Washing your car in the winter can be a bit of a hassle. Whether you brave the cold to do it yourself or opt for a car wash, it feels like your efforts are immediately undone as your car gets dirty again. However, regular washing is a crucial aspect of car care, contributing to the vehicle's longevity and potentially saving you from expensive repairs down the road.
Skyler McKinley, the local regional director for AAA, explained to FOX31 why giving your car a good wash during winter is especially important and the risks associated with neglecting it.
Why Bother Washing if It Gets Dirty Again? Sure, the cosmetic appeal of a clean car is undeniable, but McKinley's recommendation for regular washes has nothing to do with aesthetics. It's all about removing the salt and deicing chemical buildup from your vehicle. Liquid deicers, increasingly popular for their effectiveness in melting snow and pre-treating roads, contain corrosive chemicals that, while useful, can damage your vehicle.
The Damage Caused by Salt and Deicers The corrosive nature of these chemicals, both in liquid and solid forms, poses a threat to your vehicle's body, brake lines, exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and electrical connections. McKinley emphasized that rust-related damage, whether cosmetic or functional, is a real concern. According to a 2017 AAA study, 15% of U.S. drivers in winter climate regions experienced vehicle repairs over five years due to rust damage, with each repair costing an average of $490.
Tips for Protecting Your Car from Deicers McKinley recommends washing your car at least once a month throughout the year, with increased frequency during winter, ideally after each major snowstorm. In winter, a wash every two weeks to a month is advisable, depending on the weather conditions. McKinley suggests looking for a car wash with an undercarriage washing option since the undercarriage and lower parts, such as brakes, are most susceptible to rust damage.
While stressing the importance of regular washing, McKinley cautions against doing it when the temperature is around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. He recommends choosing a warm, dry day for an effective and beneficial car wash.
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