Why Washing Your Car in Winter Is More Important Than You Think

When it’s frigid outside, the last thing you want to do–and that we’d recommend–is to handwash your vehicle, open to the elements. That said, regular car washing is still important year-round, even in winter. What to do? Come and visit Andy’s Auto Wash, your local center for car wash and auto detailing in North Olmsted, Ohio. We’ll handle everything. Here’s why it’s so important to keep up your car washing schedule in the depths of winter. 

Winter Risks

Even if you aren’t out and about as much in winter as you are in summer, it’s almost always true that your car gets dirtier this time of year. Why is that? Well, every weather event that brings snow and ice requires cleanup to make streets usable. Part of that process is a plethora of chemical de-icers and melting solutions, and substances. Rock salt, grit, sand, ash, or other options–whatever your town or city uses, they stay on the roads. They also get splashed up onto your car from the inevitable slush and salty brine that lines every road you travel. In this time of freeze and thaw cycles, much of the debris and deposits from all the vehicles out on the roads remain there. Any splash onto your car can contain multitudes of car fluids, abrasive, and corrosive materials.

As splashed road slush collects on your vehicle, it then freezes and is held close to your car’s top coat. Minor abrasions covered in frozen street slop draw in moisture, and before you know it, you’re dealing with rust spots. Even without a compromised top coat, you can see dulling, scratches, and paint damage. 

Not only do these substances cause rust and paint damage on your vehicle, but you can also expect to deal with structural corrosion on the undercarriage. And this is far more than a cosmetic concern–brake lines, fuel tanks, and exhaust systems often take the brunt of winter road impacts. Wheel wells, tailpipes, license plate areas, and hard-to-reach places around the vehicle’s seams can also trap and hold the salty road slush, leading to damage and a shortened lifespan for your car.

Remember too that mirrors can be compromised by winter grime, along with headlights, cameras, and sensors–that’s a safety issue and an accident just waiting to happen. These features that we choose when we buy a car can easily be corroded and rendered useless by winter’s worst. Regular car washing is a simple way to keep them operating for many years to come while avoiding costly repairs. It also keeps your windshield clean and clear of grit and grime that can prematurely wear out your car’s windshield wiper blades and scratch the glass, saving you money in the long run and keeping the road easily visible during bad weather.

Winter Car Washing and Maintenance 

A professional car wash in the winter is clearly a necessity if you want to keep your car in the best shape possible. And right after rain or snow is when the harmful residues are at their highest, so that’s when regular washing is most critical. Opt for a wash package that includes undercarriage cleaning and protective coatings so that you can easily prevent corrosive materials from damaging your vehicle’s paint and structure and make future washes even more effective.

We’ve talked before about the difference between car waxes and ceramic coatings, and while one is certainly more long-lasting than the other, any additional protective coating that you add post-wash will only enhance the longevity of your wash and your vehicle. Snow, slush, ice, and road grime are more easily rinsed away when they sit on top of a protective coating of wax or ceramic, and that layer prevents direct contact with your car’s body and frame.

Experts recommend washing your car at least once every two weeks in the winter, at the bare minimum. After heavy snow or icy conditions, more frequent washing is best. But to get the maximum benefits for your vehicle during winter, your friends at Andy’s Autowash and Detailing Center in North Olmsted, Ohio, would suggest a weekly wash, at least. If you’re out on salt-laden roads every day, then wash your car as often as you can. When you have an unlimited wash package with us, you can pop in any day of the week for fast and efficient service, so it’s really not hard to keep your car looking spotless and in excellent condition this winter. And if you plan to resell at any point in the future, a minor investment now will pay dividends later when it comes to your car’s resale value.

Interior Detailing In Winter

Everyone knows that, try as you might, you will inevitably bring in snow, salt, road slush, and more into your vehicle in winter. Depending on the kind of flooring and mats you have, and the volume of snow, that could pose real issues to the state of your car’s interior. Besides the very necessary exterior car washing, interior detailing is also a must this time of year. Choose from a wide range of service for interior detailing at our North Olmsted location and rest assured that your vehicle will always be in tip top shape and smelling clean and fresh, whatever the weather brings. If you use your car for business, then you know how important first impressions are. Seal the deal with regular car washing at Andy’s Autowash and Detailing Center.

Your Neighborhood Car Wash In North Olmsted, Ohio

At Andy’s Autowash, we use high-quality products and processes so that your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned, each and every time you visit. With just a few minutes of your time, you are preventing corrosion and maintaining your car’s structural integrity. Yes, regular car washing can do that. Protect your car’s paint job, preserve its functionality, and prevent costly and avoidable repairs with a regular car wash from Andy’s Autowash, your local spot for auto detailing in Cleveland. Contact us today to learn more about our car wash and detailing services and to find the right package for your needs.