I did a search and picked up some good ideas, but I thought maybe we could revisit the topic.

My SD is the first vehicle I've ever owned where I actually like the exterior appearance of it. Everything else has been strictly practical(E350 Van) or a junker(Escort, Accord, Jeep, Suburban). Also my SD is the first NEW vehicle I've ever owned.

So, I'm very concerned about maintaining the overall newness as much as possible. I've got rubber floor liners, neoprene seat covers, slash guards, etc. But the question is, how do I go about keeping the paint nice? I plow snow, and live in an area that is HEAVILY salted. I washed my Suburban in the do-it-yourself power washer car wash after every storm, and whenever else I saw a lot of salt on it. With the new truck I was talking to a friend who is very into car detailing, and he said not to use a presure washer on the paint(I kinda knew that, but I gotta get the salt off right?). It's also very cold here, with no days above freezing in a week or so. So I can not use my garden hose.

Should I go to the car wash and just hold the hose farther away? Is there an advantage to spraying the salt with soapy water vs. just water? If I do power wash it all winter, can I do something to the paint in the summer to restore any damage? I've never waxed a vehicle in my life, so I don't know exactly what it does for ya.

Thanks!
-Jay