Washing the bottom of the car: why is it important and how often should I do it?

Car maintenance is not just about washing the body, cleaning the interior and checking the engine. While many drivers are most concerned about the external appearance of their car, they often forget that an important part of car maintenance is washing the underside of the car. The underside of the car is constantly exposed to environmental factors such as road dirt, salts, sand, pebbles and other contaminants. These factors can eventually lead to corrosion, wear and tear and more serious technical failures. Especially in winter, the car’s underbody becomes the most vulnerable part of the car.
This topic is particularly relevant for drivers in Vilnius, as the city’s roads, humid climate and heavy traffic contribute to faster wear and tear of the car’s chassis. Regular bottom cleaning not only prolongs the life of the vehicle, but also helps to avoid high repair costs in the future. Let’s discuss why bottom cleaning is necessary, how often it should be carried out and which methods are most effective.

Why is it important to wash the bottom of your car?

Corrosion prevention

The bottom of your car is constantly exposed to environmental factors such as dirt, water, sand, pebbles and chemicals. Over time, these substances build up on metal surfaces, creating the conditions for rust. Corrosion is one of the biggest enemies of cars, and can cause serious technical failures and even safety hazards.

How do dirt, salts and chemicals affect metal parts?

Moisture and dirt – accumulated moisture combined with dirt creates an environment in which corrosion processes start to take place. Even if the bottom appears dry at first, a layer of dirt may contain moisture droplets that promote oxidation of metal surfaces.
Road salts and chemical solutions – In winter, roads are sprinkled with salts and special chemical solutions to help melt snow and ice. These substances are aggressive to metal – once they get on the bottom of the car, they promote rust and gradually the metal can be severely damaged.
Sand and pebbles – when driving on roads covered with sand or gravel, small pebbles can get on the bottom of the car and cause damage to the protective surface when they hit the metal parts. These damaged areas make the metal susceptible to corrosion.

Chassis maintenance

The chassis is one of the most important parts of a car, providing stability, comfort and safety on the road, but it is also the most vulnerable part of the car, as it is constantly exposed to the road surface – dirt, sand, moisture, salts and other debris. If the chassis is not regularly maintained, it can lead to serious technical problems that eventually turn into costly repairs.

Accumulated dirt can lead to mechanical failure

Dirt build-up on chassis components not only degrades the aesthetic appearance of the car, but can also have a direct impact on the technical condition. Here are some of the ways this can happen:
Clogged vents and cooling system problems – dirt can block airflow around the brake and engine cooling systems.
Damaged braking mechanisms – brakes can become coated with a layer of dirt and salt, which eventually causes rust and reduces braking performance.
Damper and spring failures – chassis components such as shock absorbers and springs can become weaker due to the constant accumulation of dirt and corrosion. This leads to poorer vehicle stability.

How often should I have my car bottom washed in Vilnius?

The frequency of car bottom cleaning depends on many factors – the season, the weather conditions and the condition of the road surface. The climate and road maintenance in Vilnius means that you should wash your car’s underside more often in certain seasons, especially to avoid unwanted consequences such as corrosion, breakdowns and accelerated chassis wear.

It all depends on the season

More frequent washing in winter
Winter is the most dangerous period for the bottom of a car. The roads in Vilnius are heavily sprayed with salt and chemicals, which help prevent icing but have a negative effect on the metal parts of the car. Salt easily sticks to the bottom and gets into hard-to-reach areas where rust can eventually form.

In summer – after heavy travel or muddy roads
In summer, the underside of your car is less exposed to corrosive salts, but it can still collect dirt such as dirt, sand and dust. This is especially true if you drive frequently on unpaved roads or after heavy rain, when dirt sticks to the bottom.
Spring and autumn – transitional periods
Spring and autumn are periods when climatic conditions are changeable, with both dry and very wet days. In spring it is important to wash away salts left over from the winter. When the cold season is over, at least one thorough washing of the car’s underbody is essential. And in autumn, it’s a good idea to prepare for winter. Before the cold season starts, it is worth washing the bottom and considering additional protection.

How do I properly wash the bottom of my car?

Washing the bottom of your car is an important part of vehicle maintenance, but it’s important to do it properly. There are two main methods to choose from – using a professional car wash or washing the bottom yourself.
Professional washing services
Car washes offer high quality bottom cleaning and use advanced technology to remove dirt quickly. Some car washes also offer additional protective measures such as bottom waxing or anti-corrosion coating.
Recommendation:
If the car is frequently driven in difficult conditions (winter, gravel roads, off-road), it is worth choosing a professional bottom cleaning at least every 1-2 months. If the car is used only in urban conditions, at least 2-4 times a year.

Self-cleaning of the bottom
While professional car washes are a convenient option, some drivers prefer to wash the bottom of their car themselves. This can be a more cost-effective solution, but you need to know the right techniques to avoid damaging the car’s chassis and protective coatings.
Recommendation:
For maximum cleanliness and protection, opt for professional services at least a few times a year, and in between, you can wash the bottom yourself.