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As Midwest Braces for Winter, Consumers' Concerns Turn to Cars

22 November 2000

Ziebart International offers important reminders before winter's fury hits

    TROY, Mich. - Now that winter's upon us, it's time to start preparing your 
vehicle for the harsh elements and unforgiving winter weather.  Ziebart Int'l, 
the world leader in car-care solutions to enhance and maintain vehicles and 
their investment value, has recently co-branded with Speedy Auto Glass and 
Rhino Linings to create a complete vehicle winterizing store.

    Snow, salt, slush, mud and grime contribute to millions of dollars of
vehicle damage each year, according to Tom Walker, vice president of product
development at Ziebart International.  Walker says that there are a number of
preventive measures that vehicle owners can take to preserve the life of their
cars and trucks.

    *  Wash vehicles on a regular basis
    It is important that motorists wash their vehicles as much as possible to
remove corrosive elements, such as salt, from the paint and undercarriage.

    *  Wax vehicles before winter
    Though vehicles should be waxed throughout the year, waxing is especially
important before winter.  Waxing forms a protective layer that will help
shield the paint from the harsh winter elements.

    *  Install splash guards
    Splash guards will prevent mud, snow, ice and salt from building up on the
undercarriage and behind the tires.  This keeps the vehicle looking cleaner
and also protects lower body paint from stone chips.

    *  Purchase "sacrificial" floor mats
    Purchase inexpensive, "sacrificial" floor mats to absorb winter's muck.
This will save custom mats from incurring permanent damage and will also help
to preserve and protect the carpet beneath the mats.  Bathroom throw rugs are
ideal for this purpose because they can be thrown in the washer when they get
dirty.

    *  Repair all window chips and cracks
    In order to withstand drastic temperature changes, car windshields need to
be in perfect form.  The smallest of windshield cracks or chips can easily
spiderweb into a big problem if left unattended.  Many insurance companies
will pay for the entire cost of chip repair.

    *  Apply a water repellant to all glass surfaces
    Water repellant will help heavy rain, sleet, snow and ice to bead up and
roll off the windshield, which will increase visibility in poor driving
conditions.  This is extremely important in the winter when winter weather
conditions reduce the effectiveness of windshield wipers.

    *  Check the drain plugs in vehicle doors
    When moisture lingers in the interior of the doors and trunk, vehicle
owners may have trouble opening doors on cold days.  Owners should be sure to
clean the drain plugs, located on the bottom of the doors, and clear them of
any debris or dirt.  This will also help slow corrosion.  A squirt of
lubricant in each exterior lock will prevent winter freeze-up, too.

    *  Warm the vehicle before driving in cold weather
    In addition to making the drive more comfortable, warming the vehicle for
ten minutes will soften the interior materials and prevent cracking of
leather, vinyl and seats.  A remote car start system from Ziebart is a perfect
way to prevent this.  Always make sure the vehicle is outside while running to
avoid carbon monoxide build-up.

    *  Protect the interior with a fabric guard
    Months of snow and slush on the interior of any vehicle will increase the
deterioration rate and cause problems sooner than any owner would like.  Be
sure to protect all interior fabric with a water and stain repellant.

    *  Coat the inside windshield with an anti-fog coating
    Due to the extreme change of temperature outside the windshield and inside
the vehicle, the windshield tends to fog up more easily.  Minimize this effect
by coating the inside windshield with anti-fog applicant.

    Ziebart has more than 40 years experience enhancing and maintaining the
interior and exterior of cars and trucks.  Its services include professional
detailing; paint and fabric protection; rust protection; window tint;
electronic systems; and an array of other accessories, particularly for
trucks, such as spray-on bedliners and running boards.