Give Your Car a Clean Slate this January
We love welcoming the new year with a fresh start, and that goes for our cars just as much as ourselves. After months of winter road grime, salt, and dust, giving your vehicle a good clean helps protect its finish and keeps it looking great through the year ahead. Winter weather and road conditions can leave a buildup on your car that’s stubborn and damaging to paint and metal if left alone. It’s worth making a little time now to treat your car to a top‑to‑bottom refresh. Regular cleaning also makes it easier to spot minor car issues before they become bigger ones, and helps you take pride in every drive. Keeping your vehicle clean isn’t just about looks; it’s part of how we help you feel confident on the road all year long. Today, our Farmington roadside assistance team encourages drivers to think of car care as a habit that protects your investment and keeps you ready for anything the road throws at you.
Our Top 5 Car Cleaning Tips
1. Rinse Before You Wash
Start with a thorough rinse to remove loose dirt, salt, and debris before you add soap. This avoids scratching paint when you scrub.
2. Use the Right Tools
Car wash soap plus soft sponges or microfiber towels make the process easier and safer for your finish than household cleaners do.
3. Don’t Skip the Undercarriage
Salt and grime build up underneath your car over winter. If your local car wash offers an undercarriage rinse, take advantage of it.
4. Dry as You Go
After washing, use a clean towel to dry your vehicle. Letting water air‑dry can leave spots that dull your shine.
5. Add a Protective Layer
Once clean, a wax coat or surface protectant helps ward off dust and road residue for longer. A little protection can stretch the life of your paint job.
Our Farmington roadside assistance crew sees all kinds of cars, and one thing that always stands out is how well the clean, cared‑for vehicles age compared with the neglected ones. Whether you stop by a self‑serve spot around Farmington or take your time at home with a bucket and cloths, a solid cleaning session now makes the rest of the year easier and more enjoyable.
Shine Bright on the Road with Ives Towing’s Farmington Roadside Assistance Team
We’re Ives Towing, and Farmington roadside assistance is part of what we do for drivers across southern Missouri. As a full‑service towing and assistance team, we respond quickly when a flat tire, dead battery, or other roadside trouble strikes. Our Farmington roadside assistance services operate around the clock to help you stay on the move with minimal interruption. From jump starts and fuel delivery to door unlocks and tire changes, our team handles a wide range of roadside needs whenever you call.
On top of Farmington roadside assistance, we support drivers year‑round with towing and auto services when a clean, dependable car meets unexpected trouble. Starting the new year fresh with a clean car and a dependable roadside support plan sets the tone for smooth miles ahead in 2026. With our Farmington roadside assistance, we’re here for your journey come rain, shine, or winter road splash.
Give your ride the reset it deserves this year and enjoy driving around with a gleam in your paint and confidence in your support team.
FAQ
How often should I wash my car during winter?
Once every two weeks is a good rule, especially after snow or when roads are salted. Regular washes help protect the paint and prevent rust.
What type of soap should I use to wash my car?
Use car-specific wash soap. Household detergents can strip wax and damage your vehicle’s finish.
Can I clean my car interior with household products?
Some gentle cleaners like diluted vinegar or mild dish soap work for hard surfaces, but avoid using them on leather or screens. Always spot test first.
Is it better to wash a car by hand or use an automatic car wash?
Hand washing gives you more control and is gentler when done correctly. Touchless automatic washes are a good alternative if you’re short on time.
How do I get rid of stubborn road salt stains?
Rinse thoroughly, then use warm water and car wash soap. A soft brush can help lift salt from wheel wells and undercarriage areas.
Does waxing really help protect my car?
Yes, waxing creates a barrier that shields the paint from dirt, salt, and UV rays. It also makes future cleaning easier.