Car washing · 5 min read
Why your car needs washing in winter
Road salt collects on paint and the underbody. Here is why regular winter washing matters.
Salt helps keep roads clear of ice, but it also collects on your car.
What salt does
Salt attracts moisture. When moisture and salt remain against exposed metal, corrosion can develop. Stone chips and scratches leave vulnerable areas.
Salt also collects in underbody joints, welds and cavities, where rain may not wash it away.
Why mild weather matters
In cold, dry weather, salt can remain as powder. When temperatures rise, it dissolves into water and reaches more surfaces.
Do not assume a mild spell means your car no longer needs washing.
Remember the underbody
Clean paint is easy to see, but salt beneath the car is less obvious.
Rinse the underbody and wheel arches thoroughly when washing in winter. Allow a little extra time for these areas.
How often should you wash?
There is no single interval for every car. It depends on driving distance, road conditions and how much salt is used.
A car driven daily on salted roads needs washing more often than one kept in a garage. Visible road grime is a useful reminder.
Do not wait until spring
Cold weather, frozen hoses and wet hands can make outdoor washing inconvenient.
Regularly removing salt helps limit the time it remains on vulnerable surfaces.
Indoor washing makes it easier to keep up with the job in winter. Wash first, then let the car dry indoors.
Our indoor wash bays are open 24/7, including in freezing weather.
View the self-service car wash