Baby, it’s cold outside. And if you live in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, chances are your car is looking a little ragged these days. The cold temperatures, roads covered with salt and dirty snow can make your car very unrecognizable, and the last thing you want to do is wash your vehicle. And your neighbors, might think you’ve lost your mind if they see you outside with a bucket of water and a hose. But if they’re honest with themselves, they’ll know you’re doing the right thing.

Road salt, snow, and moisture can cause rust on a car, and once rust starts it’s hard to stop. These elements can lead to harmful deposits and can quickly buildup. If the build-up is left unchecked, it can eat away at your car’s exposed metalwork which can be found on your car’s undercarriage. If rust takes hold in the undercarriage it can cause all sorts of mechanical issues down the road, and the resale value of your car will plummet when it comes time to trade it in.

By washing your car at least every week throughout winter, you can reduce the amount of grease and grime left to sit on exposed metal, stopping rust in its tracks. Even if it’s just a quick run through the express wash, this will dislodge deposits and help to keep the undercarriage in a good condition for longer.