It might be Springtime already, but some parts of the U.S. are still getting hit with snow. Unfortunately, snow tends to do a lot of damage to your car’s paint and other parts. And while most people in snow states know how to deal with it, we thought it would still be a good time to list some tips on how to protect your car from snow damage.

Wash your car regularly

Road salt and snow can do a number on your car’s paint, so make sure to wash your car regularly to prevent corrosion. Just stop by your favorite car wash and make sure that they clean the undercarriage as well. By washing off the salt, you can prevent future damage from the development of rust.

Wax your car

After you have washed your car, it’s a good idea to put a layer of wax on it as another layer of protection. The wax can create a barrier between your car’s paint and the snow, ice, and salt. Just note that some car wax products last longer than others, so it’s up to you on how often you want to wax your car.

A popular car wax is carnauba, which is an organic compound that will typically last about 6 weeks. If you want something that lasts longer, then you can use a paint sealant, which is a synthetic compound that will stay on your car for 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer.

Avoid street parking

If you’re able to avoid parking on the street, then it’s highly recommended to do so. Snowplow trucks that plow the streets could end up pushing snow and salt into your car. Also, you run the risk of another car losing control due to the icy roads and crashing into your car. So, if you can park in a garage or at least a driveway, that could prevent a lot of damage to your car’s paint, or possibly the entire car.

Cover your car

A simple car cover can do wonders when it comes to protecting it against the snow. Car covers are made typically made to let moisture out, like when it rains, which will, in turn, keep it off your car’s paint. And if that weren’t enough, a car cover can decrease the time it takes you to brush the snow off your car in addition to adding protection. That’s pretty efficient!

Use a proper snow brush

When it comes to brushing the snow off your car, remember not to use a shovel or anything hard. Use a snow brush instead, but be careful, some snow brushes have hard bristles, so find one with softer ones if possible. Ideally, you should use a snow broom that’s made of foam. Like one shown here:

Wash it when the weather gets warm

After the snow season is over, remember to wash your car thoroughly inside and out to get all the salt and dirt off once and for all, until the next season. We recommend putting on a good coat of wax or sealant as well so that it’s ready for summertime and won’t sustain damage from the sun, either.

Protect your car

These steps will help protect your car from Mother Nature’s harmful elements no matter the season. However, if you’re still getting covered in snow, we recommend taking advantage of these tips as soon as possible.