It might seem counterproductive to wash your car during the wintertime, especially in Minnesota, where a fresh snowfall is always a threat. However, it’s important to clean your car often to rid it of road salt. While it’s great for providing traction on icy roads, road salt can cause considerable damage to your vehicle. The car repair professionals at Stillwater Auto Clinic in Stillwater, MN, would like to remind drivers that road salt can be bad news for your car if you don’t keep it clean this winter.

When road salt attaches itself to the exterior of your car, it can do more than simply contribute to an ugly exterior. Rust and corrosion are a major issue that can be avoided by regularly washing the salt from your vehicle. While rust spots might seem like only a cosmetic issue, they can go deeper and start to really damage your car. That’s why when the weather gets above freezing, drive over to your local car wash and let your car enjoy a nice bath.

If salt mixes with the oils and fluids in your car, it can be corrosive enough to eat right through important lines and systems, like your brakes. When you wash your car, don’t concentrate on the exterior alone; be sure that the exposed undercarriage is also rinsed clean of salty debris. If you think that car washes in winter are a pricey luxury, consider how much you’ll spend on car repair instead!

If you live in Stillwater, MN and you are in need of a car repair this winter, whether it’s a simple oil change or more extensive brakes or transmission work, call Stillwater Auto Clinic at (651) 351-7188 or visit their website.