I've never bothered before, and I think it's taken its toll on our old car. We now have a "new" one and I'd like to keep it going as long as possible, so I've been wondering how to get all that damaging salt off in the winter.
Most of the car washes near me seem to shut down from December to April, and I don't like using them anyway.
As it's going to be sub-zero for nearly 5 months, the water will be off in the garage..... so, what do you all do?

Touchless car wash every couple of weeks, and 3M paint protection film.

I leave a nice layer of mud on in the autumn and wash it all off in the spring.

Leave it in the garage until spring?

I read the question and thought, "People wash their cars in winter?"

I did that once when I was 18 and had my first car. A balmy, sunny, freakishly plus zero day, I took it to the car wash. The next morning, the doors were all frozen shut.

I honestly don't think I've seen a "touchless" car wash around here (I had to google to find out what it was!!).... and I'm sure they shut so many car washes because they're too tight to keep the water hot (or at least not frozen!)

That's what I've done in the past, and I'm sure it's wrecked the paint and trim... something I want to avoid, if I can!


We don't have buses around here...!

That's a problem I hadn't thought of.... if it's not fully dried, that could be awkward at -30!

Similarly, I allow the layers of frozen-on snow and ice to protect the paintwork during the six month winter season.

The salt has no chance against these defences

Wait for a warm day or two and wash your car. Pressure wand with soap then scrub with the shaggy foam mop then rinse. Just like dishes only bigger. Don't leave your lock de-icer in the glove compartent, put it in the house or in your pocket first. Lock de-icer only works some of the time. If your locks do freeze up don't waste a CAA call on it, get an extension cord and a hair dryer and you can thaw it out in a few minutes.

Is that a bit like driving an igloo?

Good tips about frozen locks! Thanks. Around here we don't really get any "warm" days until about April!

I did "google" this question before I asked here.... some people use a "dry wash" product that seems to be quite new. It's a spray that reduces dirt / salt etc. to tiny particles that won't scratch your paint when you wipe it off (supposedly!)... have any of you used that?

It's a car FFS. Why stress about it?

There's a bit of a sliding scale about what a warm day is; in February it may be -12..... When it's -18 or -25 and you park outside your doors will freeze. I think salt has always been more of a problem in eastern Canada than the west, but it's good to clean it off here too. I don't use the spray wax but it may help, anyone know?

This. My car is always dirty and stinks of wet dog. Amount of f**ks given = 0.

Because it's new and cost me a lot of money, you cranky old git.