Why It’s Important to Wash the Underbody of Your Car
The underbody of your vehicle is often exposed to road debris, dirt and salt. Additionally, it houses some essential safety components like brakes and steering system which may become malfunctioning if left uncleaned.
Consumer Reports recommends washing your underbody at least once annually, and more often if you drive off-road or live in an area that regularly applies salt on roads during winter.
Though it may seem like an unnecessary expense, washing your underbody can prove beneficial in the long run. Not only will it protect all of the components beneath your car, but it will help extend their life and performance as well.
It is important not to neglect your car’s underbody when it comes to maintenance, as neglecting it could negatively affect its condition and value. A well-maintained underbody also prevents issues like rust and corrosion which could require costly repairs in the future.
A thorough underbody car wash will eliminate all dirt and grime that accumulates beneath your vehicle, keeping it looking its best and maintaining its shine.
There are a few steps you can take to simplify the under body cleaning process, such as investing in a pressure washer or using steam cleaner. The latter will be beneficial in eliminating oil and dirt while the pressure washer will loosen up road gunk and dust particles.
When washing the underbody of your car, the type of detergent you use is important to consider. A low pH detergent is ideal for neutralizing road salt and de-icing solutions while breaking down surface rusting.
However, a high pH detergent can be used for an even deeper under body clean. This will take away excess dirt and oil from your vehicle, as well as break down any rust that has formed.
One last tip is to ensure you have a quality vacuum before beginning the underbody cleaning process. This will make it much simpler to get all of the dirt and grime out of your vehicle’s undercarriage.
Finally, don’t forget to rinse your vehicle after an underbody car wash. You can either do so with the same water used for washing it or purchase a special car wash that will do this task for you.
A thorough underbody car wash will give your vehicle a new shine and protect it from future damage. This also increases the value of your vehicle, making it easier to sell when you decide to trade in or get rid of it.