AAA: Wash Off Winter Grime Now To Help Prevent Rust And Costly Repairs

After weeks of snow, ice, and a prolonged blast of bitter cold, Ohio is finally starting to thaw out and AAA says that warmer stretch is the perfect time to give your vehicle a good wash.

AAA is reminding drivers to wash their cars after every significant winter storm, especially the undercarriage, to help reduce rust damage and corrosion to brake and fuel lines caused by road salt and other de icing chemicals. AAA research has estimated Americans spend about $3 billion a year on repairs linked to rust damage caused by de icers, and it is not just roadways. Parking lot treatments can also stick to your vehicle and accelerate corrosion.

“Taking the time for a quick car wash now could save both time and money down the road,” said Morgan Dean, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Club Alliance. Dean says corroded brake lines can cost hundreds of dollars to replace, depending on the vehicle.

AAA recommends using car washes that offer an undercarriage rinse to remove buildup on critical components. If you are washing by hand or using a wand wash station, AAA says to pay extra attention to wheels, wheel wells, and the underbody.

“With the average price of a new vehicle hovering around $50,000, drivers are now keeping their cars longer,” Dean said. “Keeping them clean is not just a matter of vanity, it’s about longevity.”

AAA Tips To Minimize Winter Related Vehicle Damage

• When possible, limit driving immediately before, during, and after winter storms when salt and de icing solutions are being applied and are at their highest concentrations

• Frequently wash your vehicle and pay special attention to the undercarriage to loosen and neutralize road salts

• Use a quality car wash solution and avoid household dish detergent that can strip wax

• Repair body damage and touch up scratches and chips that expose bare metal

• Give the vehicle and undercarriage a thorough cleaning in the spring to remove any lingering deposits

• Do not neglect the interior: wet floor mats can trap moisture and contribute to rust from the inside out

AAA says it is generally safe to wash your vehicle in the winter as long as temperatures are above freezing. If it is below freezing, soap and rinse water can re freeze on components and cause issues. AAA also recommends completely drying the vehicle after a wash, including door seals and door jambs, to help prevent doors from freezing shut when temperatures drop again.