Cold weather brings a hidden threat to your vehicle that has nothing to do with the temperature itself. Road crews rely on salt and other de-icing chemicals to keep streets safe, and while that is good news for traction, it is tough on the metal underneath your car.

Salt residue clings to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and brake components long after the snow has melted, and it does not need standing water to keep doing damage. Left in place, it accelerates rust on exposed metal, frame rails, and exhaust systems, sometimes leading to costly repairs that could have been avoided with regular rinsing.

It might feel counterproductive to wash your car when it is cold outside, but this is exactly when washing matters most. An undercarriage rinse flushes out salt and grit before it has a chance to settle in, and a coat of wax or sealant adds a protective barrier against the elements for the weeks ahead. Choosing a day when temperatures are above freezing helps prevent water from refreezing in door seals or locks after your visit.

A few extra minutes at the wash every couple of weeks throughout the winter goes a long way toward keeping rust at bay. Come springtime, you will be glad you kept up with it when your car’s undercarriage and finish have held up better than expected.