Cold Weather Car Washing: When It’s Safe and When to Wait

With temperatures currently hitting double digits below zero, we want to inform you of some unique challenges of washing your vehicle in the extreme cold.

While keeping road salt off your paint is important for preventing rust, it is generally not advisable to wash your car when temperatures drop below -10°C (14°F) unless you can take specific precautions.

When it is this cold, water can freeze almost instantly, which leads to a few common risks:

Frozen Seals & Handles: Moisture can get trapped in door jambs and locks, potentially freezing them shut or causing damage to rubber seals if forced open.

Ice Buildup: Excess water may freeze on windows or side mirrors, impacting your visibility.

Brake & Component Freezing: In extreme cases, water can freeze brake rotors or parking brake lines.

If you do choose to wash in this temperature, we recommend these safety steps:

1) Dry Thoroughly: Immediately wipe down all door jambs, weather stripping, and handles with a microfiber towel.

2) Lubricate: Use a silicone-based spray on rubber seals to keep them from sticking.

3) Warm Storage: If possible, park in a heated garage or underground lot immediately after your wash to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.
We also want to inform you that due to double-digit negatives, you may experience longer, slower line times as we need to close entrance & exit doors between vehicles, to keep as much heat in the building as possible, to keep car wash equipment from freezing and shutting down.
If you have any questions about the best time to schedule your next visit, feel free to reach out to us!
We hope you take care and stay warm!

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