The Winter Season for Car Washes

As winter sets in, car wash businesses are faced with a unique set of challenges that differ from other seasons.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take as a car wash operation to ensure your business runs smoothly through the winter season.

Your car wash may need to tune its chemistry, upkeep equipment, or change operations to combat these challenges.

Winter's Importance to Car Washes

Winter is one of the most important seasons for car wash businesses and good reason.

Snow and otherwise inclement weather can create a regular eyesore on vehicles much more quickly than in other parts of the year. It can also cause corrosion and rust on body panels and other parts of vehicles, which encourages car owners to wash their vehicles more often.

This leads to a lot more business for car washes that face harsh winters such as in Canada and the Northern US.

How does Cold Weather affect Vehicles?

Cold weather can have a big impact on the condition of vehicles.

The cold temperatures bring new cleaning challenges that will not be present in warmer months and it makes it even more important to wash your car in the winter.

Some may think to avoid washing their car in the colder months but you must wash your car in the winter to protect it from all the damage it can face from road salt.

Road Salt

Salt is one of the biggest reasons why cars look so dirty in the wintertime. It is used to melt ice and provide traction on roads.

Salt in a combination of dirt, snow, and ice can not only leave an unpleasant finish on a car's paint but even restrict vision from your windshields and mirrors.

This is why it is a must for car washes to be prepared for the winter season by tuning their chemistry and adjusting their operations.

How Often Should Cars be Washed in the Winter?

The answer to this will depend entirely on the situation. How bad is the weather, how much the car is driven/been outside, and up to the owner's discretion on keeping their car clean. But it is recommended to wash it often in the winter, as rust and other types of damage can start to occur.

Tips for Winter Car Washes

While some areas may experience mild winters, the ones that deal with heavier snowfalls and constant ice will appreciate these tips from our team on handling the season as the temperature drops.

Rinsing!

Rinsing is essential in any self-serve, friction, or touchless car wash, but it’s especially important during the winter. It is vital to remove as much of that salt, visible dirt and winter grime as possible before the cleaning stages can begin to safely wash the rest of the vehicle.

Undercarriage Wash

Salt and debris can build up underneath the car and start to cause major rust. Focusing on the undercarriage will help clean off that residue to minimize the potential damage that can be done to your customer's vehicles.

On the Car Wash Chemistry Side of Things...

Finishing products always play a strong role in car washing but they are especially relied upon in the winter months. Sealants, waxes, ceramic coatings, and more are used to protect the vehicle from road salt and other products after they are cleaned, to help prevent corrosive damage and keep them looking their best.

Equipment and More

Colder temperatures may affect your equipment and/or building operations, here are just a few of the areas you may want to look at.

Heaters

Ensure your heaters are functioning as you will need them during these few months. A heated garage can ensure a much smoother operation for both your equipment and your employees. It can also prevent problems with freezing which can wreak havoc regarding your pipes and functionality.

Equipment Freezing Risks

Overhead doors and self-serve equipment are examples of areas that can freeze and become not usable in very cold temperatures, you will want to make sure they are working and well-lubricated. This also goes for other equipment and moving parts that can freeze.

Some equipment faces the risk of freezing and becoming unusable during the cold. Some notable examples would be self-serve systems and overhead doors that can have their doors shut.

What is the best way to keep your car clean in the winter?

A professional automatic car wash is the best way to wash your car in the winter. This will ensure that all the salt, dirt and grime are safely removed from your car with minimal effort.

Washing your car at home in the winter can cause ice and snow to stick to your car, leading to improper washing of the vehicle. Therefore, using a professional automatic car wash is recommended during the winter months as it will thoroughly clean your car.

It is also important to use waxes, sealants and ceramic coatings after washing your car in order to protect it from the winter season and ensure your paint job stays intact.

What is the best weather to wash your car?

The best weather to wash your car is on a mild winter day with temperatures between 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit when there is no snow or rain in the forecast. This will allow for the car to be properly cleaned and dried without any residue accumulating on the vehicle.

Additionally, this temperature range is optimal for waxes and sealants to work properly in protecting your car. It is important to note that if the temperature is too cold, snow can stick to the car and cause improper cleaning.

Concern about the Winter Season? Contact Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group

Being based in Canada, we know a thing or two about car washing in harsh winter seasons. We support our clients in a variety of aspects ranging from chemistry, equipment, operations, marketing and more, some of which can differ in the winter.

We'd be happy to talk about what your car wash can do to be better suited for the busy winter season.