How to save your car from winter road salt

Drivers have been warned to wash cars regularly this winter to avoid expensive repair bills.

Car care experts from LiquidTech have revealed how often cars should be washed in winter to remove damaging road salt residue.

Drivers who wait more than two weeks to clean off corrosive road salt risk rust build up, which costs hundreds of pounds to repair.

As the cold weather starts to bite and the gritter trucks come out in force, washing a car as often as every week will ensure rust-causing residue doesn’t accumulate.

In winter, cars collect layers of salt and brine from the roads, making regular cleaning essential.

Rust can form from salt build up left on cars because of a chemical reaction between the salt, water, air and metallic car parts.

Road salt is an effective de-icer but it accelerates rust development with the car undercarriage and frame being particularly susceptible.

A powerful brine solution seven times saltier than seawater is often used on UK roads which will retain water if left on a vehicle, further heightening the risk of rust.

Cleaning cars regularly in wintertime with specialised detergents to dissolve salt prevents build up and helps minimise damage.

Car owners can also take preventive measures before the snow falls to prolong the life of their vehicle.

Applying a protective wax will create a barrier between the paint and harsh winter elements increasing vehicle longevity.

Using a ceramic coating will protect car bodywork from the harsh chemicals and corrosive salt used on roads in wintertime.

Ceramic coating also makes it easier to clean off salt residue with one application of a high-quality product lasting throughout the winter months.

Winter car cleaning tips

1. When cleaning a car in winter, the experts recommend picking a day when the temperature is above freezing as the water can quickly turn to ice causing further damage.

2. It is recommended to first use a hose on its highest setting to rinse off any loose layers of salt and other debris from the bodywork, wheel wells and undercarriage.

3. Select a shampoo designed to neutralise the impact of salt if possible and scrub the car gently with a soft sponge or mitt dunked into the soapy water.

4. Pay extra attention to places where salt can build up such as the bottom of doors and around the wheels and bumpers.

5. Rinse the shampoo off with a hose being careful to make sure to get underneath the car where the salt can hide.

6. Dry the car thoroughly with a soft towel or chamois.

A car cleaning expert from LiquidTech said: “Washing your car at least every two weeks in wintertime will have a real impact on your car’s longevity.

“The salty residue won’t just leave your car looking dirty, it can cause serious damage if left to react with the water, air and bodywork.

“It’s a risk that isn’t worth taking so we recommend regular washes in winter, particularly when you know the roads are being treated for ice.

“Salt is particularly harsh on your car as it's very corrosive, accelerating rust development on your car’s frame, wheels and generally anything metal.

“The brine solution commonly used on UK roads is highly concentrated and extremely salty so regular washing is key to avoiding damage.

“When washing your car in winter, pay attention to the temperature and use a shampoo that can help get the salty residue off your car.

“Applying a ceramic wax after washing will create a hydrophobic barrier on top of your paint so it won’t be able to absorb any corrosive road salt.”

For further information on choosing the right cleaners and protectants to save your car from road salt damage visit: https://liquidtechuk.com/