How Often Should You Wash Road Salt Off Your Car?

Plus, 10 tips to help keep your vehicle clean during the winter months

By Consumer Reports

Updated February 13, 2026

Road salt, or a liquid version of it, is used to melt snow and ice on roads across the U.S. It’s very effective for making roads safer, but salt accelerates rust, which can damage safety-related equipment for braking, steering, suspension, and fuel systems. Plus, it can cover headlights, taillights, and the sensors for automatic emergency braking.

To combat the potential ill effects of salt, Consumer Reports’ experts advise a monthly car wash during snow season—or more often if the vehicle is coated in salt. We recommend a touchless wash that cleans your whole car, including the undercarriage. (After snow falls, be sure to clear the entire car body to make sure that all cameras and sensors are able to work properly.) The underbody spray is often an added charge, but it’s a worthwhile upgrade to remove salt.

Winter Car Wash Tips

Choose the right car wash. Is the facility clean? Is the building well cared for? If the owners take care of the outside of the business, chances are they also invest in equipment and its maintenance inside.

Cheaper isn’t always better. Car washes that seem really inexpensive might cut corners, such as using more caustic soaps that remove dirt easily but aren’t as good for a car’s finish.

How to Use Ice Melt Without Damaging Surfaces, Plants, or Your Pet's Paws

Use these tips for de-icing your driveway, sidewalks, and other pathways.

Take precautions. If you have an antenna, a roof rack, or a bike rack, remove it before entering an automatic car wash. Also turn off the automatic wipers and make sure the windows and roof are closed. If your car has a car wash mode, often a feature in EVs, make sure it’s activated before washing starts. And turn off parking, or proximity, sensors to avoid a beeping cacophony.

Protect your undercarriage. You don’t need an undercarriage wash in good weather. But it’s a good option if you drive through mud or live in a part of the U.S. where roads are salted in winter, CR’s experts say.

Spring for wheel cleaning. Most of the year, the added cost for this targeted cleaning may be frivolous, but our experts think that in the winter, the extra attention to this area may help clear salt away from the brakes and be worth the expense.

Skip tire treatments. These applications can add a shine to the rubber, but tire companies advise just cleaning the tires with soap and water. They have built-in antioxidants and waxes to protect them.

Regular hand-washing and detailing aren’t required. Many enthusiasts prefer to have their cars hand-washed and thoroughly detailed for the ultimate in appearance and paint protection. But for the average consumer, a touchless automatic car wash will suffice in most cases, balanced with a seasonal polish and vacuuming.

A self-service car wash can also be a good option. Spraying the dirt off your car with a hose at a self-service car wash is a good, quick option to get you through the winter months. You might not get the same shine as you would when paying extra at an automatic car wash, but you’ll at least protect your car from the salty grime. Don’t forget to spray the wheel wells and undercarriage.

Save on washes. Many car wash businesses have a monthly subscription for unlimited washes or a customer loyalty program that offers a free wash after several paid washes. Either incentive can save money during the winter season when you may want frequent washes, and they may encourage regular cleanings.

Polish the car come spring. The end of winter is a great time for a thorough spring cleaning, inside and out. This is a great time for a hand-wash, immediately followed by applying protective car wax. Consumer Reports’ tests have found that in general, the benefits from wax fade after a few weeks. Applying fresh wax once a season is a good way to protect the paint from harmful environmental damage.

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