How to Remove Road Salt From Your Car After a Michigan Winter

Rinse away as much salt, brine, sand and road film as possible before touching the paint. Focus first on lower panels, wheel wells and wheels, then use a lubricated automotive wash with clean media and dry the vehicle with clean microfiber.

4-Step Michigan Road-Salt Cleanup

1. Pre-Rinse the Dirtiest Areas First

Start with wheel wells, rocker panels, lower doors, bumpers, the area behind the wheels and the rear of the vehicle.

2. Clean Wheels and Tires With Dedicated Tools

Use appropriate wheel and tire chemistry and dedicated brushes. Keep those tools and towels away from paint afterward.

3. Contact Wash With Automotive Soap

Once heavy grit has been rinsed away, use a proper automotive wash product from Soaps & Wash Products. Work from cleaner upper panels toward dirtier lower areas.

4. Dry and Inspect

Use clean microfiber drying towels and inspect rocker panels, door bottoms, hatch edges and wheel openings for remaining contamination.

Michigan Winter-Washing Help

For more, read how often to wash a car in a Michigan winter and how to clean wheel wells and lower panels after winter. Browse the full Auto Detailing Guides library for related wash and interior cleanup help.

Local Michigan Detailing Supply Delivery

Pro-Tier offers free local delivery on qualifying orders of $50 or more in eligible ZIP codes throughout its configured local service area in Oakland, Macomb and Lapeer Counties. Professional detailing businesses can also Get On The Route.