Snow removal salt, dirt and moisture form an aggressive mixture that attacks paint and bodywork during winter cold. And many motorists ask themselves the following questions: is it wise to wash your car in winter? Should we go through the car wash or should we not do anything at all?

Who has never come out of a car wash and, as soon as a few meters have been made, a thin layer of dirt mixed with mud and snow removal salt is sticking to the bodyshell. So is it really worth washing your car in winter?

Cleaning is essential especially in winter!

The mixture of moisture and salt is aggressive. It promotes rust formation. It is true that modern cars are now better protected by sealing the cavities or protecting the basement more effectively. However, salt remains a poison to sheet metal.

On the other hand, painting doesn't particularly like salt either. Especially as soon as the latter shows deep scratches and / or gravel damage. Your beautiful, bright painting is under serious threat.

Beyond the purely aesthetic aspect, the operation of sensors and cameras in driver assistance systems is also affected by dirt. A dirty camera must be the result of poor or near zero visibility. At the same time, headlights and rear lights also lose efficiency. Seeing and being seen are essential on the road.

Thus, it is essential to wash your car, even and especially in winter. The frequency of washing also depends on the frequency with which you use your vehicle but also on the salting of the roads. Regular drivers, as well as older car owners, should pass through the car wash every fortnight.

Negative temperatures: washing prohibited?

As a general rule, negative temperatures are not a problem. The limit is still about -10 degrees Celsius. But if this is still possible in practice, a few precautions must still be taken.

When the warmer water from the washing station meets the icy body, a heat shock can occur. The latter can then damage an already damaged paint, for example.

Is there a specific washing program to choose from?

In winter, cheap washing programs are more than enough. It is important not to forget the pre-washing. Without pre-washing, the gross dirt on the paint acts like sandpaper and can damage your car.

If you need to do the extra, also consider choosing a windshield washer specially designed for the winter period. It will be much more resistant to low temperatures and will ensure optimal operation!

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