Triple A
OKLAHOMA CITY – Feb. 11, 2026 – With the most recent winter weather in the past and the mercury rising, now is the time to wash winter off your car or costly repair bills could clean out your wallet instead down the road. AAA is reminding drivers to get their cars washed after every significant storm – especially the undercarriage – to reduce the potential for rust damage and the corrosion of brake and fuel lines caused by winter pavement clearing chemicals and treatments.
Previous AAA research indicates Americans spend $3 billion a year on repairs from rust damage caused by de-icers. It’s not just the treatment on the roads, but also the chemicals used to keep parking lots ice-free.
“Taking the time for a quick car wash now could save both time and money down the road,” said Shawn Steward, Public Affairs manager for AAA Oklahoma. “Corroded brake lines, often the result of road salts and de-icers, can cost hundreds of dollars to replace, or more, depending on the vehicle.”
AAA recommends taking full advantage of car washes that offer undercarriage rinses to remove buildup on critical components. Drivers who wash their vehicles by hand or at wand‑wash stations should pay extra attention to the wheels, wheel wells, and the underbody.
“With the average price of a new vehicle is hovering around $50,000, drivers are now keeping their cars longer, so it is critical that they understand that keeping them clean is not just a matter of vanity, it’s about longevity,” Steward said.
AAA’s Tips to Minimize Winter‑Related Damage
-
When possible, limit driving immediately before, during and after winter storms when salt and de-icing solutions are being applied and are at their highest concentrations.
-
Frequently wash your vehicle, paying particular attention to the undercarriage. This will loosen, dissolve and neutralize road salts. Many drive-through car washes offer an undercarriage rinse as an option.
-
Always use a high-quality car wash solution, not a household dish detergent that will strip the wax from your vehicle.
-
Repair any body damage and touch up paint scratches and chips that expose bare metal which could lead to rust.
-
Give the entire vehicle and undercarriage one last cleaning in the spring. Any deposits left over from winter can continue to cause corrosion year-round if not properly removed.
-
Don’t neglect the interior. Car floor mats can become wet when snow from shoes and boots melts. It leaves moisture in the vehicle and can soak down to the floorboards causing rust on the inside of the vehicle. Remove mats from the vehicle, clean them and let them dry before re-installing.
According to AAA experts, it is safe to wash your vehicle in the winter as long as the temperature is above freezing. If it’s below freezing, there’s a chance the soap and rinse from the wash could coat components under the vehicle and re-freeze.
It is important to completely dry the vehicle immediately after the wash to avoid the car freezing and to avoid attracting more dirt and grime. Drying the seals and door jams is vital too, otherwise the doors could freeze as soon as the temperature drops, making it difficult to open them.
AAA strongly urges drivers who experience any of the following vehicle malfunctions to immediately move the vehicle off the road to a safe location and have it towed to a trusted AAA Car Care center or AAA Approved repair facility:
-
In-dash warning lights for brakes and other critical systems.
-
A “spongey” or soft feeling when applying pressure to the brake pedal.
-
An unusually loud exhaust sound or the smell of fumes in or around the vehicle.
-
The prominent smell of gasoline or diesel fuel when the vehicle is running or parked.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and more than 450,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
Get Local News!
