It's a well-known fact that the harsh cold of winter can wreak havoc on the mechanical components of a vehicle. However, it can also be taxing on the exterior parts of a vehicle, including the paint, glass and tires.  If you want to ensure your car remains protected during the winter months, make sure you know what to do.

Paint

Some municipalities use road salt to rid the local roads of snow and ice. While it's great at keeping motorists safe on the road, it can cause a number of issues for your paint. The harsh chemicals used in the road salt eat away at the paint and cause discoloration.

Since you can't exactly stop driving, it's important to learn how to protect your vehicle. One of the best things you can do is apply a paint sealant, which creates a barrier that prevents the salt from interacting with the paint and causing damage. Paint sealant is applied similar to wax and usually only needs to be applied once a season, so do it in the fall before the snow starts.

Glass

Another area of concern during the winter months are your windows. More specifically, the windshield. If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall, you know just how hard it can be to keep your windows clean. When cleaning your windshield, make sure you're using an actual ice scraper designed for auto use.

These types of devices have a special blade configuration that prevents them from scratching the glass. Household items, like brooms, don't. You should also avoid pouring hot water on the glass as the instant temperature change can shock the glass and cause it to crack.

Wheels

Road salt can be detrimental to your wheels. The chemicals used in the salt are also strong enough to eat away the finish applied over your wheels. As the finish starts to deteriorate, your wheels will begin to look scratched and worn. A simple way to protect your wheels is to have a professional wheel wax applied by a car care professional.

Wheel wax offers a protective coating that prevents not only road salt, but tar, brake dust and oil from damaging your wheels. Due to the extreme cold, potholes are also more common during the winter months, so keep your eyes up to protect your tires and alignment.

Make sure you're protecting your car for winter weather. Not only will this keep your car looking better, but it can also help save on repair costs. For more tips or help getting your car ready, contact a shop like Dale-Way Auto Body Center Corp.