Safe car washing

By Lori Larsen

As March moves out and outside temperatures get closer to seasonal warming, it may be time to consider washing your vehicle and ridding it of damaging grime and salt. But when is it safe to do so?

Generally you should avoid washing your car when temperatures dip below -10 °C and never when temperatures are below -20°C. If you do wash your vehicle in lower temperatures do so during daylight hours, better in the early afternoon when the temperatures are usually highest, and when it is sunny out.

After the vehicle has been washed, immediately and completely hand dry with a towel areas that are more susceptible to freezing conditions, such as wiper blades, rubber weather striping around the doors, windows, trunks and tailgates.

Hand dry all door handles, hinges, key locks and fuel door (including hinge) and in colder weather situations, spray some WD40 or lock de-icer into the keyholes or on hinges to avoid moisture buildup.

Where possible, use a commercial car wash that offers hand drying.

Apply a thick wax, carnauba paste is a good choice, to help repel snow and water.

Pay special attention to spraying out wheel wells and rims to prevent slush accumulating and subsequent freezing which can cause damage to tire rubber and in some cases the vehicle frame.

Take time to vacuum and clean the interior as well. Salt and other grime builds up over the winter months and can damage interior surfaces.