When Do Car Washes Close Due to Cold Weather?

General Discussion
1

I’ve been wondering about car washes during the winter months. Specifically, what temperature do car washes typically close? I know that freezing temperatures can lead to potential damage or issues, but I’m interested in hearing from those who frequent car washes.

Key Questions:

  • Do different car washes have different policies when it comes to operating in colder weather?
  • Are there certain temperatures (like around freezing) when they usually stop washing cars?
  • Has anyone had experiences with local washes that have clear signs or guidelines about their operating conditions?

What I’ve Noticed:

Some car washes seem to stay open even when it’s really cold, while others close down. This has me curious if there’s a general standard that most follow or if it varies by location or even type of wash (touchless vs. regular).

Any insights would be appreciated! I want to ensure I’m keeping my vehicle clean without running into any issues as the temperatures drop. Thanks in advance for your help!

2

I believe most car washes close when temperatures drop below freezing, around 32°F. At this point, water can freeze in the machinery, causing damage.

3

That’s true, but some places might stay open until the temperature hits 20°F. They can also make decisions based on rain or snow, which can compact ice.

4

I’ve noticed that many washes will close even if they expect temperatures to drop overnight. It’s all about protecting the equipment and avoiding customer dissatisfaction.

6 Likes
5

Exactly! Plus, when it’s too cold, water doesn’t clean as effectively anyway. It’s a tough balance for businesses.

7 Likes
6

As a former car wash employee, I can say that operational decisions depend heavily on taking care of the equipment! Below 25°F can really impact performance.

7

Really interesting! So, is it more about the water freezing or the machinery itself?

7 Likes
8

Both impact the decision! Ice can damage hoses, and it’s tougher to operate the sprayers when water is freezing. A snowstorm can lead to closures too.

9

So if it warms up the next day, do they just clean the equipment and reopen?

10

Yes, usually they would thaw out the equipment, check for damage, and then reopen if it’s safe. Some might take longer depending on the severity.

5 Likes
11

That’s quite a process! It must be frustrating for both employees and customers.

1 Like
12

Totally! I remember waiting for my favorite car wash to reopen. It was a bit of a hassle but expected during the winter months.

13

Exactly! At least it gives us more time to enjoy a cozy hot beverage instead of waiting outside.

14

Haha, true! I’ll take a hot chocolate over a winter car wash any day. Still, it’s important we know when to expect closures for our planning.

15

I’ve noticed that many car washes tend to close when the temperature drops below 32°F due to freezing water. It’s also about the risk of ice forming on the ground.

4 Likes
16

That’s true! Also, factors like wind chill can play a major role in car wash operations. If it’s too windy, it can be uncomfortable for employees too.

17

Seasonal patterns are also interesting. Car washes may reduce hours in winter, but demand might increase after snowstorms when cars need cleaning.

18

Exactly! I think it’s all about balance. The weather affects demand, but so does timing. Like holiday weekends can attract more customers.

19

It’s also worth mentioning that some car washes offer winter-specific services to draw in customers, like undercarriage washes to combat road salt.

20

I’ve seen that! They even promote those services to remind customers about the importance of keeping cars clean in winter. Very clever!