The snow, sleet, and rain of the winter months can wreak havoc on a car’s finish. There are, however, some simple steps you can take to maintain your car’s appearance this winter.

The most important step to help your car’s finish is to get your car washed. (The International Carwash Association recommends you do it every 10 days for optimal results.) When you get your car washed, have it done professionally.

Not only are professional car washes gentler on your finish, they use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and tend to waste less water than at-home car scrubbers, according to the ICA. Professional car washes are designed specifically to protect a car’s paint job and keep it looking new. Not only that, but they can take care of mud on the undercarriage and combat the effects of the salt on the roads, which can damage your car’s finish.

It’s okay – recommended, actually – to continue washing your car in the winter; just be mindful of the outside temperature and avoid the super-cold days. If you have the time and money for a car wax, that will also go a long way toward saving your car from weather damage. For more tips on protecting your car’s finish, head to the ICA’s website at carwash.org.

Washing may be the best and easiest way to keep your car crud-free, but there are some other simple steps you can take to protect the finish as well. First, park in the shade whenever you get a chance to avoid sun damage. If you’ve got access to a garage, even better! If not, using a cloth car cover takes a little extra time and money but is worth it in the long run if you really want to protect your car’s appearance. You can find a standard car cover fairly easily, or spend the extra few bucks to order a custom cover.

The winter weather is harsh, but everyday things like tree sap and bird droppings – and even the occasional hail storm – can do a number on a car’s finish as well. Start your car care before winter even hits to best maintain your vehicle’s appearance.