Protecting Your Car After the Winter Storm

Experts advise checking tires, batteries, and washing off road salt to prevent damage.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:23pm

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As the recent winter storm passes through the Austin metro area, experts recommend several steps car owners should take to protect their vehicles, including checking tire pressure, inspecting the battery, and thoroughly washing off any road salt that may have accumulated on the car's exterior.

Why it matters

Road salt used to melt ice can cause significant damage to a vehicle over time if not properly removed, leading to rust, difficulty removing fasteners, and a shortened lifespan. Additionally, underinflated tires and dead batteries are common issues after extreme cold weather, posing safety risks and potential breakdowns.

The details

The salt used by cities and the Texas Department of Transportation to make roads less slippery can stick to a vehicle's exterior and begin to rust exposed metal parts if not washed off soon after the storm. Mechanics advise that the salt can 'bond' with the vehicle, requiring multiple washes to fully remove. Checking tire pressure is also crucial, as underinflated tires reduce traction and increase stopping distance. Battery issues are another common problem after cold snaps, with AAA reporting over 7 million emergency calls related to battery troubles in 2024.

  • The recent winter storm passed through the Austin metro area.

The players

Michael Ferrick

The Assistant Manager for Tarrytown Texaco.

Ray Gonzalez

The General Manager at 'The Wash Shop' on Guadalupe.

Daniel Armbruster

A spokesperson for AAA Texas.

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What they’re saying

“You put the salt on the ice, and it causes it to melt because then the temperature has to be at a much lower point before it's going to freeze again.”

— Michael Ferrick, Assistant Manager, Tarrytown Texaco (KXAN)

“If you don't get it here sooner, it may take a couple of washes before it all comes off.”

— Ray Gonzalez, General Manager, The Wash Shop (KXAN)

“You want to check your tire pressure—it should probably be the first thing you do after a winter storm. Under-inflated tires can really reduce traction. Increase stopping distance.”

— Daniel Armbruster, Spokesperson, AAA Texas (KXAN)

What’s next

Experts recommend that car owners thoroughly wash their vehicles as soon as possible after the winter storm to remove any accumulated road salt, and also check their tire pressure and battery to ensure their vehicle is in safe operating condition.

The takeaway

Taking proactive steps to protect a car after a winter storm, such as washing off road salt, checking tire pressure, and inspecting the battery, can help prevent long-term damage and ensure the vehicle remains in good working order.