Ultimate Calgary
Winter Car Protection Guide
Protect your vehicle from road salt, gravel, extreme cold, and Calgary's brutal winter conditions. A complete protection plan from Calgary's automotive experts.
What Calgary Winters Do to Your Vehicle
Understanding the threats is the first step to protection
Road Salt & Pickle Mix
Accelerates rust, corrodes paint and metal
$2,000 - $5,000 in rust repairs
Gravel & Rock Chips
Chips paint exposing metal to salt
$500 - $2,000 per year in paint repairs
Extreme Cold (-30°C)
Cracks paint, dries out seals and trim
$800 - $1,500 in weather damage
Chinook Temperature Swings
Thermal expansion/contraction damages coatings
$400 - $1,000 in preventable damage
Total Annual Winter Damage Without Protection
$3,700 - $9,500/year
Over 5 Calgary winters: $18,500 - $47,500
The Complete Calgary Winter Protection Plan
Layer these protections for maximum defense
Layer 1: Paint Protection Film (PPF)
Protects Against:
- Rock chips
- Gravel damage
- Road debris
- Salt contact
Why It Matters:
PPF is a thick 8-mil urethane barrier that physically blocks road salt and gravel from touching your paint. It's the ONLY protection that stops rock chips.
Recommended Coverage:
Minimum: Full front (hood, bumper, fenders). Ideal: Add rocker panels and rear fenders.
ROI:
Pays for itself in 1.5-2 years by avoiding paint repairs
Layer 2: Ceramic Coating
Protects Against:
- Salt bonding
- Chemical etching
- UV damage
- Water spots
Why It Matters:
Ceramic coating creates a hydrophobic surface that prevents salt and grime from bonding to paint. Makes washing off winter chemicals effortless.
Recommended Coverage:
Full vehicle exterior. Can be applied OVER PPF for double protection.
ROI:
Saves $400-$800/year in detailing and paint maintenance
Layer 3: Undercoating & Rust Proofing
Protects Against:
- Underbody rust
- Frame corrosion
- Wheel well damage
- Exhaust rust
Why It Matters:
Calgary's pickle mix (magnesium chloride) is sprayed directly onto roads and gets into every crevice. Undercoating seals the underbody from salt penetration.
Recommended Coverage:
Full underbody, wheel wells, door jambs, frame rails.
ROI:
Prevents $2,000-$5,000 in rust repairs over vehicle lifetime
Layer 4: Window Tinting (Ceramic)
Protects Against:
- UV damage to interior
- Dashboard cracking
- Seat fading
- Heat loss
Why It Matters:
Calgary's high altitude means intense UV even in winter. Ceramic tint blocks 99% of UV rays that crack dashboards and fade leather.
Recommended Coverage:
All windows except windshield (legal restrictions).
ROI:
Prevents $500-$1,500 in interior damage over 5 years
Calgary Winter Protection Packages
Bundle and save on complete protection
Essential Winter
$2,099
Save $400
Best for: Budget-conscious, city drivers
Complete Winter Defense
$3,999
Save $900
Best for: Daily drivers, highway commuters
Ultimate Alberta Armor
$7,499
Save $1,500
Best for: Luxury vehicles, Tesla owners
Calgary Winter Maintenance Tips
Maximize your protection with proper care
Wash Every 2 Weeks During Salt Season
Why:
Salt accumulation accelerates exponentially. Washing every 2 weeks prevents deep bonding.
How:
Use touchless car wash or hand wash with pH-neutral soap. Focus on wheel wells and underbody.
Never Use Automatic Brush Washes
Why:
Brushes scratch PPF and ceramic coating, reducing their effectiveness and lifespan.
How:
Stick to touchless washes or hand washing with microfiber mitts.
Apply Spray Sealant Monthly
Why:
Boosts ceramic coating hydrophobicity and makes salt removal easier.
How:
Use spray-on ceramic booster after washing. Takes 5 minutes.
Inspect PPF Edges After Chinooks
Why:
Rapid temperature changes can cause edge lifting if not properly installed.
How:
Check edges monthly. If lifting occurs, bring in for re-sealing (usually free under warranty).
Park Indoors When Possible
Why:
Reduces thermal cycling stress on all protective coatings.
How:
Even an unheated garage is better than outdoor parking in -30°C.
Annual Undercoating Inspection
Why:
Undercoating can wear in high-friction areas (wheel wells, exhaust).
How:
Free inspection at most shops. Touch-ups cost $100-$200 vs $2,000+ rust repairs.
When to Apply Winter Protection
Timing matters in Calgary's climate
September - October
IDEAL TIMEApply PPF & Ceramic Coating
Warm enough for proper curing, before first snowfall. Shop availability is good.
November - February
STILL POSSIBLEPPF & Ceramic (Indoor Only)
Can be done but requires heated shop and longer curing time. Book ahead.
March - April
SPRING RUSHAll Protection Services
Busiest time. Book 2-3 weeks ahead. Good for post-winter damage assessment.
May - August
BEST CONDITIONSAll Services Available
Optimal temperature and humidity for curing. Longest lasting results.
Protect Your Vehicle Before Winter Hits
Don't wait until the first snowfall. Book your winter protection package today and save thousands in future repairs.
Free consultation • Custom package recommendations • Same-day quotes
Explore More
Discover specialized protection for your specific vehicle and needs.
Our Services
PPF, Ceramic Coating, and Tinting.
