Washing your car during the winter helps remove road salt and ice-melting chemicals that can cause rust and corrosion, especially on fuel lines and brakes. Cold weather can be challenging, but the answers to the questions below explain how washes can protect your car safely throughout the winter months.
Should you wash your car in the winter?
Yes. Road salt and other de-icing chemicals used to keep roads safe can build up on your vehicle and contribute to rust and corrosion. Regular winter car washes help protect your car’s exterior and critical components, even if keeping it spotless feels impossible this time of year.
How cold is too cold for a car wash?
Skip washing your car if the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Water can freeze on contact, leading to frozen door handles, locks, and seals. If you do wash your car in cold weather, make sure it dries completely. Using a car wash with a built-in dryer or wiping the vehicle down with a microfiber cloth at home can help prevent freezing.
Even when temperatures are above freezing, driving before your car dries can cause road salt to stick to wet surfaces, reducing the benefits of the wash.
What should I do if my car freezes after a wash?
If your doors or locks freeze, avoid pulling on them forcefully. If possible, use a remote start to warm the vehicle and loosen the ice. De-icing sprays designed for locks and door seams can also help melt ice and reduce future freezing.
If freezing rain or sleet is expected, applying a small amount of cooking oil to rubber door seals ahead of time may help prevent doors from freezing shut.
How can I wash my car in the winter without a car wash?
If a touchless car wash isn’t an option, you can clean your car at home using a sponge bath. In a garage, use sponges or microfiber towels to remove grime. Waterless car wash products can also help clean and polish your car’s exterior without using large amounts of water.
How often should I wash my car in the winter?
The answer really depends on your local climate and how often you drive. If you’re driving your car every day, a weekly car wash might be best to keep the salt away and your windshield clean. However, if you aren’t driving as frequently, you might be able to stick to a monthly car wash.
Can I wax my car in the winter?
Applying wax before winter begins can help protect your car from road salt. However, once temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, wax may not cure properly. If winter is already underway, waxing can still be done indoors or on a warmer day.
We’ve Got You Covered
Winter weather can be hard on your car, but the right care helps protect your vehicle and your investment. Even on the coldest days, you can count on ERIE auto insurance. Our local agents understand the conditions your car faces and can help you find coverage options that fit your needs.
