LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Car washes are preparing for an influx of customers to drive through as dangerous road conditions caused by the winter storm improve and the ice covering cars melts away.

Mike’s Car Wash teams in Louisville spent Friday removing snow and ice from the lot ahead of an uptick in traffic they anticipate this weekend. 

“This time of year, some people think it's pretty crazy to get your car washed with the colder temps, all the snow on the roads. Some people say you know just gonna get dirty again,” said Troy Blair, general manager of Mike’s Carwash on Breckenridge Lane.

Blair said waiting on nice weather could be costly in the long run. 

“Waiting to get your car washed after a big winter storm, all that salt sits on the car, really starts eating away at the paint, creates rust, and that buildup over time can damage your vehicle,” Blair explained. 

Mike’s Carwash offers vehicle undercarriage cleaning to protect hard-to-reach areas, but it’s not just your car that regular washes protect.

“With ice buildup and snow on the vehicle, it’s a safety hazard. Sometimes your lights can get blocked,” Blair said. “By continually washing the car and keeping the vehicle clean, you eliminate that from happening.”

Across town, Bryson Moore, a staff member at Well Bell 24/7 self-service car wash on Brownsboro Road, is also preparing for a busy weekend. 

“This week is gonna be more hectic, Sunday for sure,” Moore said.  

Moore believes some drivers are waiting for better conditions before refreshing their rides. 

“People want to get that snow off the car, get the salt that eats it up, so they want to get their cars clean,” Moore said.  

How often you get your car wash could impact its lifespan, according to Blair.

Limiting driving when roads are being treated could also help prevent damage to your car.