I live in Illinois and it has been snowing here pretty badly for the last couple of days. The salt is everywhere now, and is very loose, since it is completely dry and the snow has melted. Today on my way to school though, I had an encounter with a fleet of semi trucks, whose wheels were throwing the stuff like crazy. There were about 15 of them in a group, and I was literally in a salt grain storm. The stuff hitting the car from all sides was so deafening, that even I couldn't hear the radio. I passed the first, second, and third one, and was going about 80 MPH. I slowed down, but the car was still being hit, and it all lasted about a minute and I couldn't do anything. I also don't have a front-end bra.
I really felt so sorry for the Max, and right when I got off the highway, I checked for chips and damage. To my surprise, there were only white salt marks, which when I wiped with my hand, there were no chips under them. I haven't removed the entire residue, and don't want to now, because I am not sure what I will find. Do you think there could be serious paint damage?

Another question I want to ask, is do you guys think that the Max has a rather weak factory paint job? That is because after the winter I do get some chip marks on the hood, doors, fenders, and mirrors. I use the touch up paint to cover this up though. I just don't know what to do.

I am not sure if this is true, but I heard somewhere that just recently there was an automotive paint protection breakthrough. A product was invented which is in a clear coat form that when sprayed on any kind of paint, will prevent it from chipping and scratching. I also heard that it is not something that you can just buy, but rather is available through a paint shop as a service. Do any of you guys have this service done?