Rydell Cars

Jan 22, 2021

Road salt, sand, and other chemicals are necessary to keep us safe on icy winter roads, but they take a toll on your vehicle, causing rust and corrosion and dirtying carpet and upholstery. You can take measures to limit costly damage caused by road salt that will also increase safety and save you money long-term, preserving your vehicle investment.

Wintertime washing has special challenges, including having a source of fresh water and making sure doors and windows don’t freeze shut. You can find options out there for do-it-yourselfers as well as car wash and car detailing services that are equipped to handle winter conditions. Here’s more on how to clean road salt off your car.

How Does Road Salt Damage a Vehicle?

Cars on snowy highway that's been treated with road salt
Image via Flickr by Hasan Basri AKIRMAK

Steel, aluminum, plastic, rubber, vinyl, and carpeting can all be damaged by road salt, sand, and other chemicals used to keep the roads safe during winter. Salt causes both cosmetic and safety issues. It speeds up the rusting process and can cause visible damage to doors and body panels as well as invisible damage to components like suspension and braking systems. Brake and fuel lines are especially susceptible to rusting out, resulting in hydraulic system failure and leaking fuel.

Salt lowers the freezing point of water and requires some water to activate it, which is why trucks pre-treat roads with a mix of salt and water called brine. Water and salt also create a chemical reaction that accelerates the rusting process on metal. It’s best to keep salt on the roads and off your car.

You can take measures to limit salt damage by waxing your vehicle and installing all-season floor mats. Waxing the entire vehicle’s surface protects it from corrosion and staining, helping prevent salt from permeating surfaces. This is best done before the wintry weather hits, but it can be done at any time. When driving in winter weather conditions, avoid puddles and driving behind plows, both of which are sources for increased salt exposure.

How Do You Remove Road Salt?

Road salt and other contaminants need to be removed from the exterior, interior, and undercarriage of your vehicle. Salt can adversely affect cosmetics and the safety of your vehicle, not to mention its resale value. Here are some tips to help you limit these negative effects.

Exterior

Spray water all over your vehicle, making sure to clean the grille, wheels, wheel wells, and other spaces salt can accumulate. Once everything is sprayed, use soap and a sponge to scrub away the film of road salt, harsh chemicals, and dirt. Winter washing requires extra scrubbing. Spray down the car again with fresh water and dry, being mindful of water in windows and doors that could freeze them shut. Spot clean any remaining stains with a little bit of soap and water.

Interior

Carpet, upholstery, and floor mats can get caked with salt. Remove and shake out the floor mats, and tackle the floor debris with a vacuum cleaner. Clean remaining debris with a spray bottle filled with half warm water and half distilled white vinegar. Being careful not to get electrical connections wet, spray the solution on stained areas and soak up with a clean, dry towel. Make sure the surfaces are able to air dry thoroughly.

Undercarriage

The undercarriage should be cleaned once every 10 days during the winter months to prevent buildup and corrosion. Spray water directly under the vehicle to clear salt and other debris from hard-to-see areas. Undercarriage components that are at risk from salt include the exhaust, coil springs, subframe, fuel lines, and brake system. Even though the undercarriage isn’t seen, damage to your vehicle’s unprotected underside can cause safety and performance issues. Undercarriages may be treated with a specialty oil solution or salt neutralizer for an added layer of protection.

How Often Should You Wash Your Car in the Winter?

During the winter, it’s best to wash your car’s body and undercarriage every 10 days. Frequent washes remove the accumulation of salt, chemicals, and dirt, halting the damage. Before winter, it’s recommended to wax the paint, treat the undercarriage, and have a mechanical inspection done. Once winter is over, a thorough cleaning and detailing should be done to remove any salt accumulation outside and inside your vehicle.

How Much Does Salt Removal Cost?

Salt removal costs vary from minimal for home and basic car washes to a couple of hundred dollars for top detailing services. Car washes that tackle the undercarriage are between $10 and $20.

For a variety of car wash options, stop at one of the two Rydell Car Wash locations in Grand Forks, where they offer three car wash levels and unlimited monthly passes. For winter, the two options that feature a special underbody rinse are recommended to ensure that salt is properly removed. The state-of-the-art equipment at Rydell features heated air dry, body sealant, spot-free rinse, and a tire/wheel cleaner. The underbody rinse and hot wax options provide the extra winter protection your vehicle needs.

Exterior and interior detailing at Rydell ensures your vehicle is clean from top to bottom. Detailing improves appearance, resale value, and extends vehicle life. Rydell’s options include express detail with a car wash, complete interior detail, and complete exterior detail. Detailing service options include removal of surface contamination, polishing, waxing, and carpet shampoo. Having your car detailed is a good way to bring back its shine and remove salt remnants inside and out, especially at the end of winter.

Road salt, sand, and chemicals shouldn’t be ignored. They cause cosmetic damage and safety issues. Be sure to wash the salt off your vehicle frequently, ideally, every 10 days, making sure to clean the undercarriage to protect vital suspension and braking components. While this can be done at home, weather conditions and the difficulty of thoroughly reaching the nooks and crannies of the undercarriage can make it challenging. That’s why it’s best to go to a good carwash.

Wash Road Salt, Sand, and Chemicals Off Your Car in Grand Forks

In the fall, detailing can provide a protective coating of wax for the winter ahead. At the end of the winter, a good detailing can remove any salt remnants and provide a new protective coat of wax. Whatever the season, Rydell offers services to protect your investment and keep you and your family safe. Contact us today!