ADAC warns for ‘thermal shock’ in car wash
While temperatures are currently dropping to below zero in many Northern- and West European countries, the German automobile club ADAC comes up with a few car care tips.
Their first advice is the most important one: come to the car wash in winter as much as you do in summertime. According to the German automobile association ‘it is undisputed that in bad weather a clean car has better visibility. Even though this has changed since the use of car lights during daytime became mandatory in Germany, which improved security on the road.
Thermal shock
When should you definitely not go to the car wash in winter, the ADAC asks their members. They themselves give the answer:
When the temperature drops below -10 degrees Celsius it might not be wise to visit the carwash, according to them.Just as human skin reacts sensitively to extreme temperature fluctuations, similar stress should not be imposed on the vehicle’s paint or rubber and plastic parts. This so-called ‘thermal shock’ is particularly dangerous for previously damaged or repainted painted surfaces. The risk of door locks icing up or rubber seals freezing is also lower at moderate temperatures.
Close the caps
ADAC also points out drivers should take the necessary preparations before entering the car wash. For instance, it’s smart to close self-opening fuel filler caps and tailgates and to switch off the rain sensor and similar modern devices.
Read the whole press release (in German) here
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