One of the perks of the milder winters on California’s West Coast (as compared to the Midwest, where I grew up) is that cars last longer. Snow does fall occasionally, but it seldom accumulates and rarely needs to be cleared or melted. That simplifies winter car care for Californians, but drivers in the North, Midwest and Northeast aren’t so lucky.
Snow isn’t actually the problem, explains Toronto car detailer Parham Koukia: “After a snow or ice storm, road salt, sand and slush stick to every surface of the car. This accelerates paint damage and rust, especially under the car and around the brake lines and suspension parts.”
In my foolhardy youth spent in Ontario, I drove an old Volkswagen Beetle so rusted I could see the road going by under the floorboard. That’s how bad things can get without proper winter car care. Here’s some expert advice on how to prevent something like that.
Why Washing After a Winter Storm Is Important
I consulted multiple detailers and automotive experts about the damage your car sustains when driving in snowy conditions, and Luke Oswald, who deals with scrap vehicles, had this explanation: “Salt and de-icing chemicals stick to the car, especially underneath and around the wheels, and they don’t just disappear once the road looks dry. That residue holds moisture against metal, and that’s how corrosion starts. It often begins out of sight on brake lines, suspension parts, mounting points, and other underbody areas, and by the time you can actually see it, it has often already affected parts that matter for safety checks and inspections — and has likely devalued your car.”
Washing your car directly after a storm is important, but you’ll be picking up more corrosive chemicals as long as the road stays wet. Good winter car care mandates staying on top of the situation by regularly washing the car throughout the winter.
When to Wash Your Car After a Storm
Washing your car about one to three days after a snowstorm is ideal. You obviously need above-freezing temperatures to do the job on your own with a hose or pressure washer, and the temperature should stay warm long enough for the water to evaporate rather than freeze on the vehicle. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, take the car to a commercial car wash.
“You don’t need to wash your car the moment a storm passes,” says Oswald. “In most cases, it’s better to wait until the roads have been cleared and daytime temperatures are above freezing.” You don’t want to wait too long, though, because corrosive deicing chemicals do their damage quickly.
When to Wait Before Washing
Koukia recommends waiting if the temperature stays below 0 degrees C (32°F) for several days and there’s no commercial car wash nearby. “Washing in extreme cold can leave pockets of water in crevices that freeze and cause stuck doors, frozen locks, or stress cracks.”
Which Parts of the Car Need the Most Attention?
The underside of the car matters more than anything else. This is where salt and grime collect and where corrosion usually starts. Brake lines, suspension parts, exhaust components and mounting points are all exposed and rarely cleaned by rain alone, says Oswald. “From what I see, when cars reach the end of their usable life, rust in these areas is one of the most common reasons vehicles are valued down, and the cost of repair outweighs the value of the car.”
Oswald identifies wheel arches as another problem area. Salt and grit are constantly thrown up by the tires and tend to sit there, especially after storms. Over time, that buildup spreads from the arches to nearby panels and seams. “Wheels themselves also take a hit, as brake dust and salt combine and can damage finishes, particularly on alloy wheels.”
Tips to Prevent Damage
If you live in a snowy location, these winter car care tips can help prolong the life of your car and ensure a safe ride:
- Wash your car regularly, not just after a storm. In winter, your wheels tend to kick up deicing chemicals whenever you drive over a wet patch of road.
- Wash even more frequently if you regularly make short trips. “Cars used mainly for short winter journeys don’t get warm enough for moisture to evaporate,” says Oswald. “Especially underneath.”
- Pay special attention to the seams and edges where body panels meet, around bolt heads and along door seams. These areas trap salty water and are the last to dry.
- Be sure to wash packed snow and ice from wheel arches and suspension parts. It can keep the metal damp for days.
“Finally,” says Oswald, “if something starts sticking, squeaking, or feeling different after winter driving, don’t ignore it. These are often early signs of salt buildup, and addressing them early can prevent corrosion from spreading and turning into a costly repair down the line.”
FAQ
How often should you wash your car in winter?
Kouki recommends about once a week if you drive every day on salted roads. You can reduce the frequency to every one or two weeks if you drive less frequently or you have mild winters, he says.
Will washing my car in winter cause rust?
No, that’s a myth, says Oswald. Kouki agrees. “Washing actually prevents rust by removing corrosive salt. The risk of rusting comes when moisture is left to freeze in mechanical areas because of poor drying.”
About the Experts
- Luke Oswald is an automotive specialist at Wheels Away, an online car-buying service for scrap, junk, and end-of-life vehicles. His work give him first-hand insight into the most common mechanical, safety, and roadworthiness issues that cause cars to become unsafe or uneconomical to keep on the road.
- Parham Koukia has been in the auto detailing business for nearly 15 years. He is the Lead Detailer and Operations Manager at Toronto-based Panda Hub.
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