When is it safe to wash the salt off your car? Here’s when NC’s winter weather should end

Before much of North Carolina was pelted with snow last week, crews were out salting the roads to ensure safe driving conditions.

While salt can reduce slickness on the roads, it can also damage your vehicle if you don’t wash it regularly.

Salt can cause rust, which can damage equipment involving braking, steering, suspension and fuel systems, according to Consumer Reports. It can also cover headlights, tail lights and sensors for automatic emergency braking.

When will it be safe to wash our cars without much more of a risk of icy weather (and road salt)?

Here’s how often you should wash the salt off your car, and some tips on how to remove it without damaging your car’s exterior.

When is winter weather expected to end in NC?

The best chances for snow in North Carolina usually occur in January and the first half of February, Brandon Locklear, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Raleigh told The Charlotte Observer.

“Once you get past that second week of February, when you look at historical snowfall events and storms, the number really just drops off the cliff,” Locklear said.

Meteorologists are predicting above-normal temperatures for the first half of February this year, which means there’s even less of a chance of snow in the coming weeks, Locklear said.

However, Locklear said there has been measurable snow in North Carolina in March and April, but those events are “very rare.”

The Raleigh and Charlotte areas both saw sunny days in the mid-60s this week.

How often should you wash the salt off your car?

During the colder months, Consumer Reports recommends washing your car at least once a month. If your car is coated in salt, you should consider washing it more often.

“We recommend a touchless wash that cleans your whole car, including the undercarriage,” Consumer Reports said. “The underbody spray is often an added charge, but it is a worthwhile upgrade to remove salt.”

How to clean salt off your car

If you prefer to wash your car at home, the best way to clean salt off your car is to rinse it with water first, according to Kernersville Auto Center based in North Carolina.

Then, you should wash your car with good quality soap and apply a coat of wax for an extra layer of protection.

You can also track salt into your car, which can cause staining on the carpet and upholstery in its interior, but it can be difficult to remove if it becomes embedded in the fibers, Kernersville Auto Center says.

“This is where neutralizing salt with a vinegar solution is beneficial. However, you do need to be careful to avoid getting any electrical connections wet,” Kenersville Auto Center says.

This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 5:15 AM with the headline "When is it safe to wash the salt off your car? Here’s when NC’s winter weather should end."

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.