Cleaning a car in Winter

[Tabby]

Does it really help to wash your car in the winter? As soon as you are back on the road, it's dirty again. I see people lined up at the car wash, but as long as the roads are wet, their car will be dirty before they get home. Is it worth it?

 

[Bridey]

If you live in an area with ice and snow in winter (and the roads are treated for this) then it has to be a good idea to wash your car often. Corrosives are not much fun for paintwork!

 

[Angelinus]

I totally agree with Bridey. You do need to be careful that the water doesn't freeze up the locks or door seals though. I would say my car gets as dirty in winter as it does in the summer and I don't live in a very changeable climate.

 

[Speedo]

Tabby, while it's true that the cars will be dirty again by the time they get home, at least the road sludge won't be building up on the car, eating away at the paint. The best option, if you can, is to rinse your car in the driveway before you put it into the garage.

 

[Car Hop]

If I don't wash mine, winter, spring, summer, or fall, it ends up dirtier than it would be from letting it sit. I usually let it do its thing until I can't stand it anymore and then I clean it.

 

[mack]

Cleaning a car during winter isn't about making the car look clean. It is about protecting your car from salt used on ice, as well as from the acid rain that ends up in your car as sticky acid snow.

 

[Max]

Dirt really puts a lot of wear and tear on a vehicle, or your house, for that matter. So, yes, it is worth it to wash your vehicle even in the winter.