During the snowy winter months, it’s not uncommon to see deicing trucks spreading salt along highways, streets, and sidewalks to melt away treacherous snow and ice. But while it helps to make the roads less slippery and safer to drive on, its presence often raises the question: How bad is salt for your car?

Prolonged exposure to road salt can damage your car, particularly its paint job. Let’s take a closer look.

How much does it cost to paint a car? That depends on several factors, including the vehicle's size, the paint's quality, and the color used. Whatever the cost, a fresh coat of paint can help restore your vehicle’s exterior to pristine condition.

Whether you’re cruising in a midnight black SUV, a sleek silver coupe, or a cherry-red convertible, you likely gave a lot of thought to your ride’s paint job even before you made the purchase. Your car’s make, model, and color are part of your profile—and that matters. But your paint job isn’t just for looks—it’s also armor that protects your car against rust and corrosion.

In short, yes, car washes can damage paint. If you go to a car wash too soon after a paint job, you’ll find your paint especially damaged. Any non-touchless car wash with brushes will be rough on your vehicle’s paint. Even a touchless wash and cleaning your vehicle yourself can damage the paint job on your car.

Refreshing your ride with a fresh coat of paint is one of these scenarios. We put our cars through many different environments and situations where they may collect dents, dings, and scratches. It’s nice to clean up your car every now and again to give it that new car feel and make you feel good while driving it. However, unless you were a body shop technician in a past life, you should take your ride to Maaco's local pros for a professional paint job instead of trying a DIY paint job on your own (regardless of that price tag difference)! Here are three reasons why you should take your car to Maaco instead of taking matters into your own hands.