above the block, a set of Vice-Grips might coax the bolt free. If the break was flush with the deck, drilling a small hole in the center of the bolt, then inserting an EasyOut may loosen the troublesome bolt. If that doesn't work, you may need to take the block to a machine shop for removal via drilling and tapping.