Are you one of those people who likes to have a sparkling clean car no matter what the weather, or do you only believe in washing your car in the summer?

No matter what side you’re on, chances are you’re probably asking yourself: how often should I wash my car?

There are several opinions and preferences on the subject. However, let’s delve a little deeper into the best practices for washing your car in the winter and summer!

Washing Your Car in the Winter

Winter can be problematic for car owners, whether you have to drive on icy roads or wash away stubborn dirt and grime. Here are the best ways to wash your car in the winter.

How Often Should You Wash Your Car?

In general, you should visit the car wash or wash your car at home every two weeks. However, there are a few things to consider. For example, if you live somewhere with mild winters, you may not need to wash your car as often.

Nevertheless, other hazards that can harm the exterior of your vehicle. The following advice applies to both temperate and northern climates.

A dirty car is more than just unattractive. In fact, snow, slush, sand and road salt can easily harm the body of your vehicle.

Instead of washing your car at the same time every two weeks, look at how much dirt has accumulated on your vehicle when deciding if it’s time to take a trip to a gas station car wash.

What’s the Best Way to Prevent rust?

Wet roads don’t magically disappear in the winter. Moreover, excess moisture can cause the body of your car to rust.

In fact, humidity can quickly damage your vehicle, even in the middle of January. That’s why you should visit the car wash or wash the exterior of your car every two weeks.

This will prevent rust from forming and keep your car looking great.

The car wash will remove the road sand and salt spread on the streets during the winter. Additionally, salt, calcium and dirt can quickly accumulate underneath your vehicle.

Regularly going to the car wash will help keep all the exposed mechanical parts underneath your vehicle in top shape.

All in all, washing your car, even in winter, is an excellent way to prevent rust.

What Happens if You Don’t Wash Your Car in the Winter?

Don’t overlook the importance of washing your car in the winter! In fact, road salt, calcium and other de-icing substances can damage the body and chassis of your vehicle, leading to rust and mechanical breakdowns.

When Is the Best Season to Wash Your Car?

Ideally, you should wait until the outside temperature is between 9 and 10 C. Of course, May and June are ideal for washing your car. However, September and October are suitable as well. That’s if you let your car air dry.

The danger of washing your car in the winter is that the sub-zero temperatures can freeze your windows and doors shut, turning your ride into an ice cube.

However, your car can still get dirty when it’s 20 below. Therefore, look for a gas station car wash that has a drying feature. You likely won’t be lugging buckets of water and soap outside to clean your car in the driveway when it’s -25 C anyway!

Washing Your Car in the Summer

Washing your car can be turned into a fun family activity on a warm summer afternoon. However, here are a few things to keep in mind!

Why Should You Wash Your Car in the Shade or at a Car Wash?

Washing your vehicle outside in the summer can be a great way to get a tan, enjoy some fresh air and listen to a good playlist. 

Of course, no one wants to rewash their car because something went amiss, even if they had a great afternoon.
Therefore, avoid washing your car in direct sunlight. Instead, wait until the afternoon or choose a cloudy day. Moreover, this will allow you to easily see the dirt on your car.

Summer days can be sweltering. Therefore, you need to work fast and rinse off your vehicle as soon as possible. Otherwise, the heat could dry out the soap and leave behind unsightly white stains. Summer winds can also attract pollen, dust and dirt. Therefore, time is of the essence.

How Do You Apply Wax to Your Car?

Heat is good for drying wax. Therefore, we recommend washing your car and applying a coat of wax in the morning so it has plenty of time to dry. However, don’t wait for the hottest day of the year. Ideally, you should wax your vehicle when it’s 26 C or less.

Moreover, make sure there isn’t any rain in the forecast!

What Are the Advantages of Using Ultrawash?

Ultralave car washes have three wash options to choose from depending on the season… and how dirty your car is!

Every wash includes a hot water shampoo, a high-pressure rinse and a power dry to get you on the road as quickly as possible. You don’t have to worry about dirt sticking to your car in the summer or your doors freezing shut in the winter.

The Regular car wash consists of the three steps mentioned above. Therefore, it’s ideal for moderately dirty cars.

The Plus car wash cleans your vehicle’s undercarriage in addition to the other three steps in the Regular wash.

Choose the Supreme car wash if you want a deep clean that takes a little more time. It also includes:

• A triple foam polish
• Two high-pressure rinses
• Rain-X water repellent

Visit your nearest Ultralave car wash to keep the exterior of your vehicle looking its best!

All in all, it’s clear that regularly visiting the car wash or washing your car at home will keep your car looking its best for years to come. Keep in mind that good vehicle maintenance also includes cleaning the interior of your car!