Car WashWhy guests rave about a winter car wash
Winter driving conditions can be tough on your vehicle. Snow, slush, and road salt quickly accumulate on your car’s exterior and undercarriage, leaving behind grime that can do more than just make your vehicle look dirty.
Regular winter car washes help remove corrosive road salt and debris before they have time to cause long-term damage. In fact, automotive experts note that road salt can accelerate rust and corrosion if it remains on a vehicle for extended periods. According to the American Automobile Association, washing your vehicle regularly during winter is one of the best ways to protect it from salt-related damage.
With the right wash routine, you can keep your car cleaner and better protected throughout the winter season.
Why road salt is hard on your vehicle
Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, which helps melt ice and prevent slippery road conditions. However, the same properties that make salt effective on roads can also make it harmful to vehicles.
As you drive through slush and treated roads, salty residue can cling to your vehicle’s surface and collect in hard-to-see areas like seams, wheel wells, and the undercarriage. When moisture mixes with salt, it speeds up the chemical process that causes metal to corrode.
Over time, this buildup can affect both the appearance and structural components of your vehicle. Paint may become dull or stained, and exposed metal parts can begin to rust if salt is left in place too long.
That’s why removing salt regularly is one of the most important parts of winter car care.
Why cleaning the undercarriage matters in the winter
While many drivers focus on washing the visible parts of their vehicle, some of the most important winter cleaning happens underneath the car.
As your tires kick up slush and road spray, salt and debris accumulate along the undercarriage where moisture can linger. Because these areas are difficult to access during normal cleaning, contaminants can build up quickly throughout the winter months.
Washes that include an underbody flush help target this problem area by directing water underneath the vehicle to remove salt and grime from the undercarriage. By clearing away corrosive residue, undercarriage cleaning helps protect metal components and reduce the risk of rust.
Regularly removing buildup from underneath your vehicle is one of the most effective ways to limit winter-related damage.
How often should you wash your car in the winter?
Some drivers assume winter is the worst time to wash their car, but it’s actually one of the most important seasons for regular cleaning.
When salt and road grime accumulate, washing your car prevents those materials from sitting on the surface long enough to cause corrosion. It also helps keep buildup from becoming harder to remove over time.
Most experts recommend washing your vehicle about every one to two weeks during winter, especially after snowstorms or when roads have been heavily treated with salt.
Keeping up with regular washes helps ensure that contaminants are removed before they have time to damage your vehicle’s paint or metal surfaces.
Protect your vehicle all winter long with Tommy’s Express
Maintaining a regular wash routine is one of the easiest ways to protect your vehicle during harsh winter conditions. Professional car washes are designed to remove winter grime safely while cleaning areas that are difficult to reach at home.
At Tommy’s Express Car Wash, advanced wash tunnel technology helps remove salt, slush, and road debris while protecting your vehicle’s finish. The WORKS, SUPER, or ULTIMATE wash packages include UnderFlush, a low-pressure underbody rinse that removes salt and road residue. For additonal protection, try the WORKS with Ceramic Body Wax®, which adds a protective layer that helps repel dirt and enhance shine.
For drivers who want to keep their vehicles consistently clean, the TommyClub monthly unlimited plan makes regular washing simple. With unlimited washes at your selected package level, you can stop by whenever winter conditions leave your car covered in salt or grime.
By keeping up with regular washes at Tommy’s Express, you can help protect your vehicle and keep it looking its best throughout the winter season.