When it comes to car parts, the undercarriage is often overlooked. It might be out of sight, but it is critical to the proper functioning of your vehicle. If you don’t clean it regularly, the undercarriage can rust, and its parts can deteriorate. Here’s why and how to do so.

Why Clean Your Car’s Undercarriage?

If you live in a cold climate, road salt clings to the underside of your car in the winter. Salt attracts water molecules and speeds up oxidization, causing components of your car’s undercarriage to rust and potentially fail. The sooner you remove that salt, the safer the vehicle will be.

Other car parts, including your engine and transmission, keep cool by releasing heat into the undercarriage. However, when the undercarriage is caked in grime, it may cool inefficiently and cause overheating. Car parts like gas tanks and mufflers are expensive to replace, so taking the time to clean them will save you money in the long run.

How Do You Do It?

Preparation

Before you begin, use a flashlight to check the overall condition of your undercarriage. Based on how dirty it looks, you can plan for how much time and which tools you’ll need. Gather what you need, such as a pressure washer, car jacks, a brush, and a cleaning solution.

Cleaning

If you have a lifted truck, your cleaning process will be easier than most people’s. If not, the first step is to jack your car off the ground. Next, use the pressure washer to spray your way along the underside of the vehicle. Split it into sections to make it more manageable.

If you clean the car’s underside regularly, you might be finished after this step. However, if it’s been a while or it’s been a nasty winter, you might need to use the brush and cleaner on problematic areas where there’s excess grime.

Afterward, use the pressure washer again to rinse off any leftover cleaning solution. Add a protectant to the undercarriage to guard it against moisture and keep it clean for longer.

Take care of the rest of your car with used auto parts from Marcell’s in Hamilton, OH. Their professional team also offers towing and auto repairs to get your car back on the road. If your car breaks down, you can call them, no matter the time of day, for reliable towing service. Call (513) 867-8889 with your emergency or to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about their excellent services.