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Washing your car regularly, especially in the winter, helps improve safety when on the road!
Every car owner knows
that driving and vehicle maintenance often vary with the changing seasons. As
the weather shifts, certain parts of the car require more attention depending
on the time of year. In winter, for example, it is crucial to monitor your
engine’s performance, making sure it does not overheat with use before it has
fully warmed up. Tires also need extra care, as icy or slick roads from snow
and rain can lead to dangerous driving conditions. But there is an aspect of
car maintenance that is particularly important during winter, something that
many people might not realize is a risk until it is too late. This overlooked
issue involves the exterior body of your vehicle and the buildup of road grime
that can cause significant damage to your car.
As weather grows to be
more and more unpredictable, people can go from experiencing calm weather to
sudden extreme icy conditions in just a day. Places that typically experience
mild winters are now seeing “arctic blasts” of freezing temperatures and heavy
storms. This has created hazardous driving conditions, particularly on the
roads. To improve safety and make driving more manageable, many states turn to
road treatments made up of a mixture of salt and water, known as a salt brine.
While this treatment helps prevent ice from forming on the roads, it comes with
its own set of problems for drivers.
When heavy rains follow,
the salt brine mixture does not just disappear—it gets kicked back up onto your
car’s exterior. This leads to a buildup of salty grime, which can be harmful to
your vehicle in several ways. Not only does it leave your car looking dirty,
but it can also cause damage to certain parts of the vehicle, especially the
sensors that are integral to modern safety systems.
The cars that are most
vulnerable to this salty buildup are typically newer models that rely heavily
on sensors embedded in their exterior for various safety features. These
sensors help with parking assistance, collision detection, lane-keeping, and
other advanced driver-assist features. However, when they become blocked or
coated with grime, they may malfunction or give inaccurate readings, putting
your safety at risk.
In addition to sensors,
other components of your car, such as cameras and radar units, can also be
impacted by the buildup of road salt and grime. If not properly cleaned, these
parts can become clogged, leading to malfunctions or reduced effectiveness of
essential systems. While most drivers are aware of the importance of
maintaining their engine, tires, and other mechanical components, the exterior
of the car often gets overlooked, especially when it comes to protecting these
critical sensors.
To ensure your car
remains in good condition during the winter months, experts recommend frequent
washes to remove road grime and salt buildup. Regular cleaning helps maintain
the functionality of the sensors and ensures that they are not compromised by debris
or corrosion. While it may seem like an added chore, it does not take much time
or effort to give your car a quick rinse every few days to remove the worst of
the buildup.
If you do not want to
wash your car entirely every time, you can focus on cleaning the specific parts
of your car that are most vulnerable, like the sensors. A simple bucket of
water with a small amount of soap can be used to wipe down the exterior of the
car, paying special attention to the areas around the bumper, backup camera,
and radar sensors. This method can be particularly useful between more thorough
washes, helping to keep your car in safe operating condition without requiring
a lot of time or resources.
Incorporating regular car
cleaning into your routine—whether it is a full wash or just a quick wipe-down
of key components—can make a significant difference in your vehicle’s
performance and longevity. Stay safe, and keep your car clean with Burbank Car Detail’s
services today!
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