Salted Roads in Colorado: Why a Clean Car Matters

Watermill Auto & Pet Wash
2 days ago
2 min read

It’s that time of year again!

As winter settles in across Colorado, road crews treat highways, mountain passes, and city streets with salt and de-icing materials to keep drivers safe. While this makes winter driving more manageable, it also creates a hidden problem for your vehicle.

Road salt doesn’t stop working once the snow melts or the roads dry. It sticks to your car, creeps into hard-to-see areas, and begins breaking down metal and protective finishes—often without you noticing until damage has already started.

The Top 5 Parts of Your Car Salt Damages First

1️⃣ Undercarriage & Frame

This is where salt does the most damage. Slush and salty spray coat your frame, suspension, and mounting points, accelerating rust and long-term corrosion.

2️⃣ Brake Lines & Brake Components

Brake lines, calipers, and rotors are constantly exposed to salt. Over time, corrosion here can affect performance and lead to costly repairs.

3️⃣ Wheel Wells & Suspension

Salt and moisture get trapped in wheel wells, attacking shocks, struts, and suspension hardware—especially during freeze-thaw cycles.

4️⃣ Exhaust System

Your exhaust system faces extreme temperature changes. Add salt, and rust develops faster on pipes, mufflers, and heat shields.

5️⃣ Lower Body Panels & Paint

Salt residue clings to doors, rocker panels, and bumpers. Left unwashed, it can eat into clear coat and cause bubbling or dull paint.

Why Winter Washing Matters

Salt doesn’t go away on its own. Regular washing—especially with an undercarriage rinse—is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your vehicle during winter.

Removing salt buildup helps:

Slow corrosion and rust
Protect paint and clear coat
Extend the life of critical components
Maintain your vehicle’s value

At Watermill Auto & Pet Wash, our touchless automatic washes and self-serve bays make it easy to wash away winter salt and grime—any time, day or night. A clean car isn’t just about looks. It’s about protection.

Pro Tip

During winter or heavy road-treatment conditions, washing once a week—especially after snowstorms or highway driving—can make a noticeable difference.