Why washing your car is important in winter
Written by: Simon Pavey, Last updated:14th February 2023
Washing the car is usually seen as a summer activity, but it’s just as important (if not more so) to make regular efforts to keep your vehicle clean over the winter months.
Heading outside with a bucket of water and a sponge might not be the most inviting prospect when it’s freezing cold, but there are some very good reasons why you should be brave enough to do so.
Also take a look at our tips for driving in dangerous weather conditions.
Combating corrosion
One of the biggest motivations to continue regularly washing your car during the winter months is to fight corrosion, which can have a damaging impact on the vehicle’s paintwork and exterior finish, but also (and more importantly) vital mechanical components.
Corrosion can occur when the salt that is often spread across roads at the coldest times of the year comes into contact with your car’s metal surfaces.
If this salt is left in place for too long, it can start to eat away at the metal and cause rust, which not only looks unsightly but can also have an impact on vital parts of the car.
Accumulation of dirt and grime
Aside from the mechanical problems and more serious damage that wintry conditions can cause to your car, there are all sorts of cosmetic issues you’re likely to notice at this time of the year.
Inclement weather means your car is likely to come into contact with mud, slush and plenty of water on the roads, all of which can lead to dirt and grime building up on the undercarriage and lower portions of the vehicle.
If you take pride in the appearance of your car and want to keep it looking good all the time, you’ll probably find that it needs more attention in the winter than during times of better weather.
Clean interiors
Winter cleaning needs to go further than just the outside of your car, since all the water, mud and dirt that gathers on your footwear and clothes during these months will soon make a mess of the inside as well.
To keep your interior clean and presentable, even in the winter, it’s best to keep on top of it and clean regularly, rather than waiting for the grime to build up. Accumulations of moisture and salt on the interior carpeting can even leak through into the undercarriage and cause damage.
Winter tips
There are various things you can do to protect your car over the winter months. Spraying it with a protective wax can help to shield the exterior from rust and salt damage, keeping it in the best possible state despite seasonal conditions.
Using waterproof covers on seats can also be a good idea, along with replacing carpeted mats with rubber mats to provide maximum floor protection on the interior.
If you’re worried about the winter conditions having an impact on mechanical components and how your car runs, it’s a good idea to have it checked and serviced by professionals.
MyService.Expert from Fuelcard Services makes it easy to look after your vehicle with access to thousands of garages up and down the country.
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