11 Genesee County Spots That Will Wash Winter Away

Flint has such a rich history in the automotive industry, hence the nickname Vehicle City. So just how many vehicles are there in the Greater Flint area and how do Michiganders cope with the salt and dirt from harsh winters?

How Many Cars are in Genesee County?

With more than 401 thousand residents Genesee is the fifth largest county. On average there are two vehicles for each of the 166 thousand households. That's roughly 332,000 total vehicles countywide.

That's a lot of dirty and salty cars, trucks and SUVs. When road salt is applied to roads, friction from passing cars' tires heats the snow turning it into water. Then the salt dissolves in the water becoming brine which freezes at a lower temperature. But the salt and brine will cling to and cause damage to a vehicle's exterior.

Should You Wash Your Car in Winter?

You see a lot more rust on vehicles here in Michigan because of all the salt. The underside of a vehicle is most vulnerable to rust where the salt stays directly in contact with metal. The longer it stays there the more damage to brake pads and rotors and other critical components. Experts advise that you should try to wash your car often during the winter months and be sure to focus on the underside.

While it's never a good idea to wash your car when temperatures are well below freezing there are some great options to counter the cold offered in Genesee County.

What Types of Car Washes are Available in Genesee County?

With a variety of styles and designs there are car washes to fit every need. I prefer the auto washes that take three minutes, blasts my underside and includes drying technology. I really like the monthly membership which gives me the opportunity to wash my car as often as I want!

Some of the self-serve places can accommodate large vehicles like RVs and trucks but are not available year-round. Others offer automated touch-free options where no brushes touch your car. What type of car wash do you prefer? Here are 11 Genesee County car washes to help you wash winter away!