According to Progressive Insurance and a CBS News report that called upon experts to discuss the effects winter weather can have on your vehicle, it’s important to wash your car as soon as possible after a rainy day or time spent on a salted road. In the CBS report, Tyler Schaede of Christian Brothers Automotive in Dallas, TX, notes that the brine content of the road salt is what causes damage to the car’s paint job and metal framework.
While a Jalopnik piece focuses primarily on winter weather conditions, the reasoning is the same for any car in a rainy or humid environment. Rust is a common problem among vehicles in cold and wet environments, and it can very easily spread when a car isn’t properly cared for and cleaned after poor weather conditions.
Though the main reason for cleaning your car after a storm may be cosmetic, there’s another potential cause for concern. When it snows, the wheel well can become packed with snow and the dirt and salt it collects throughout the season. All of this buildup can impact how a car performs. It may become difficult to maneuver or brake safely.
