Should You Wash Your Car During the Winter?
When winter has your car looking like it came through an obstacle course filled with grime, salt, slush, and mud, it's time for a complete car wash. “Will it be safe to wash a car in cold weather?” you may wonder. This post addresses how and why you should protect your car’s paint and undercarriage by washing it in winter – without causing damage.
This blog answers the following questions:
Winter Car Washes Are Crucial to Protect Your Vehicle
Despite cold temperatures and icy streets, washing your car even in cold weather, protects it. With the correct process (think touchless or soft-touch methods at a reputable automatic car wash), winter washing preserves your vehicle’s paint, undercarriage, and overall condition. The real threat is the buildup of road salt, sand, and slushy grime that clings to your car, accelerating rust and corrosion.
In regions with heavy snow and salted roads, wash your car every 10 to 14 days and after snowstorms or freeze-thaw cycles. Take advantage of the milder days and use heated wash bays to ensure that doors and locks do not freeze shut.
What Temperature Is Too Cold for a Car Wash?
When temperatures dip below 32°F (0°C), water can freeze quickly, leading to frozen doors and locks. It is better to wait for a warm-up to wash a car in winter and ensure your doors and seals are dry afterward. Consider using a silicone spray on door gaskets to prevent freezing. Temperatures below 20°F (-6°C) should be avoided.
When it’s freezing, washing a car at home is not recommended—it’s uncomfortable and can lead to ice forming mid-wash.
The best method is to use an automatic car wash with undercarriage cleaning and warm air dryers.
Benefits of Washing Your Car in Cold Weather
The hesitation of washing a car in cold weather is understandable, but neglecting to do so will damage your ride. Road salt, brine, and sand are applied to the roads to prevent accidents, but they are brutal on your car’s undercarriage, paint, and wheel wells. These corrosive elements cause rust to accelerate. The sooner they are washed away, the better!
The Automotive Protection Association reports that corrosion damage caused by winter salt exposure can result in long-term vehicle degradation within 10 days without proper washing. Washing a car in cold weather removes these harmful elements and keeps your paint sealed, protected, and shiny.
Lesson learned:
Reap the benefits of a complete car wash - including an underbody rinse and wax application – every 10 – 14 days to prevent expensive repair costs down the road.
Maximize Winter Car Washes with Extra Maintenance Tasks
Conscientious drivers will up their winter car washing game with extra maintenance tasks to prevent wear and tear:
- Follow a washing schedule– Be consistent, washing salt, grime, and slush away every 10 - 14 days.
- Lubricate door locks and seals – Use a silicone-based lubricant to keep locks from freezing and door gaskets from cracking during freezing temperatures.
- Keep washer fluid full - Use cold-weather windshield washer fluid and refill the tank before storms hit.
- Inspect wiper blades - Wiper blades can wear out quickly by scraping ice and snow away; check them monthly and replace them when needed.
- Clean battery terminals - Winter is hard on batteries. Clean terminals and ensure your battery will hold an optimal charge.
A winter car wash followed by the above tips will ensure safe driving and long-term protection for your vehicle.
Addressing Common Myths About Washing Your Car in the Cold
Is it bad to wash your car in the cold? Not if you’re using an automatic car wash that offers a soft-touch or touchless option and follow some additional steps after your wash! Most automatic car washes are equipped for winter use with warm water, quick-dry systems, and undercarriage protection.
Avoid running your car through the car wash when temperatures are below 20°F, treat rubber seals with silicone spray and ensure the doors and locks are dry before parking for extra assurance.
Keep Your Car Looking Sharp All Winter Long
Washing your car in cold weather protects your investment by preventing rust and keeping your windshield clear. Keeping your car clean in winter will make all the difference.
Shine & Roll Car Wash in Memphis, TN offers fast, professional, complete car wash services for winter weather. Equipped with heated bays, undercarriage rinses, and dryers, your vehicles will be protected and looking great.
Don’t wait for spring to clean and protect your car! Book your next winter wash today, and check out our seasonal specials online at Shine & Roll!
