The Value of Undercarriage Cleaning
Exposure to various environmental elements such as mud, sand, road salt, and humidity can lead to corrosion on a vehicle's undercarriage, particularly vulnerable due to its exposure to debris and road conditions.
Out of sight, out of mind can be a big problem for a car's undercarriage. This section of a vehicle is constantly exposed to all sorts of damage and debris, which, if left untreated, can drag down its performance and reduce its lifespan.
Here are the benefits of cleaning the undercarriage regularly:
Stop corrosion
The undercarriage is exposed to mud, sand, dust, and grime from countless miles on the road. Cars in colder climates must deal with abrasive road salt; cars by the ocean with high humidity and rust.
Corrosion occurs once a vehicle's protective coating or paint has been stripped away. In addition to scratches and dings, this layer is often chipped by gravel and other debris on the road. Due to its positioning, the undercarriage is most at risk.
The best way to prevent this damage is to remove the buildup of stubborn dirt with regular undercarriage cleaning.
Prevent mechanical damage
Everyone knows the damage a stray stone may cause to a windscreen, but what about the exhaust or brakes? High-velocity debris can puncture the exhaust or fuel line, and years of grime can clog the braking system, causing slower response times and reduced power.
Regularly cleaning the undercarriage prevents this buildup. A professional cleaning service can patch a chip or buff a rust spot before things worsen.
Reduce weight and drag
Undercarriage buildup adds additional weight to a vehicle. While this may be negligible, especially when compared to extra passengers, the drag it creates isn't. The less aerodynamic a vehicle, the more wind resistance it'll encounter. As a result, this leads to lower fuel efficiency, as the engine struggles to stay up to speed while fighting drag.
How often should an undercarriage be cleaned?
How often you clean a vehicle's undercarriage will depend on mileage and location. Cars in desert states like Arizona are subject to the ever-present menace of sand, while icy states like Colorado need to worry about ice and road salt.
In severe climates, a good rule of thumb is to get the undercarriage cleaned with every car wash. Those in milder climates can make do with two or three yearly cleaning sessions. An undercarriage should receive a thorough cleaning at least once per seasonal change from summer to winter.
Professional or home cleaning?
Regular home cleaning is an easy and cost-effective way to keep an undercarriage free from accumulated dirt. The gradual buildup of stubborn dirt is another story entirely.
A professional service can use advanced tools like power hoses to blast away even the most cloying dirt and oils while looking for warning signs of accumulated damage. Go the extra mile, and your car will do the same.
Desert Shield is a Phoenix auto detailing and cleaning service specializing in interior and exterior car cleaning to create the perfect finish and shine. Call us at tel:+16232832249.
