Salt, dirt & shine: care tips from professionals for winter car care

Eduard Krasniqi is an expert when it comes to car care. The trained mechanic and his team have recently been running a modern car wash in Flachgau’s Anif. Back in 2018, he fulfilled a long-held dream with his car detailing company Mozart Car Clean in Salzburg. He also knows exactly what is important – especially in the cold season when salt and dirt add to the vehicle.

“Proper car care is essential in autumn and winter,” emphasizes Krasniqi. This is mainly due to the salt that is spread on the roads in winter to keep the roads ice-free. “Salt residue can attack the paint and even lead to rust, especially if the car has small damage or stone chips,” he explains. Here it can quickly happen that the salt eats into tiny cracks and causes rust spots that expand over time. Regular cleaning of the vehicle, including washing the underbody, is therefore particularly important.

“Underbody washing should be a must in winter,” says Krasniqi. “Many drivers underestimate how aggressive salt residue can be on the underbody.” If salt and dirt settle there, it can damage the metal parts and pipes and cause permanent damage. Anyone who uses their vehicle every day or often parks it outdoors should carry out a thorough cleaning once a week or at least every two weeks.

Pre-cleaning and cleaning products: Mistakes when washing your car lead to problems

However, despite the urgency of keeping the car clean, many vehicle owners make cleaning mistakes. According to Krasniqi, a main problem is the neglect of pre-cleaning. “A lot of people skimp on pre-cleaning, but that’s a big mistake,” he says. Pre-cleaning ensures that coarse dirt and small particles are removed before the car goes into the car wash. Without thorough pre-cleaning, these dirt particles can act like sandpaper and scratch the paintwork when picked up by the car wash brushes.

Another major mistake is the use of aggressive cleaning agents. “Some people use household cleaners or unsuitable chemicals that damage the paint or rubber parts,” warns Krasniqi. This can cause permanent damage that is expensive to repair. “The right cleaning product is crucial and you should do your research before applying anything.”

Best investment: have the underbody and rims sealed

Krasniqi recommends subfloor sealing for the winter. “It’s one of the best investments you can make,” he explains. A seal protects the subfloor from salt and moisture and prevents rust from occurring. “Ceramic sealants do not protect the paint from scratches as many believe, but they do make the surface more resistant to dirt and make cleaning easier.”

Krasniqi emphasizes that caring for the rims is also important. “Many customers have their rims sealed in the winter so that brake dust and salt residues don’t settle as easily,” he explains. This saves time and effort when cleaning and protects the rims from corrosion.

Tips for proper cleaning

If you clean the car yourself, Krasniqi gives the following tips: “The brushes and cloths must be clean and soft. Even the smallest particles of dirt can cause scratches. He is particularly critical of untested car washes.” Some brushes contain dirt that can scratch the paint. ” In addition, Krasniqi advises not to just rely on the latest hype when it comes to cleaning products without finding out about their effectiveness. “Insect sprays or wheel cleaners that are not intended for the respective area of ​​use can attack or fade the paint,” he says .

Regular cleaning also increases the value of the car and is a plus point when it comes to resale.

This article comes from the magazine: