This might surprise you
Winter is the season when bad car care habits really start to show. Between freezing temperatures, road salt, and constant moisture, your vehicle is under more stress than at any other time of year. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers rely on outdated advice or myths that actually cause damage instead of preventing it.
This month, we’re breaking down the most common winter car care myths — and what you should be doing instead to protect your investment.
Myth #1: “You Don’t Need to Wash Your Car in Winter.”
This is the most expensive myth on the list.
Salt, brine, and chemical de-icers don’t just make your car dirty — they actively corrode metal, eat into clear coat, and accelerate rust. When these materials sit on your vehicle for weeks, the damage becomes permanent.
The truth:
Winter is the most important time to wash your car. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion, protects your paint, and keeps your undercarriage from deteriorating.
Myth #2: “Automatic Car Washes Are Good Enough in Winter.”
Automatic washes are convenient, but they’re not designed for winter protection. Most of them:
• Recycle dirty water
• Use harsh chemicals
• Miss the undercarriage
• Leave behind salt in seams and crevices
• Add micro-scratches from dirty brushes
In winter, those missed areas are exactly where rust starts.
The truth:
A professional hand wash removes salt from the places machines can’t reach — and prevents the swirl marks that show up in spring sunlight.
Myth #3: “Remote Start Warms Up the Whole Car Safely.”
Remote start is great for comfort, but it doesn’t magically protect your vehicle.
Letting your car idle for long periods can actually cause:
• Fuel dilution in the oil
• Excess carbon buildup
• Uneven engine warm-up
• Foggy windows from trapped moisture
And it does nothing to remove salt or protect your paint.
The truth:
Remote start is fine for a few minutes, but the best way to warm your vehicle is to drive it gently. And it has zero impact on winter detailing needs.
Myth #4: “New Cars Don’t Need Winter Protection.”
This one catches a lot of people off guard.
New vehicles come with a clear coat — not a protective coating. That clear coat is vulnerable to:
• Salt
• Sand
• Acidic slush
• UV exposure
• Chemical de-icers
Even brand-new paint can start to dull or corrode after one winter without proper protection.
The truth:
New cars benefit the most from winter detailing because you’re preserving the finish before damage starts.
Myth #5: “Salt Only Damages the Outside of the Car.”
Salt doesn’t stop at the paint.
Every time you step into your vehicle, you track in:
• Salt
• Moisture
• Slush
• Dirt
• Road chemicals
These materials soak into carpets, stain floor mats, and cause long-term odor and mold issues if not properly extracted.
The truth:
Interior winter detailing is just as important as exterior care — especially for preventing permanent salt stains and moisture damage.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Winter Myths Cost You Money
Most winter damage is preventable — but only if you ignore the myths and follow real, professional advice. Regular winter detailing protects your paint, interior, wheels, and undercarriage from the harshest conditions of the year.
If you want your vehicle to look great in spring (and avoid expensive repairs later), winter is the time to stay on top of maintenance.
