I have washed my Own car and my client’s car, all year round from winter to summer, and here is my expert opinion on washing your car at 25 degrees and also my recommendation for optimal car wash temperatures.
As someone who lives in a cold climate, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to keep your car clean during the winter months.
Is 25 Degrees Too Cold for Car Wash?
Yes, 25 Degrees is too cold for a car wash when the temperature is below freezing. 25°F (-3.9°C) and 25°C (77°F) is not advisable for washing your car.
| Temperature | 25°F (-3.9°C) | 25°C (77°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Water Condition | Water can freeze quickly | Water will not freeze |
| Recommendations | – Ideal temperature for washing – Helps loosen dirt and grime – Dry the car thoroughly to prevent water spots | – Ideal temperature for washing – Helps loosen dirt and grime – Dry car thoroughly to prevent water spots |
Although it is possible to wash your car at this temperature, it is not advisable as it can cause damage to your vehicle.
Cold temperatures can cause water to freeze quickly, leading to ice formation on the surface of your car.
This can be especially problematic for your locks, mirrors, and door handles, which can freeze shut and make it difficult to enter or exit your vehicle and hinges can become stiff and difficult to move, leading to wear and tear over time.
25 Degrees Celsius
25 degrees Celsius might sound like a comfortable temperature, but it can still pose some challenges.
At this temperature, the water might not completely freeze, but it can still be quite cold enough to affect the cleaning process.
25 Degrees Fahrenheit
When we compare it to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, the water will be frozen as it is (-3.9°C).
If you really are adamant about washing your car at this temperature:
- use warm water
- soap to clean the car
- Add some baking soda
The baking soda is to the water to help dissolve salt and other debris.
After washing the car, you can rinse it thoroughly with warm water and dry it with a clean towel. Make sure to dry the car completely to prevent water spots from forming.
How to Wash Your Car at 25 Degrees in Cold Temperatures?
- Choose the right location: First, pick a location that’s sheltered from the wind and sun. A garage or carport will do.
- Gather your supplies: Find a bucket, a hose, car wash soap, a microfiber towel, and a squeegee.
- Pre-rinse your car: Now, take your hose to pre-rinse your car and remove any loose dirt and grime.
- Wash your car: Fill your bucket with warm water and add car wash soap. Take the microfiber towel to wash your car, starting at the top and working your way down. (side note: we sell microfiber towels, you can buy them from our store below)
- Rinse your car: Use the hose to rinse off the soap and suds without leaving any residue.
- Dry your car: Lastly, squeeze out excess water from your car’s surface and use a microfiber towel to dry off your car.
Potential Risks of Washing in Cold Temperatures
- Water Freezing: Water freezes at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), and this can hinder the car washing process. When water freezes on the vehicle’s surface, it can damage the paint and make it difficult to rinse the car thoroughly.
- Ice Formation: If you don’t dry your car thoroughly after washing it, any remaining water can freeze on the surface of your car, forming ice that will harden your car’s locks, windows, and doors, making it difficult to open them.
- Damage to the Car: Washing your car in cold temperatures can cause damage to the car’s exterior causing scratches and swirl marks on the paint.
- Injury: It can also be dangerous for you and not just for the car. How? Well, the water and soap can freeze on the ground, making it slippery and increasing the risk of injury.
Ideal Temperature for Car Wash
The ideal temperature to wash your car is 40-60 degrees Celsius (104-140 degrees Fahrenheit). Warm water helps loosen dirt and grime without damaging the car’s surface.
Different types of car wash require different temperatures to wash.
For example, touchless car washes use high-pressure water and specialized detergents to clean the car’s exterior without touching it.
So, you will find these types of car washes using colder water as they don’t require water to be warm.
On the other hand, automatic car washes that use brushes or cloths to clean the car’s surface typically require warm water to be more effective.
Coldest Temperature for Car Wash
According to experts, the lowest temperature for washing your car is 32°F (0°C), which is the freezing point of water.
Washing your car in temperatures below freezing can lead to water freezing on the car’s surface, which can cause damage to the paint and windows.
I advise you, please don’t wash your car at 0°C. It’s just not a good thing to do, even from a common sense point of view.
Hottest Temperature to Wash Your Car Wash
On the other end of the spectrum, the hottest temperature for car washing is around 85°F (29°C).
Just like Washing your car in extremely cold, extremely hot temperatures will cause the water to evaporate quickly, leaving behind water spots and streaks on the car’s surface.
Wash your Car at M9CarWash
Visit us and we will take your car – wash it, polish it, wax it, any way you want.
We have a team of professionals – book an appointment with us.
