Winter Towing in Alaska: Essential Protection for Your Vehicle’s Electronics and Paint
Winter towing operations in Alaska present unique challenges that can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s delicate electronics and pristine paint finish. From sub-zero temperatures that can damage sensitive electronic components to road salt and debris that can chip paint and corrode metal surfaces, protecting your vehicle during winter towing requires careful planning and the right protective measures.
Understanding Winter Towing Risks
Electronic devices are extremely vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and moisture. Electronics like smartphones and laptops have optimal temperature ranges. Exposure to extreme cold can cause components to become brittle, leading to malfunctions or delayed responses. Moving from a cold environment into a warm one can cause condensation on internal components, potentially leading to corrosion, rust and short circuits. Batteries in devices like laptops and smartphones are particularly susceptible to cold, draining faster and potentially sustaining long-term damage.
One of the biggest threats to your car’s paint in winter is road salt. While it’s necessary for melting ice and preventing slippery roads, salt can be corrosive to your vehicle’s paint and metal parts. Paint Protection Film acts as a barrier, shielding your car from the damaging effects of salt and other chemicals used on roads during the winter.
Electronic System Protection During Winter Towing
Modern vehicles contain sophisticated electronic systems that require special attention during winter towing operations. Electronics on many newer vehicles are not equipped to handle the extra amp load that trailer lights require. A power converter provides power directly from the battery bypassing the electronics. This guarantees protection for sensitive electronics found on these vehicles.
To protect your vehicle’s electronics during winter towing:
- For valuable or sensitive electronics, consider transporting them in your personal heated vehicle, using insulated bags to provide additional protection.
- Allow electronics to gradually acclimate to room temperature for about 24 hours before plugging them in or turning them on.
- Occasionally apply dielectric grease to all electrical terminals to prevent corrosion and ensure good continuity.
Paint Protection Strategies for Winter Towing
All the rocks and dust you throw at your towed vehicle can cause not only cosmetic damage but mechanical too. Since the towed vehicle is attached so close to the camper the paint, grill, radiator, and windshield can easily be damaged. Several protection methods can safeguard your vehicle’s paint during winter towing operations.
Rock Guards and Mudflaps
Adding a full-width mudflap (sometimes referred to as a rock guard) to the back of your motorhome can help prevent rocks and other road debris from being kicked up onto your towed car. This option is best for RV owners who travel in colder climates with snow more often. Snow and ice have a hard time forming on this kind of flap.
Vehicle Covers and Shields
These are mesh/fabric devices that extend between the RV and the towed vehicle, creating a barrier to anything that’s thrown up by the RV. This piece of gear keeps road debris from being able to reach the hood or windshield of your towed car. The debris simply continues underneath the car and out the back.
However, it’s important to note that you should not put a car cover on while you are towing. It will beat the paint right off your car in places.
Paint Protection Film
Paint Protection Film (PPF) comes in. This clear, thermoplastic urethane film can be applied to your car’s paintwork to protect it from the elements. Paint Protection Film is a clear, durable film that is applied directly to the surface of your vehicle. PPF is designed to protect your car’s paint from scratches, chips, and other minor damages caused by road debris and environmental elements.
Professional Winter Towing Services
When facing winter towing challenges in Alaska, partnering with experienced professionals is crucial. Towing Company Chugiak, AK services like Tonka Towz understand the unique demands of Alaska’s harsh winter conditions. After more than 20 years in the United States Military my family and I decided to branch out and make our mark in the towing industry. With the love and support of our community, friends, and family we believe that Tonk-A Towz will be able to help so many families that may run into a sticky stiuation and need a helping hand getting back on the road. We are a Veteran owned, family operated company that is here for all your uh-oh moments on and off the road.
At Tonk-A-Towz, we prioritize prompt response times, ensuring that help is always just a phone call away. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 to assist you in any towing or roadside emergency. Trust in the expertise of our licensed and insured operators trained to handle towing situations with precision and care. With Tonk-A-Towz, you can rely on a team committed to providing safe and efficient towing services.
Pre-Towing Preparation
Proper preparation before winter towing operations can prevent costly damage. Regularly cleaning your car removes mud, sand, and road salt, corrosive substances that chip away at the paint. Protecting your car with wax coating is another way to keep your paint from chipping. Wax acts as a barrier between your car and the outside elements. It also keeps ice and salt from touching the car’s exterior.
This film should always be applied to a clean surface to ensure proper adhesion. We generally recommend applying the wrap starting in the rear of the vehicle and moving towards the front, which prevents the edges of the wrap from coming loose during the transportation process as the vehicle is exposed to high wind resistance.
Post-Towing Care
After winter towing operations, immediate attention to your vehicle is essential. Washing your car frequently is the best way to protect it from the corrosive effects of salt and water. Use a Ph neutral car shampoo that won’t harm the pre-existing layers of wax and ceramic coating that protect your car because it is chemically neutral and gentle. By washing off the salt regularly, you help prevent the development of rust.
Winter towing in Alaska doesn’t have to result in damaged electronics or compromised paint. With proper protection strategies, quality equipment, and professional towing services, you can ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination in excellent condition, ready to serve you through Alaska’s challenging winter months.