Winter Car Care Tips: Cleaning And Protecting Your Vehicle

Our winters may be mild in the South, but you can’t afford a no-care approach to your car during the colder months. Cold snaps bring ice plus the corrosive road salt and sand used to combat it, making regular washing essential.

This is where your Xpress Car Wash membership shines. With unlimited washes and convenient locations, you can quickly and easily remove road contaminants to prevent costly, long-term damage to your vehicle.

A three-minute spin through our “state of the art” car wash doesn’t just eliminate harmful contaminants. It also protects your vehicle against corrosion and rust with an application of protective sealants and waxes during the wash process. This creates a barrier that helps keep your car protected between washes.

In addition to regular washing and the protective sealants we provide, there is a handful of maintenance checks that you shouldn’t skip once temperatures begin to drop. These vital steps include:

• Topping off all fluids, especially antifreeze and windshield washer fluid.
• Checking that your wiper blades, defroster and heater are functioning properly.
• Testing your battery’s strength, as cold temperatures reduce its capacity.
• Ensuring that your brakes are in good working order for safe stopping on slick roads.
• Monitoring tire pressure regularly, which fluctuates significantly with temperature changes.
• Preparing a kit for emergency situations.

You also need to be prepared for the occasional task of deicing your vehicle. Although it is a pretty simple process, following the right steps is important for safety and preventing damage.

DO:

• Start the engine. Turn on the defroster, directing the air to the windshield.
• Use a plastic scraper to remove ice from the windshield and windows.
• You can also use lukewarm water to speed up the process.
• Clear all accumulated snow and ice before driving.

DON’T:

• Use anything metal to scrape your windshield. It will scratch the glass.
• Apply hot water. The sudden change in temperature can crack the glass.
• Attempt to use the wipers to clear heavy ice. It can damage them.
• Drive before your windshield, windows and mirrors are clear.

Our final winter tip: Maintain a fuel level at least half-full during the wintertime. This is primarily to prevent water condensation from freezing in the fuel lines. It also ensures that you have fuel to run the heater if you become stranded in freezing conditions.

With routine washing and protection from Xpress Car Wash and these simple maintenance checks, you can keep your vehicle pristine and safe throughout the cold-weather season. We look forward to seeing you soon. Stay safe, and enjoy the holidays!