Winter Car Washing in Massachusetts: When to Wash and What to Clean
Massachusetts winters can be tough on your car. Between snow, slush, road salt, and sand, your vehicle can quickly collect buildup inside and out. Even before the first major snowstorm, roads may be treated with salt and other deicing solutions.
Getting into a regular car washing routine before winter arrives can help protect your vehicle and make keeping it clean much easier. Here are a few simple tips to help you prepare for the season ahead!
1. Start With a Weekly Wash
At Prestige, we recommend starting with at least one car wash per week during the winter, when weather conditions allow. Research supports the importance of regular winter washing. A 2025 report prepared for the Alaska Department of Transportation recommends frequent washing, weekly, when possible, to help reduce corrosion from road salt. As winter weather picks up, you may need to wash more frequently. After a snowstorm, repeated drives on heavily salted roads, or noticeable salt buildup, consider adding an extra wash rather than waiting for your regular wash day. AAA also recommends increasing wash frequency after exposure to heavily salted roads.
The goal is simple: Start with a weekly wash and adjust based on the weather and road conditions.
2. Don’t Forget Your Undercarriage
Road salt doesn’t just sit on the outside of your car. It can collect underneath your vehicle, around the wheels, and in other hard-to-reach areas. Over time, salt and moisture can cause rust and corrosion, potentially leading to costly damage. Choosing a car wash that includes underbody cleaning can help rinse away this buildup.
At Prestige, our Gold, Platinum, and Diamond VIP Plans all include an Underbody Wash to help remove road salt and grime. Gold also includes Clean Rims, Platinum adds Triple Foam and Sealer Wax, and Diamond offers additional protection features like Ceramic Seal and Rain-X Protectant. Our Basic Plan includes Zep Presoak and Turbo Dryer but does not include an Underbody Wash. If winter road salt is a concern, choosing Gold or higher is a great place to start!
3. Choose the Right Time to Wash
Winter temperatures can make washing your car a little tricky. When possible, plan your wash during a warmer part of the day, especially when temperatures are above freezing. AAA Northeast recommends drying your door seals after washing to help prevent them from freezing shut. Before heading out, always make sure your windows, mirrors, headlights, and taillights are clean and clear of snow and ice. Don’t forget to clear snow from your roof, too!
A little extra attention can help maintain visibility during winter driving.
4. Keep the Winter Mess Out of Your Car
Winter weather doesn’t just affect your car’s exterior. Wet boots can track salt, sand, snow, and dirt onto your floor mats and carpets. Over time, this buildup can leave your interior looking and feeling less than fresh. Regularly vacuuming your carpets and floor mats helps remove loose dirt, salt, and debris before it becomes embedded. If your mats get wet, remove them and allow them to dry completely before putting them back.
At Prestige, we offer FREE vacuums at participating locations, no purchase necessary, making it easy to keep your car’s interior nice and clean all winter long!
5. Make Winter Washing Easier With Prestige VIP Plans
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but keeping your car clean doesn’t have to be difficult. At Prestige, our VIP Members can wash up to once a day at participating locations, making it easy to adjust their washing routine as conditions change. Whether you’re stopping by for your weekly wash or need an additional wash after a snowy, salty commute, a Prestige VIP Plan gives you the flexibility to keep up with winter weather.
Get ahead of the winter mess! Start your washing routine now and keep your car nice and clean all season long.
Explore our VIP Plans and find the right wash for your winter driving needs!
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