How to Wash Your Subaru After a Day at the Beach

Taking your Subaru to the beach in South Texas is one of the best ways to embrace adventure! Learn how to wash your Subaru after a day of sand and salt.

Taking your Subaru out for a beach day in South Texas is one of the best ways to embrace adventure! Whether you’re cruising through the sand at Mustang Island or enjoying the scenic drive along Padre Island National Seashore, your Subaru handles it like a champ. But once the fun is over, it’s important to give your car some TLC, especially after driving on salty, sandy terrain. Saltwater and sand can cause corrosion and wear if left unchecked.

Here’s a guide to washing your Subaru after a beach outing, ensuring it stays clean and ready for the next adventure!

1. Start with a Thorough Rinse

After driving on the beach, the first thing you’ll want to do is rinse off all the sand and salt. Use a high-pressure hose or a power washer to wash away debris from the exterior, undercarriage, and wheels. Focus especially on the following areas:

• Wheel Wells: Sand loves to hide here, and saltwater can lead to rust.
• Undercarriage: Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system might get packed with sand, and the undercarriage is the most vulnerable part when it comes to salt corrosion.
• Tires and Brakes: Sand and salt can build up on the tires and brake components, potentially causing wear or damage if not cleaned properly.

Pro tip: Hold the hose at an angle to help flush out sand from tricky areas. Subaru vehicles, like the Outback and Forester, have good ground clearance, making it easier to get under the car during cleaning!

2. Use a Gentle Car Shampoo

Once you’ve rinsed off the bulk of the sand and salt, it’s time to hand wash your Subaru using a car-specific shampoo. Regular dish soap might strip away protective coatings, so opt for a gentle cleaner designed for cars. Here’s how to do it:

• Use a soft sponge or microfiber mitt to apply the shampoo.
• Start from the top and work your way down, paying close attention to the lower body panels where sand and salt tend to accumulate.
• Rinse frequently to avoid rubbing any remaining sand against the paint, which could cause scratches.

Subaru Insight: Subaru models, such as the Crosstrek and Outback, are known for their durable finishes, but you still want to be careful when cleaning. A scratch-resistant finish doesn’t mean scratch-proof, so take your time!

3. Clean the Undercarriage Thoroughly

Your Subaru’s undercarriage likely bore the brunt of your beach adventure. If you don’t have access to a lift or aren’t comfortable crawling under the car, many car washes offer undercarriage cleaning services. This helps remove saltwater residue that can lead to rust over time. If you do it yourself:

• Use a long-handled brush or wheel brush to reach under and scrub away stubborn debris.
• A garden hose with a nozzle attachment can also help blast away the last remnants of sand.

Pro tip: Once the undercarriage is clean, apply an anti-rust spray to give it extra protection from future exposure to salt.

4. Pay Attention to the Wheels and Tires

Sand can get trapped in your Subaru’s tread, affecting tire performance and causing premature wear. Use a tire brush to scrub the rubber and remove any lingering particles. Also, inspect your brakes—sand can get lodged in brake components, which might lead to grinding sounds or uneven braking.

• Use a wheel cleaner for the rims, especially if you have alloy wheels, as salt can tarnish or pit the surface.
• Spray your brake rotors with water to rinse off any residual salt that may cause corrosion.

Subaru Insight: Subaru’s all-terrain tires are made for rugged use, but keeping them clean is key to maintaining their lifespan and performance.

5. Dry and Wax the Exterior

Once you’ve thoroughly rinsed and washed your Subaru, it’s time to dry it. Use a microfiber towel to prevent water spots, especially in the South Texas sun! Drying also prevents saltwater from leaving streaks or stains on the paint.

• After drying, consider applying a protective wax to help shield your Subaru from future dirt and salt. Wax not only adds shine but also creates a barrier against corrosive elements.

Pro tip: Use a spray-on wax for quicker application, and focus on the lower panels and the front end, which are most exposed to salt and sand.

6. Clean the Interior

Don’t forget to clean the inside! Sand tends to sneak its way into the interior, particularly in floor mats, seats, and the cargo area. 

• Vacuum the seats and floor to get rid of sand. If you have all-weather floor mats, like the ones Subaru often includes with models like the Outback, remove them and hose them off.
• Wipe down interior surfaces that may have come into contact with salty hands or wet towels to avoid salt stains or discoloration.

7. Check and Clean the Air Filters

If you’ve been driving on sandy roads or in dusty beach environments, it’s a good idea to check your air filters, especially the cabin air filter. Replacing or cleaning this filter will help keep your Subaru’s air conditioning system running smoothly and ensure clean air inside the cabin. Visit Hicks Family Subaru for help with any Subaru filter replacement!

Look Forward to the Journey Ahead

Your Subaru is built to tackle rugged terrains, from sandy beaches to mountain trails, but taking care of it after each adventure is essential to keeping it in top shape. Regular washes, especially after beach outings, help prevent rust and maintain the car’s appearance and performance.

So, whether you’re cruising along the Texas coastline in your Subaru Forester or taking your Crosstrek on a beach camping trip, a little extra cleaning effort post-adventure will keep your Subaru ready for the next one!

Don’t forget: If you’re looking to get your Subaru professionally detailed or serviced, stop by Hicks Family Subaru in Corpus Christi. Our service team is happy to help keep your vehicle adventure-ready!