You might think that the best time to wash and wax your car is in the spring in summer. Actually winter is the best season - especially in cold climates when dirt, corrosive road salts, and melting snow can do a lot to destroy automobiles.
Keeping the elements off your car is much like brushing your teeth. The more you eat, the more you need to brush and floss!
Waiting to wash your car until the weather and roads clear up is even worse! The longer the sludge stays baked in the undercarriage and on the paint you are virtually taking years off the life of your car. If you are planning on selling or trading it in later, this kind of corrosion will cost you thousands.
“Salt is by far the biggest car culprit - it can attack even the toughest paints and finishes if not washed off consistently," explains Mark Thorsby, executive director of the International Carwash Association.
"Nearly $24 billion a year is spent battling automobile corrosion damage. This winter, getting your car washed at least once or twice a month - or more if you see or feel build-up - is essential to protect your investment."
Here are some of the culprits to avoid this winder:
SALT Icy roads are treated with a corrosive mixture of sand and salt often in the form of sodium chloride. In recent years, another corrosive salt mixture - sodium magnesium - has been used on roads, which some experts say is even more corrosive. The salt gets caked on the undercarriage can promote rust, especially in older vehicles. It can also affect how well the car drives.
ACID RAIN According to studies compiled by ICA, it is critical to wash a vehicle immediately after a rainfall. As rain falls, it collects pollutants from the air, a concept commonly referred to as acid rain and triggered in North America by industrial and automotive pollution. The water eventually evaporates leaving a thin film of pollutants that can damage a car's finish permanently.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS Bird droppings, road grime, and tree sap can also mar a car's shiny finish and paint, leaving it dulled and permanently damaged.
Once you make the commitment to take better care of your car this winter, here are a few things to note about winter-washing:
Do: Use a professional car wash with SoftGloss™ brushes. They will get rid of the grime without scratches or swirls.
Don't: Use a wand wash. Using a wand may spray off the surface but will leave the harmful elements. This makes matters worse by causing layers of sludge and grime.
Do: Use a carwash that waxes and has a paint/surface protectant like RainX™ or RainShield™. These eco-friendly chemicals create a barrier between your clean car and future elements.
You spent a small fortune on your car, do not let the winter months ruin it. Even if you need to bring it in a few times per week, it is worth every penny.
Drive safe out there!
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