Do I Still Need to Wash My Car in the Winter in Arizona?

During the winter, Arizona's sweltering heat gives way to milder temps and little rain. While this can be a welcome relief from the dog days of summer, does that mean your car can skip its regular wash? Not so fast -- winter weather conditions in the Grand Canyon State can still be harsh on your vehicle's undercarriage and exterior finish. Here's how.

What Makes Arizona Winters Different?

Even though winters in Arizona don’t usually involve snow and ice, they do bring a different set of challenges, like:
Drastic Temperature Changes

Drastic Temperature Changes

Desert winters are truly a unique phenomenon, and temperatures can fluctuate wildly between day and night. Daytime temperatures can be pleasantly mild, usually in the 60s and 70s, while nighttime temps can drop as low as the 30s. These shifts can cause the molecules of your vehicle paint to expand and contract, making it more susceptible to cracking, chipping, and peeling.Regular washing helps remove contaminants and prevents moisture from becoming trapped against the paint, reducing the risk of damage and improving your vehicle's shine.

Winter SUV Garage Arizona

Increased Static Electricity

With colder temperatures comes decreased humidity and increased static electricity. This can build up a charge on the outside of your car, attracting dust and dirt particles to it like a magnet. Not only does it make your vehicle look bad, it can reduce visibility and make driving less safe in low-light conditions.Plus, dust particles can act like tiny abrasives, scratching the surface of your paint as you drive. Over time, this can lead to microabrasions that dull the finish of your clear coat and require restoration. Maintaining a clean vehicle exterior prevents the accumulation of static charge and makes it harder for dust and dirt to stick to the surface of your car.

Holiday Travel

Holiday Travel

While Arizona's mild winters are perfect for holiday road trips, increased travel means there's more grime, debris, and other contaminants on the road. These accumulate as you drive and if left untreated, they can start to damage your paint and undercarriage.

Top Tips for a Great Winter Wash

Getting your car clean in the winter requires a bit of forethought, but Quick N Clean makes it easy with fast service and multiple wash packages to choose from. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Winter temps can drop drastically when the sun goes down, so try to time your wash in the afternoon.
Make sure your wash includes undercarriage cleaning and waxing for the best results.
Washing your car frequently helps prevent harmful dirt buildup that is harder to scrub clean. Stick to a regular schedule, so grime doesn’t have a chance to collect.
When you need a thorough wash that leaves your car sparkling clean, stop by Quick N Clean car wash in Gold Canyon, Arizona. With awesome features like our signature Lava Luster, wheel blaster, and tire shine, your vehicle will look its best no matter where you’re headed.
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