How Often Should You Wash Road Salt Off Your Car?

Plus, 10 tips to help keep your vehicle clean during the winter months

By Consumer Reports

January 27, 2024

Road salt, or a liquid version of it, is used to melt snow and ice on roads across the U.S. It is very effective for making roads safer, but salt accelerates rust, which can damage safety-related equipment involving braking, steering, suspension, and fuel systems. Plus, it can cover headlights, taillights, and the sensors for automatic emergency braking.

To combat the potential ill-effects of salt, Consumer Reports’ experts advise a monthly car wash during snow season—or more often if coated in salt. We recommend a touchless wash that cleans your whole car, including the undercarriage. (After snowfalls, be sure to clear the entire car body to ensure that all cameras and sensors are able to work properly.) The underbody spray is often an added charge, but it is a worthwhile upgrade to remove salt.

Winter Car Wash Tips

Choose the right car wash. Is the facility clean? Is the building well-cared for? If the owners take care of the outside of the business, chances are they’ll also be investing in equipment and its maintenance inside.

Cheap isn’t always better. Car washes that seem really inexpensive might cut corners, such as using more caustic soaps that remove dirt easily but aren’t as good for a car’s finish.

Take precautions. If you have an antenna, a roof rack, or a bike rack, remove it before entering an automatic car wash. Also turn off automatic wipers and make sure windows and roof are closed. If your car has a car wash mode, often a feature in EVs, make sure it’s activated before washing starts. And turn off parking, or proximity, sensors to avoid a beeping cacophony.

Protect your undercarriage. You don’t need this option in good weather. But it’s a good idea to opt for an undercarriage wash if you drive through mud or live in a part of the country where roads are salted in winter, CR’s experts say.

Spring for wheel cleaning. Most of the year, the added cost for this targeted cleaning may be frivolous, but our experts think that in the winter, the extra attention to this area may help in clearing salt away from brakes and be worth the investment.

Skip tire treatments. These added cost applications can add a shine to the rubber, but tire companies advise just cleaning the tires with soap and water. Tires have built-in antioxidants and waxes to protect them.

Regular hand-washing and detailing aren’t required. Many enthusiasts prefer to have their cars hand-washed and thoroughly detailed for the ultimate in appearance and paint protection. But for the average consumer, a touchless automatic car wash will suffice on most occasions, balanced with a seasonal polish and vacuuming.

A self-service car wash can also be a good option. Spraying the dirt off your car with a hose at a self-service car wash is a good, quick option to get you through the winter months. You might not get the same shine as you would when paying extra at an automatic car wash, but you’ll at least protect your car from the salty grime. Don’t forget to spray the wheel wells and undercarriage.

Save on washes. Many car wash businesses have a monthly subscription for unlimited washes or a customer loyalty program that issues a free wash after several paid washes. Either incentive can save money during the winter season when you may want frequent washes, and they may encourage regular cleanings.

Polish the car come spring. The end of winter is a great time for a thorough spring cleaning, inside and out. This is a great time for a hand wash, immediately followed by applying protective car wax. Consumer Reports’ tests have found that, generally, the benefits from wax fade after a few weeks. Applying fresh wax once a season is a good way to protect the paint from harmful environmental damage.

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