Out of sight, out of mind, right?

The undercarriage is often forgotten when you wash your car or pay to have it cleaned. If you don't wash your vehicle's undercarriage, the dirt and grime accumulation can affect everything on your vehicle, from the steering to the bodywork. Not only will your car depreciate, but it can be dangerous not to wash your vehicle thoroughly.

A good undercarriage wash will eliminate dirt, keeping your car in optimum condition and safe. So what exactly is an undercarriage wash? This blog post will answer that question and share why you should consider getting one.

What Is an Undercarriage Wash?

As the name suggests, an undercarriage wash is when you wash your vehicle's undercarriage. Your car's underside is often forgotten as it is not immediately visible. But, neglecting to wash the entirety of your car can lead to a build-up of dirt and structural issues (especially in colder climates when salt is used on the roads). Anybody who lives in colder climates that get snow knows the effects of road salt on cars very well.

There is not a lot of difference in how the undercarriage of a car is washed compared to the rest of the car. It can be done by hand or as part of a carwash package. it involves spraying the underside of your vehicle with water and soap.

Not only will an undercarriage wash leave your car sparkling clean, but it will protect it—a small investment gives you safety and security that money can buy.

Benefits of an Undercarriage Car Wash

You might not yet be sold on the value of an undercarriage car wash, so let's look at some of the concrete benefits of spending a little more time on your vehicle.

Salt Removal

If you live in a colder climate, you probably notice the accumulation of salt on the exterior of your car. The reality is this is only the salt that you CAN see. Just imagine how much salt gets into your wheel arches and onto the car's underside? 

The longer the salt is left on the body, the quicker it will eat through it. The effects of road salt on cars can be devastating as salt creates chemical reactions that corrode your car.

Road salt creates a chemical reaction when exposed to air and water. When air, water, and salt are abundant in winter, this can manifest into a problem. An undercarriage wash will stop that reaction in its tracks and protect the structure of your vehicle.

Stop Rust And Corrosion

Salt is one of the main culprits of rust and corrosion, but it is not the only one. Dirt, grime, rain, snow, sap, and other debris can cause your car's bodywork to rust and corrode.

Prevention is the best medicine; this involves regular maintenance and parking your car away from the elements and falling debris. But, that alone won't be enough. Dirt and grime will attach to your vehicle, especially on the underside.

By washing your car regularly, you are removing the contaminants that lead to rust and corrosion, including the undercarriage.

Less Hassle & Time

Washing the undercarriage of your car yourself is not as easy as you might think unless you have an undercarriage pressure washer. It is easy to spray the exterior of your car with a hose and scrub it down, but it is not so easy to spray the underside. And, it can be impossible to get under there to give it a good scrub.

By entrusting the professionals, you can save yourself time and hassle by taking advantage of professional machinery to get your car as clean as possible.

There is no point in starting the job to realize that there are some places you cannot reach. Save yourself the headache by enlisting professional help.

Maintain Your Machinery

A car has many moving parts, and it does not take a lot for one of those parts to break down—even when you are actively maintaining your car.

One of the best ways to ensure a smooth ride is to wash your car regularly. When dirt and grime get kicked up, they can enter your brake system, the wheels, your exhaust, and all parts of your engine. As that dirt builds up, the parts work less efficiently and are more prone to failure.

If only there were preventative measures you could take to prevent that?

Oh wait, you guessed it!

You can eliminate that build-up by regularly washing your car's undercarriage. A thin layer of dirt won't cause too much trouble, and washing that layer off before it accumulates will save you from expensive mechanic bills.

Completely Safe

But, but, can automatic car washes damage the transmission?

Good question.

Many people worry that spraying water onto the bottom of your car is a recipe for disaster, especially for the transmission, but that could not be further from the truth.

Well, maybe there is a hint of truth there. As with everything, moderation is key. Experts recommend an undercarriage wash at least once a year, and it is safe to wash your car once per season.

Washing your undercarriage is entirely safe and will benefit your car overall.

Feel Better With a Cleaner Car from Niagara

Any car wash companies do not offer an undercarriage wash, but we at Niagara do.

There are reasons for the lack of options from our competitors, which mainly come down to equipment, cost, and streamlining of services.

Adding the equipment needed to support undercarriage washing is expensive, and it is much easier to provide basic options than the complete package. At Niagara, we give it our all. Not only do we offer undercarriage washing, but we have a whole host of options for your next car wash.

We know what it is like to live in the surrounding areas and the wear and tear to your vehicle that comes with it. Your car can take a beating from snowy winters on salt-covered roads to off-roading on dusty trails. That's why we are here for all of your car washing needs.

We offer you the services that our competitors don't. A wash with us removes all the dirt, grime, salt, and other debris—not only from the exterior you can see but also from the undercarriage.

Don't settle for a job half-done regarding the safety of the passengers and the value of your vehicle. 

Visit us today and experience the premier automatic car wash serving NWPA and the Southern Tier every day of the year.

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