Winter roads are hard on vehicles, and it’s easy to let certain cleaning tasks slide until damage shows. But with a few consistent habits, you can keep your car in good shape all season long.

Between snow, slush, salt, sand, and freezing temperatures, your vehicle can take a beating on both the outside and inside during the winter months. The good news is that with the cleaning and maintenance tips outlined below, you can prevent rust, protect your paint, and keep the interior looking fresh.

Continue washing your car

Regularly washing your car throughout the winter is one of the most effective ways to keep it in good condition for longer. Even a basic rinse every one to two weeks will help remove corrosive buildup before it has time to damage your paint or metal components. Make sure you use lukewarm water, a gentle, pH-balanced car soap, and give it all a thorough rinse when you are done.

Take extra care with the paint

Winter road grime often contains sand and fine debris that can easily scratch your car’s paint if scrubbed aggressively. Stick to microfiber cloths and soft mitts when washing your car, and avoid using an overly stiff brush to remove snow.

Don’t skip the undercarriage

A car’s undercarriage takes the brunt of the winter driving conditions. Salt, slush, and melted snow collect underneath your car, where they can quietly cause corrosion. Rinsing the undercarriage throughout the season is essential, especially after driving on salted roads.

Make sure your car is thoroughly dried

Any moisture left behind after washing your car in the winter can freeze and form stubborn ice buildup or even contribute to rust if it settles in crevices and seams. Dry the exterior with clean microfiber towels and pay special attention around areas like the trim, mirrors, and door frames. Briefly opening doors and the trunk can help release trapped water.

Swap in your rubber floor mats

Over the course of the winter, you’ll probably be trekking copious amounts of snow, salt, dirt, and mud into your vehicle on your boots. Rubber or waterproof floor mats are far better suited to these conditions than carpet mats, as they trap the water and dirt and can be easily rinsed off. Empty and clean the mats regularly to keep the muck from spilling over into the rest of your interior.

Vacuum and wipe the interior regularly

Fine grit and sand accumulate on other car surfaces over the winter, especially around pedals, seat edges, and door panels. Regular vacuuming helps prevent this debris from grinding into carpets and upholstery. You’ll also want to wipe down interior surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth to remove salt residue before it dries and discolors the material.

Use a proper glass cleaner on glass surfaces

The spray of winter roads can quickly cloud windows, mirrors, and headlights, reducing your visibility during already challenging driving conditions. Regularly cleaning all glass surfaces with a proper automotive glass cleaner will help prevent streaking and glare, keeping you safer on the road.

A little upkeep goes a long way when winter roads are working against you. You’ll be able to protect your vehicle from winter damage and keep it looking and functioning well all winter long.