Wintertime brings cold weather and icy driving conditions. A forecast of snow or freezing rain sends road crews to the street to spray de-icing chemicals. Although great for roadways, these harsh chemicals can cause rust and corrosion if left on your vehicle. Getting under the car yourself or using a pressure washer can be a dangerous and messy endeavor. Plus, a pressure washer could cause serious damage and we do NOT advise it. Instead of searching for how to wash salt off undercarriage, visit Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville’s Turbo Wash.
Road Salt Is Highly Corrosive
Usually, the winter months bring road hazards that can easily lead to accidents. One of the scariest dangers is a loss of traction due to ice. This is why municipalities treat roadways with de-icing chemicals. Typically, the main ingredient in de-icing road treatment is one of several types of salts.
While salt is great at preventing ice buildup, it’s highly corrosive, especially when combined with water. Unfortunately, salt also attracts and reacts with water in the air. If you don’t clear salt from the undercarriage, the rusting process will begin and can affect these components.
- Exhaust system
- Frame
- Brakes
- Suspension
Additionally, your car’s underbody easily accumulates grime as you drive over dirty roads and splash through puddles. Over time, an accumulation of dirt can block drainage holes located on your undercarriage. Then instead of allowing water to flow away from metal parts, water can sit and begin damaging components.
How To Wash Salt Off Undercarriage
Unfortunately, washing your undercarriage at home is a difficult task, especially in the winter. Usually, you can’t use your outdoor spigot during the winter months for fear of rupturing indoor pipes. While using an indoor faucet is an alternative, you need to make sure you completely drain your hose. Leaving it outdoors with water in it can damage it. Of course, you still have to brave the freezing temperatures.
Yet, even in warmer months, the task can be challenging. The underside of your car has lots of cracks, crevices, and hard-to-reach areas. Missing a small spot can allow rust to begin.
A better alternative is to bring your car to Xpress Lube’s modern car wash facility. We can wash your exterior, including your undercarriage, and have you back on the road in just a few minutes. Plus, we use premium products and recycle our water. Our packages start at only $8 and you can upgrade to include other services.
The Best Way To Clean Salt From The Rest Of Your Car
Over the years, automakers have greatly improved the paint and clear coat to last longer than years ago. However, salt left on your car’s exterior can eat through the clear coat and paint to begin rusting the body.
Some DIY recommendations suggest using vinegar to neutralize the salt. However, vinegar will also strip the wax from your paint leaving it exposed. Also, never wipe the road salt off your vehicle. Salt is abrasive and can scratch your paint.
Typically, the best way to clean salt off the paint is to rinse it first with water. Then, wash your vehicle with a good quality car wash soap. Once you’re done washing, don’t forget to apply a coat of wax for an extra layer of protection.
One area many car owners neglect is the interior. You can track salt into your car causing staining and deterioration on your carpeting and upholstery. Removing salt completely from your interior is difficult as it can become embedded in fibers. This is where neutralizing salt with a vinegar solution is beneficial. However, you do need to be careful to avoid getting any electrical connections wet.
Of course, the easiest way to remove salt from your entire vehicle is to bring it to Xpress Lube. Our facility can wash away salt from every crevice of your exterior. Plus, we can also apply a protective coat of wax. Moreover, we also have a detailing service to deep clean, recondition, and restore your interior. Say goodbye to salt stains on your upholstery and carpets.
How To Wash Salt Off Undercarriage – FAQs
Our staff at Xpress Lube loves to answer questions about how to wash salt off undercarriage. Simply call us at 336-993-7697 and one of our friendly staff members will help you. Below, we answer a few commonly asked ones.
How Often Should I Wash My Car?
Generally, you should wash your car at least every two weeks. However, you may need to wash it more frequently depending on the surrounding environment. For example, if you live near the ocean, you’ll need to wash your car more often to prevent corrosion. Likewise, driving on brined roads in the winter months will require more frequent washes. Thus, you definitely need to keep washing your car on your to-do list during winter months.
What About Waxing?
Like washing, how often you need to wax your car depends a lot on your environment. Exposure to salt, pollution, and acid rain can erode the wax sooner than the recommended 6-month time interval. Furthermore, the length of protection varies on the type of wax you use. You can tell it’s time for a wax when the water on your car doesn’t bead anymore.
Can You Perform Any Other Services?
In addition to our modern car wash facility, we’re a full-service auto repair shop. For over 25 years, many of your neighbors have been trusting us with their cars. Our ASE-certified technicians can repair and service both foreign and domestic vehicles. From simple servicing to major repairs, you can trust Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville with all your automotive needs.
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