Cold weather wash

ayrton88 · 02-04-2014, 07:03 AM

I try not to use the Z much in cold weather, but I've been forced to drive a couple of times after a snow and have salt all over it. I want to wash it but it is in the teens today. I have about a five minute drive from the car wash to a heated garage. Will I risk any freeze damage in such a short trip?

somms · 02-04-2014, 10:11 AM

No, you'll be fine.

SouthArk370Z · 02-04-2014, 10:47 AM

If it's cold enough, the doors may freeze shut (probably not in five minutes, unless it's -30F with a stiff wind). But since you have a heated garage, they should thaw out pretty quick if it does happen. Make sure to dry the door/hood/hatch seals before going very far.

kenchan · 02-04-2014, 12:56 PM

if you know you're not going to drive the car again on salt, i would put her on ramps, clean up the under carriage with hot water and towels, wipe the bare metal bits with WD40, and clean the body with waterless wash.

i would only run the engine long enough to put her on ramps and to get her back in the garage.
and plug in battery manager.

02-04-2014, 07:03 AM	#1 (permalink)
ayrton88 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chicago Posts: 397 Drives: 2010 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 14	Cold weather wash I try not to use the Z much in cold weather, but I've been forced to drive a couple of times after a snow and have salt all over it. I want to wash it but it is in the teens today. I have about a five minute drive from the car wash to a heated garage. Will I risk any freeze damage in such a short trip?

02-04-2014, 10:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
SouthArk370Z Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 8,435 Drives: 2014 Challenger Rep Power: 324198	If it's cold enough, the doors may freeze shut (probably not in five minutes, unless it's -30F with a stiff wind). But since you have a heated garage, they should thaw out pretty quick if it does happen. Make sure to dry the door/hood/hatch seals before going very far. __________________ Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

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02-04-2014, 10:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
somms Base Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Boston Posts: 131 Drives: 2011 370z SP MT Rep Power: 12	No, you'll be fine.

02-04-2014, 12:56 PM	#4 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	if you know you're not going to drive the car again on salt, i would put her on ramps, clean up the under carriage with hot water and towels, wipe the bare metal bits with WD40, and clean the body with waterless wash. i would only run the engine long enough to put her on ramps and to get her back in the garage. and plug in battery manager.