When Is It Too Cold To Wash Your Car? Ways To Wash Cars In Winter

Washing your car is crucial to keep it in peak condition, regardless of the time of the year. However, washing your car in the winter can cause problems if not done correctly.

It gets too cold to wash your car when temperatures drop below freezing point (32°F). It’s best to wash your car when the temperature is between 50-80°F. Always wash your car in the afternoon when temperatures are high to avoid dealing with freezing issues.

When is it too cold to get a car wash?

When is it too cold to wash your car? It’s too cold to get a car wash when temperatures drop below freezing point (32 degrees Fahrenheit), as it creates problems such as frozen locks, hinges, and door handles. These freezing problems occur when you don’t dry the vehicle immediately after washing it. 

However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid washing your car altogether in the winter. At this time of the year, your vehicle will pick up road salt and other de-icing chemicals. If not washed off, these deposits can cause massive corrosion damage, especially to your car’s undercarriage. 

You can safely wash your vehicle in 50-degree Fahrenheit weather. Though this temperature may still seem too cold for some, there’s no risk of water freezing when you wash your car. 

How often should you wash your car in the winter? 

Is it dumb to wash your car in the winter? Regardless of the season, you should clean your vehicle at least once every two weeks. You might be tempted to default on washing your car in the winter due to the risk of frozen water on the car’s exterior. But as much as no one wants stuck wipers or door handles, keeping your vehicle clean during the cold season is still important to eliminate corrosive de-icing chemicals.

Road salt can build up on the undercarriage and cause massive rust damage to metal parts like the fuel line and brakes, hence the need to prevent buildup by washing. In fact, if you drive your car frequently in the winter, it’s advisable to wash your vehicle once every ten days to reduce road salt accumulation. The AAA survey conducted on 1001 drivers between September 22 and 25, 2016, found that drivers use about $3 billion annually to repair rust damage.

The salt and liquid de-icers trigger significant rust-related damage, especially on the brake lines, exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and other critical components. MEANWHILE, if you experience soft brake pedals, dashboard warnings, or the smell of fuel after winter, immediately remove cars from the road.

Tips For Washing Your Car in Cold Weather

Lubricate your car’s locks, hinges, door handles, and keyholes in the winter. The lubricant will prevent these parts from entrapping moisture when washing the vehicle. With no humidity, you won’t have freeze problems. You can purchase high-quality lubricants from online retailers or local stores.

Here are a few tips/instructions for winter car washing

• Wash your car with appropriate car wash detergents- avoid detergents that might eat away your wax on the paint. Detergine with wax and shampoo like Optimum No Rinse Wash and Wax is recommended.
• Wash the car exterior thoroughly; the fenders, tires, undercarriage, bumpers, etc.
• Wax your car interior and exterior.
• Wash your car with warm water to prevent water from freezing on the vehicle’s exterior. Avoid hot water, which will strip off your car paint and wax protection. Washing your car with lukewarm water gives you enough time to dry all the nooks and crannies before the water crystallizes in cold weather. 
• Use microfiber cloth; avoid items that may end up scratching or etching your car paint.
• Wash one part or section at a time; once you wash, ensure you completely rinse before going to the other part.
• Put on your car’s clothing and gear, but they should be waterproof.
• Always repair scratches and dents that show exposed metal as a preventive measure. In addition, you can wax your car before winter sets in.

If you prefer taking your car to a car wash during winter, opt for a hand car wash. The thorough manual washing and drying ensure all the salt is removed and the leftover water is dried with a towel. Avoid car washes that use pressure washers, as the high pressure from the hoses will likely push the salt and dirt deeper into the nooks and crannies of the car. 

How do I wash my car in the winter?

How can I safely wash the car in winter? Don’t wash your car outside in the cold. Wash it in the garage where it’s warmer, as you’ll have more time to dry the vehicle, lowering the risk of your car doors freezing shut.

The best time to wash your car in the winter is during the day (especially the afternoon), as temperatures are more likely to rise slightly above freezing. At 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can safely wash your car and have ample time to dry it up before temperatures drop below freezing point again. 

Start the engine and leave it running for 30 minutes before you start washing the car. Pay special attention to the undercarriage and the wheel wells, as these are the areas where road salt is more likely to accumulate.

Why is it essential to wash your car in winter?

The main reason for washing your car in winter is to eliminate road salt buildup that can cause rust damage to essential car components. Road salt is usually poured on roads during winter as a safety measure, as the salt melts ice and snow, resulting in better automobile traction. However, as vehicles drive through the melting snow, they usually pick up the salt chemicals, which can be damaging or left to build up to high levels.

Moreover, rust-related repair is usually expensive. It costs a lot to replace parts badly corroded by road salt. Washing your car in the winter is a much wiser and cheaper option to prevent rust damage. Car rust damage also shortens your car’s lifespan and lowers its market value. Thus, washing it in the winter increases its lifespan and maintains its resale value.

Apart from minimizing the corrosion risk posed by road salt, you’ll still want your car to look presentable when driving in the winter. When driving in cold weather, cars pick up ice, snow, and winter debris. Therefore, washing your vehicle at this time of the year is essential to remove these elements and keep it looking neat and shiny. 

There’s also a safety angle to it. Snow buildup on the windshield and side mirrors leads to poor visibility on the road, thus increasing the risk of road accidents. To improve visibility on the road, keep your windshield and side mirrors free of snow and other debris by washing the car.

References

I. Automotive Training Center: Protect your Car from Road Salt