Moje Auto at the SPA - spring car wash Ok, how to wash a car? Personally, spring…
Is washing your car in winter a good idea?
(photo Moje Auto)
Frost and snow do not favor frequent car washing, and many drivers believe that a freshly washed car will become dirty again after being driven out onto the street in winter conditions. This means that many of them give up car care in winter or do it much less frequently than in summer. Is this an error?
Why washing the car in winter is necessary?
Winter streets are covered not only with snow and ice, but also with sand and salt. These improve road safety, so it's highly recommended. However, this means your car's body is more susceptible to damage. There's a high risk of scratches, and combined with high humidity, rust. Mud is also harmful to your car's body, especially at the beginning and end of winter. The accumulation of dirt makes it more difficult to remove. It also promotes scratches and makes snow removal difficult. You should also be aware that salt, which is 100% sodium chloride, is also harmful to your car's rims. This means washing your car in winter is essential.
(photo: My Car)
Washing the car in winter in an automatic car wash
Washing your car in an automatic car wash is undoubtedly the simplest and quickest solution, especially since the weather isn't conducive to working outdoors. However, this doesn't mean it's equally safe for your car. In the case of untested car washes, you need to be careful of damaged brushes, which owners often forget or don't want to replace. This poses a significant risk to the vehicle's paintwork. As a result, scratches appear, especially visible on sunny days. The brushes wear out and need to be replaced, and the delicate tips wear out, meaning the hard part of the brush comes into direct contact with the paint. Washing your car in winter, which is also exposed to salt and sand in such conditions, further exacerbates the problem.
Learn about the pros and cons of a touchless car wash!
Hand washing is safer in winter
Just like in summer, it's worth opting for a hand wash. Even in winter, warmer days can be a good time to get your vehicle in good condition and looking its best. Can you wash your car in freezing temperatures? Water freezes very quickly to the car's surface, seeping into crevices and potentially damaging both the paint and seals. It's better to wait for more favorable conditions.
(photo: My Car)
First and foremost, use warm water to wash your car. Too cold water will cause a layer of ice to form on the car's surface. You can use warm water if you decide to wash your car in freezing temperatures, but of course, it shouldn't be too cold, and the temperature should be just below 0°C. Rinse the car thoroughly and use a specialized car wash product. Not sure how to wash your car without scratching the paint? Active foam for Moje Auto pressure washers works perfectly . Of course, it requires the right equipment, but in winter, it can shorten washing time and simplify all activities related to removing even the most stubborn dirt. Active foam is a strong foaming agent that removes dirt, dust, and road grime. However, if you opt for a standard hand wash, you can also use it.
Washing your car manually in winter in practice.
When planning to wash your car on a winter day, it is worth taking a few facts into account. The most important thing is to choose the warmest day possible. However, you also need to know that winter temperatures change very quickly. Even though the day seems warm, temperatures can change from hour to hour. In addition, it is worth parking the car in a place where the sun's rays will not fall directly on it. Then the water may evaporate from the bodywork quite quickly, which will leave unsightly stains and streaks. If the temperature fluctuates around one or two degrees, the washing water should be only slightly warmer. Too much heat will cause micro-cracks in the paint, which, even if unnoticed, will cause it to gradually degrade over the course of a year.
Washing the car should start with using clean water to rinse off the toughest dirt and road salt, which will certainly be deposited on the body, rims or windows. Washing with liquid should also take as short a time as possible due to possible temperature fluctuations. In addition, water can get trapped between seals and in the nooks and crannies of the bodywork, and then freeze, damaging these elements. Moreover, such a turn of events not only damages the paint or seals, but also all sensitive elements such as locks and hinges. After washing the car with liquids, use clean water again to rinse the car and dry it thoroughly. The entire process should be planned in such a way that it lasts relatively short.
Hand washing has many advantages. It allows for precise washing of the vehicle and removal of even difficult dirt. Automatic washing, although faster and easier, may not be as thorough.
After washing, do not forget to dry the car thoroughly and use care cosmetics. This will keep it impeccably clean. By using professional, high-quality preparations, you can count on less dirt adhesion and better preservation of the car paint coating.
Read also about cleaning your car in spring!
Summary
Remember to dry your car thoroughly after washing it. Never leave it wet in winter. Use a dry cloth for this. One more thing! Protect all seals beforehand. You can also apply silicone sealant after drying them to protect them from frost.
