Why you should wash your car in the winter

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Clearing snow from the driveway, scattering salt over the sidewalks and... washing your car? With freezing temperatures and frequent snow, perhaps it is the last thing you would expect to put on your winter task list, but an automobile expert says washing your car in the winter is a key step to extending its life.

Getting off salt and brine

According to Michael Sweeney, a traffic safety educator at AAA Hudson Valley, one of the main concerns for car care during the winter is salt and brine. Although useful in melting ice from roadways and sidewalks, salt's corrosive properties damage not only the car's paint job but also its undercarriage.

"The fuel line, the brake lines, the exhaust system all get attacked by that corrosive salt that they use to de-ice," Sweeney said.

Washing your car helps to reduce salt and brine accumulation and, as a result, minimizes any damage to the car's cosmetics or mechanical parts.

Better visibility

A more obvious benefit of a car wash is improved visibility for both you and other drivers. Driving through snow, salt, brine and mud can lead to windows, mirrors and lights caked in grime. A quick wash can clear off these surfaces, helping you to see and helping everyone else to see you.

Functioning sensors

It is also important to ensure that your car's backup camera and safety sensors are clean throughout the season. These safety sensors, which are meant to alert you to any mechanical problems in your car, are typically located in the front bumper cover and back bumper cover. The camera is typically located above the back license plate.

"Clearing those sensors in the front bumper and back bumper will help all the vehicle's automated and safety systems actually function properly," Sweeney said. "Make sure you also wipe off that camera lens because it will help you to see well when you're backing up."

Sweeney noted that it can be difficult to give a recommendation for how often a driver should wash their car because it depends on personal preference, how often the car is used, where it's stored, and more. However, Sweeney does recommend washing the car when temperatures are above freezing. In low temperatures, a freshly washed car is not able to fully dry, which can lead to additional issues.

"The moisture that gets into the connections of the car, and all the little nooks and crannies of the car, will freeze and expand, and it can actually do some harm," Sweeney said.

Getting your car washed in a car wash or by hand both have their benefits. Many car washes have drying systems, which can help to jumpstart the car's drying time. Washing your car by hand, however, allows you to pay closer attention to the undercarriage, wheels and other parts that may be glossed over in a car wash. Regardless, Sweeney said, getting your car washed in the winter will help to slow its aging process so you can keep your car for longer.