7 Signs Your Car Needs a Winter Wash Right Now

Winter driving in Ontario means constant exposure to road salt, slush, and grime. But how do you know when your car actually needs a wash? Many drivers wait too long, allowing salt to cause hidden damage.

Here are the seven clear signs that your car needs a winter wash right now.

1. Visible White Salt Residue

The most obvious sign is white, chalky residue on your vehicle's lower panels, wheel wells, and bumpers. This crystallized salt is actively corroding your paint and metal components every moment it sits there.

Don't wait: Salt residue that's been sitting for more than 48 hours has already started the corrosion process.

2. Grimy Film on Windows

If your windshield and windows have a hazy, grimy film that smears when you try to clean it with washer fluid, you've got a mixture of salt and road grime that needs professional cleaning.

This film reduces visibility, especially when the sun is low, creating a dangerous driving situation.

3. Your Car Looks "Two-Toned"

When the lower half of your vehicle is noticeably dirtier than the upper half, it's a clear sign of salt spray accumulation. This "two-toned" appearance means the most vulnerable parts of your car are coated in corrosive material.

4. You Can't Remember Your Last Wash

In winter, you should be washing your vehicle every 7-10 days minimum. If you can't remember when you last visited a car wash, you're overdue.

Pro tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone for every 10 days during winter months.

5. Temperature Fluctuates Around Freezing

When temperatures hover around 0°C (32°F), road crews apply salt most heavily. If you've been driving during these conditions, your car has been bombarded with fresh salt applications.

The freeze-thaw cycle is particularly damaging as it works salt into every crevice.

6. You've Driven Through Slush Puddles

Those brown, murky puddles on the road aren't just water - they're concentrated salt solution. Driving through them coats your entire undercarriage with corrosive material.

If you've hit several slush puddles recently, prioritize an undercarriage wash.

7. Your Brakes Feel or Sound Different

While changes in braking could indicate many issues, salt buildup on brake components can cause squealing, grinding, or reduced performance. If your brakes seem "off," salt corrosion could be a contributing factor.

The Bottom Line

If you recognize even one of these signs, it's time for a wash. At Jet Auto Wash, our undercarriage wash system is specifically designed to blast away winter salt from the areas you can't see but where the most damage occurs.

With our Unlimited Wash Club, you can wash as often as needed without worrying about individual visit costs. During heavy salt periods, that's the smartest way to protect your investment.

Visit us at 1500 Highland Rd W, Kitchener - open 6am to 10pm daily.