Underbody Kits in Harsh Conditions
Snow, salt, and below freezing temperatures take a toll on millions of cars every winter. Certainly your underbody kit will be affected too.
If you install it properly and give it a little extra care, it will give you many years of trouble-free operation.
Use strong and durable mounting hardware
Most manufactuers cut corners on mounting hardware. They give you flimsy plastic cable ties and small screws.
Take a trip to your local hardware store and pick up some monster sized cable ties. Get some cable tie mounts, and big screws. If you can find UV resistant plastic ties and mounts, buy those!
For each foot of underbody tube, you should use one set of tie downs. That is generally 14: 4 for each side and 3 for the front/back.
Protect against snow banks
Use a long aluminum or steel "L" bracket to protect the underbody tube. This probably only an issue on the front tube if it is exposed. Aluminum is much lighter but does not protect as well as steel does. You can use this "L" bracket technique on the sides and back of the car to hide "toobage". You don't want the light directly visible. You just want the pretty glow!
Prevent rust
Use silicone to cover up any holes you drill in the metal of your car. Put some silicone on the heads of the screws too.
Wireloom is great stuff
Again, UV resistant is best and will shrug off weathering. Stick your wires in wire loom to give them an added level of protection.
Routine cleaning
Wipe the tubes down with soapy water. Get rid of all the mud, dirt, and salt collecting on the tubes.