Why winter car washing remains important: ACE warns of increased rust risk.

According to ACE, vehicles should also be regularly cleaned during the cold season. Winter grime, moisture and road salt form a combination that accelerates corrosion processes, thereby stressing paint, the underbody and other areas of the bodywork prone to corrosion. Those who wash their vehicles in winter reduce the salt concentration and shorten the exposure time. This helps prevent rust damage and improves the visibility of lighting elements.

Dirt impairs road safety

According to ACE, dirt on headlights, reflectors and license plates can impair visibility in road traffic. For dirty or obscured license plates, a fine of five euros may apply; for impaired lighting, twenty to thirty-five euros may be due. Vehicle owners should regularly check whether central safety components are obscured by winter accumulations.

Recommendations for winter washing

For effective cleaning, it is recommended to spray the car with warm water before entering the car wash. This loosens crusts, and the risk of micro-scratches decreases. For stubborn dirt, active foam can help. A subsequent wax sealing provides only a temporary protective film, but does not replace ongoing vehicle care or the inspection of typical damage points.