How Often to Wash a Car in the Winter

Salt, sand and chunks of ice. Keeping your car clean during the winter may seem like an impossible task. Once you wash it, it’s dirty again in no time. But that grime can cause havoc on your vehicle. Road salt is corrosive, and can cause oxidation that leads to rust damage on body panels and the undercarriage.

“Many car owners think skipping a car wash is the best option in winter because the car is just going to get dirty again, but that’s exactly when your car needs washing the most,” says Parham Koukia, lead detailer at Panda Hub. “I’ve seen how even a single winter of neglect can lead to bubbling paint, premature rust on brake lines, and deterioration of suspension components.”

But how often should you wash your car in the winter? Experts say it depends on a number of factors.

Where Do You Live?

If you live in an area the requires salt on the roads during the winter, you should wash your car regularly—about every week or two—according to Morrie’s, a car dealership in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. If you live in an area that doesn’t salt and has mild winters, you can go a bit longer.

“If the roads look white (because they’re covered with salt), every week would probably be a smart choice. It’s all dependent on conditions, but about every 10 to 14 days is a good rule of thumb,” the dealership notes on its website.

Remember that removing salt from under the body of the car is important when it comes to preventing rust on your car’s components.

“Salt gets most concentrated around your lower body panels, wheel arches, behind bumpers and especially on the undercarriage,” says Joey Sanchez of Chemical Guys. “These are the areas closest to the road and where grime accumulates most, so when washing, always give these areas extra attention.”

What Kind Of Car Wash Is Best?

You should be aware that it’s not just how often you wash your car that counts. The way you wash it helps, too. Using a handheld pressure wand, start at the top of the vehicle and work your way down. Pay special attention to the car’s wheel wells and underside, as salt and grime tend to collect in the corners of the undercarriage. Rinse and dry as thoroughly as possible.

If you opt for a drive-through car wash, be sure it includes an undercarriage wash (you may have to pay extra). Consider treating any potential problem areas with an inexpensive corrosion-inhibitor spray.

Where Do You Park?

You may think that parking your car in a garage helps when it comes to keeping your vehicle clean and protected from winter’s worst, but that’s not necessarily the case.

When the frozen slush melts, the moisture will react with the salt and thereby speed up corrosion, according to Angie’s List. “Vehicles that are parked outside do have the disadvantage of being exposed to the elements, but the ice, snow and salty slush are more likely to stay frozen, which slows down the corrosive nature of the salt.”

The Bottom Line

The bottom line in keeping your car clean throughout the winter: Be sure to wash it regularly, taking special care to get the area underneath the vehicle.

Angie’s List notes it’s best to wash your car when the temperature is 40 degrees F or higher, during daylight hours, so the vehicle has enough time to dry before the temperature drops below freezing (and potentially freezes your doors shut!).

In addition, to help keep the interior clean, use rubber floor mats to avoid getting all that salty slush on the carpet.

FAQ

Does wax protect your car in the winter?

Absolutely, because it forms a barrier between your paint and the harsh winter elements. “It doesn’t prevent all dirt or salt from sticking, but it makes it easier to wash off and reduces the chance of surface corrosion,” says Koukia. “For car owners in extremely cold temperatures, I recommend applying a fresh coat of wax before the first snowfall, then topping it off mid-season.”

Waxing your windshield is also a good idea, says Duane “Doc” Watson of Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. “It will make it hydrophobic, which will help repel water and improve visibility on the road,” he says.

Is it safe to wash my car when temperatures are below freezing?

It can be. Koukia recommends using a touchless or soft-touch automatic wash with heated bays and blow dryers. “The main risk is water freezing in door seals or locks, but that can be avoided by drying thoroughly and applying silicone-based sprays to rubber gaskets,” he says. “It’s also a good idea to wash the car during the warmest part of the day, and then drive it for 10 to 15 minutes to help evaporate any lingering moisture.”

When it’s below freezing, Sanchez recommends switching to a waterless wash method, such as the EcoSmart Waterless Wash & Wax product that his company offers. “It uses slick lubricants and emulsifiers to safely lift and trap dirt, allowing you to wipe it away with a microfiber towel, no hose or rinsing required,” he says.

About the Experts

• Parham Koukia is lead detailer and operations manager at Panda Hub in Toronto. He has spent more than a decade mastering the art of car detailing, after turning his passion for automobiles into his profession.
• Joey Sanchez is an associate manager at the Chemical Guys online auto detailing supply retailer, and gives expert advice and hands-on tutorials through the brand’s popular social media channels and viral videos.
• Duane “Doc” Watson is a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. He has more than 45 years of experience in automotive repair, has trained thousands of technicians and earned many industry awards, including Chevrolet Technician of the Year and Buick Service Master of the Year.