As gas prices and inflation continue to surge, Ziebart is urging drivers to invest in their automobiles, leaning into a “protect, don’t replace” mindset.
This article was originally published on Franchising.com on June 3, 2026. TROY, Mich.– As gas prices and inflation continue to surge, Ziebart is urging drivers to invest in their automobiles, leaning into a “protect, don’t replace” mindset.
Small Preventative Investments Can Deliver Long-Term Savings
According to AAA, the national average for gas is hovering around $4.25 per gallon. These higher costs are shifting consumers away from trading in their vehicles and toward maximizing the value and lifespan of existing automobiles. Investing in services that help extend the life, performance, and value of vehicles that drivers already own, rather than replacing them, can save Americans thousands of dollars in new car payments, rising insurance premiums, and long-term ownership costs.
“As consumer spending has tightened, we’ve seen a shift in how Americans think about vehicle ownership,” said Thomas A. Wolfe, President & Chief Executive Officer of Ziebart. “When people are spending more money each week to fill up their tank, they are forced to think more intentionally about spending. Instead of asking ‘When should I get a new car?‘ they’re asking, ‘How can I protect this one?”
With many consumers reevaluating where they spend their money, preventative investments can ultimately reduce friction in the future, helping drivers:
- - Extend vehicle lifespan
- - Maintain stronger resale value
- - Reduce long-term repair costs
- - Drive safer vehicles and protect against premature vehicle replacement
“Many drivers are unaware of how quickly environmental exposure can impact a vehicle,” adds Wolfe. “This isn’t just about gas prices; it’s about becoming more strategic in protecting one of the biggest investments that consumers make. Taking the time to routinely maintenance your vehicle and investing in preventative care today can help avoid much larger investments down the road in repairs and replacements.”
Wash Away Hidden Damage Before It Starts
One of the biggest threats to vehicle longevity is the daily dirt, road salt, and rainwater that collects on an automobile’s exterior, accelerating corrosion and rust, scratching paint, and potentially leading to mechanical issues. Dirt and road salt pose a particular threat by clinging to a vehicle’s undercarriage, where corrosion can go unnoticed.
The easiest solution to these threats is regular vehicle washes and automotive detailing. In addition to regular, bi-weekly washes, thorough car detailing twice a year, especially between seasons of heavy rain or snow, can help remove buildup that can lead to costly repairs down the road. Spray wax and sealant can be applied every few months to create a barrier making it more difficult for dirt to stick to the surface.
The Importance of Rust Protection
Rust is a natural chemical process that occurs when iron or steel reacts with oxygen and moisture. As drivers hold onto their vehicles for longer periods of time, exposure to elements increases, making protection against rust and corrosion increasingly important. Rust often begins in areas that aren’t easily seen, and once it spreads, it can quickly destroy the structural integrity of a vehicle, reduce resale value, and ultimately lead to irreversible damage.
Preventative rust protection can be provided through specialized coatings and undercoatings to seal metal surfaces from elements like moisture, salt, and oxygen.