Don't Be Salty: How to Shield Your Vehicle from Maple Ridge Winters
Don't Be Salty: How to Shield Your Vehicle from Maple Ridge Winters
Posted on December 8, 2025
Living in the Lower Mainland, we don’t always get the deep freeze of the prairies, but we do get something just as tough on our vehicles: wet, heavy slush and aggressive road brine. Whether you are commuting down the Lougheed Highway or crossing the Golden Ears Bridge, the chemical mix used to keep our roads safe can wreak havoc on your Ford or Lincoln if left unchecked.
At West Coast Ford Lincoln, we want your vehicle to look as good in the spring as it did when you drove it off the lot.
Here is how to protect your investment from the grit of a West Coast winter.
The "Hidden" Danger: Undercarriage Corrosion
When you drive through puddles of salted slush, that mixture splashes up into your wheel wells and coats the underside of your truck or SUV. Over time, this accelerates rust on essential components like brake lines, exhaust systems, and suspension parts.
The Fix: Don’t wait for a sunny day to wash your car. Aim for a rinse every two weeks. If you are washing at home, spray underneath the vehicle thoroughly. Alternatively, book a service with us where we can ensure those hard-to-reach areas are flushed clean.
Seal Your Paint Before the Grit Hits
Road salt and sand act like sandpaper. If they sit on your paint for too long, they can cause micro-scratches that leave metal exposed to moisture.
The Fix: A proactive coat of wax or a paint protection film is your first line of defense. Think of it as a raincoat for your Lincoln; it seals the clear coat so that moisture and salt bead up and roll off rather than digging in.
Interior Defense: Boots, Brine, and Carpets
It’s inevitable, you track the winter in with you. Saltwater soaking into your carpets can cause stubborn white stains and even lead to unpleasant odours/mould due to our damp climate.
The Fix: Swap your fabric mats for Ford Custom Accessories All-Weather Floor Liners. These are laser-measured to fit your specific model (F-150, Explorer, or Corsair) and feature raised edges to trap the slush so you can simply hose them off later.
The Spring Reset
Once the rainy season finally breaks, your vehicle deserves a spa day. A full professional detail at West Coast Ford Lincoln will strip away any lingering contaminants, condition your leather against the dry summer heat, and ensure no salt is hiding in the crevices.
Ready to winter-proof your ride? Visit West Coast Ford Lincoln in Maple Ridge today to ask about our detailing packages and All-Weather floor liners.
Q1: How often should I wash my Ford during a Maple Ridge winter?
A1: We recommend washing your vehicle every two weeks during winter. The Lower Mainland uses brine and salt on roads like Lougheed Highway, which sticks to the undercarriage. A regular rinse, specifically with an undercarriage spray, prevents corrosion on brake lines and suspension.
Q2: Will road salt damage my Lincoln’s paint?
A2: Yes, if left too long. Salt acts as an abrasive that can scratch the clear coat and accelerate rust on exposed metal. Applying a high-quality wax or ceramic coating at West Coast Ford Lincoln before winter helps seal the paint against moisture and salt.
Q3: What is the best way to protect my car interior from winter slush?
A3: Switch to Ford or Lincoln All-Weather Floor Liners. unlike standard carpet mats, these have deep grooves to trap salt water and slush, preventing it from soaking into your vehicle's carpeting and causing mould or salt stains.
Q4: Does West Coast Ford Lincoln offer rust protection?
A4: Yes. We offer professional detailing and undercoating services designed to seal out moisture and road salt, which is essential for protecting the resale value of your vehicle in our wet BC climate.