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How often should you wash your car in the winter?

I know it’s important to wash your car during the winter, but I’ve never heard people talk about how often they do it. How often should you wash your car in the winter?

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Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
How often should you wash your car in the winter is about once every week or two. As cities disperse salt on their roads to keep roads from growing too icy, it can build up on your car’s undercarriage and cause parts to rust more quickly. So, when you wash your vehicle, pay special attention to your undercarriage!
Areas with milder winters, on the other hand, won’t need to worry about washing their vehicles quite so often during winter.
For obvious reasons, washing your car in cold winter can be challenging. Here are a few things that could make it easier:
  • Wait until temperatures are above freezing if you can
  • Wash your vehicle in a heated shop or garage if you have access to one
  • Wash your car after it’s been warmed up and running for a while
  • After rinsing off your vehicle, dry key areas like gas caps, doors, and windows quickly with towels to prevent freezing
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MORE: How to wash a car at home
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