How Regular Washing Protects Your Car from Road Salt

Every winter in Minnesota, road salt becomes part of daily driving. It helps make roads safer — but it also silently damages vehicles when it’s allowed to sit too long.

Regular washing isn’t about making your car look pretty.It’s about preventing expensive damage, stopping rust before it starts, and protecting one of your biggest investments.

Here’s how staying consistent with your washes can extend the life of your vehicle.

Why Road Salt Is So Tough on Your Car

Salt is designed to break down ice — but that same chemical reaction also breaks down your vehicle’s protective layers.

When salt builds up, it:

• Accelerates rust and corrosion

• Eats away at underbody components

• Weakens brake and fuel lines

• Damages wheels and suspension parts

• Breaks down paint and clear coat protection

Even just a few days of exposure during wet winter conditions can begin this process.

Why Regular Washing Really Matters

The key word is regular.

One wash helps…but consistent washing prevents buildup before corrosion starts.

Regular washing:

• Removes salt before it bonds to metal

• Flushes salt from hard-to-reach areas

• Protects underbody and suspension components

• Helps preserve paint and clear coat

• Slows long-term wear and rust development

Once corrosion starts, it doesn’t stop — it only slows.Prevention is always cheaper than repair.

How Often Should You Wash in Winter?

For Minnesota winter driving, we recommend:

✅ Washing once per week during heavy salt use

✅ Washing after snowstorms or icy road conditions

✅ Washing anytime temperatures rise above freezing

Even if your vehicle looks clean, salt often hides where you can’t see it — underneath.

Your Washing Options at Rice Street Car Wash

At Rice Street Car Wash, we make winter washing easy, fast, and affordable.

🚘 Touch-Free Automatic Wash

For quick, powerful, no-hands cleaning.

Includes:

• High-pressure underbody rinse

• Hot presoak that breaks down salt

• Touch-free wash (no brushes)

• Spot-free rinse

• Free vacuums

🚿 Heated Self-Serve Wash Bays

Prefer to wash it yourself?Our self-serve bays give you full control to target salt where it builds up most.

Perfect for:

• Wheel wells

• Rocker panels

• Underbody problem areas

• Salt packed after storms

Includes:

• High-pressure soap and rinse

• Foam brush

• Spot-free rinse

• Free vacuums nearby

Affordable for Everyone

We believe winter car care should be affordable — not a luxury.

That’s why we keep our prices fair and our wash options accessible for everyone in our community.

And if you’re ever a little short on cash:

Just let one of our team members know.We’ll help cover the difference. No embarrassment. No pressure. Just neighbors helping neighbors.

Save More with Our Unlimited Winter Memberships

Our Unlimited Car Wash Memberships start at just $20/month, and include:

• Unlimited washes

• Free vacuums

• 50% off family plan add-ons

• No contracts

• Cancel anytime

Winter memberships pay for themselves faster than any other season.

Protect Your Car Before the Rust Starts

Salt damage doesn’t happen all at once — it builds slow, hidden, and costly.

Regular washing is one of the best defenses you have.

Stop by anytime and let us help keep your vehicle clean, protected, and winter-ready.

Rice Street Car Wash — affordable for everyone, home of the $20/month unlimited wash, free vacuums, and 50% off family plans.