Do You Need To Wash Your Car in the Winter?

red car in the snowPhoto by Skitterphoto on Pexels

Back in the day, I was told not to worry about washing my truck in the winter because it was too cold to rust. I'm not sure that was good advice, so I did some research, and here's what the experts have to say about washing your vehicle in the winter.

According to the experts, it's important to keep your vehicle clean even when it's cold out.

If you live somewhere where it's cold, snowy, and icy in the winter, washing your vehicle isn't a very pleasant experience, especially if you're the one outside in the cold doing the washing. You'll probably end up looking like a human popsicle.

But some people say that winter is the most important time to keep the exterior of your vehicle clean because the salt and grit on the road can build up and harm the paint and bodywork.

Although cars are pretty well protected from rust, Your vehicle's paint job is the real concern.

The roads are covered with snow, salt, slush, and mud in the winter. This grime gets on your vehicle, and when the temperature drops, the filth freezes on your car's paintwork.

Then, when the dirty ice or snow on your vehicle melts, it slides around all over the exterior of your car and can scratch it. Your paint takes a beating.

Your best bet is to wash your car regularly to keep the exterior clean in the winter. This benefits not only the paint, but it also helps keep your windows clean so that you can see where you're going. And, of course, your vehicle will look better.

If you have to wash your car yourself, dress in layers so that you can remove each layer of clothing as it becomes wet.

And watch for ice forming around where your car is parked so that you don't slip and fall.

Then, be sure to dry your car thoroughly to avoid any ice or freezing.

Finally, avoid washing your car, whether you do it yourself or go to a carwash when it is below freezing out. No one likes frozen doors, locks, or windows.

So, don't ignore your car's exterior in the winter. Instead, give it a wash when the weather permits, and you'll be helping to protect the paint.

Drive carefully and stay safe out there.