In this blog entry, the professional Chicago area towing and vehicle recovery service team here at Chicago Towing will detail how keeping your vehicle clean can improve vehicle performance and lifespan, and help you avoid getting stranded on the road or getting into an accident.
How can cleaning your vehicle improve performance?
Improving Safety and Visibility
- Windshield grime from bugs, mud, or dirt can cause glare when sunlight or headlights hit it, forcing you to squint and making long drives exhausting. This is very dangerous in mountain driving when light curves around trees and curves
- Dirty headlights scatter light and reduce the reach of beams, making it much harder to see fallen rocks, sharp urns or wildlife. This reduces visibility in fog or snow, making it much more dangerous
- When taillights are covered with dust, it makes it harder for drivers to notice when you signal or brake, increasing the chances of rear-end collisions
Improving Engine Performance
- Clogged air filters from off-road mud or dust reduces engine airflow, making it work much harder and burn more fuel for the same level of performance
- Built-up grime in engine bays can trap heat, causing overheating during long uphill drives or towing heavy loads
- Packed in ice or mud in wheel wells can cause extra uneven weight or throw your vehicle off balance which can stress out suspension components and unevenly wear tires
Preventing Rust or Long Term Wear
- Rust can eat away at floor panels, vehicle frames, and brake lines -which can impact your safety and cause the need for expensive repairs
- Washing the underside of your car after heavy rain or mud season will prevent corrosive moisture or dirt from sitting in car crevices when rust starts