Your car’s undercarriage is constantly exposed to road grime, mud, salt, and moisture—all of which can corrode metal components and wear down protective coatings over time. If left unaddressed, these elements can lead to rust, reduced performance, and expensive repairs.

Yet most drivers forget that underneath their vehicle is one of the most vulnerable and essential areas to clean.

At BLISS Car Wash, we believe in responsible car care that protects your vehicle and the environment. That’s why we’ve created this guide: to help you understand the importance of undercarriage cleaning, and how to do it the right way—without harming water systems or wasting resources.

 

Why the Undercarriage Deserves Attention

Think of the undercarriage as your car’s foundation. It houses your suspension system, brake lines, fuel lines, and exhaust—all critical to safe driving. Because it’s out of sight, most drivers don’t clean or inspect it until a problem arises.

But by then, rust may have already taken hold, or road salt may have eaten into your brake system.

Here’s what your undercarriage faces daily:

  • Salt and de-icing chemicals in winter
  • Sand and dust in dry climates
  • Ocean air and salt spray near coastal regions
  • Grease, oil, and debris from city roads

Cleaning your car undercarriage regularly not only prevents long-term damage—it improves the resale value and safety of your vehicle.

 

1. Skip the Driveway—Go Pro Instead

It might feel satisfying to grab a hose or pressure washer and take matters into your own hands. But here’s the truth: at-home car washes are rarely eco-friendly. Most driveways lack proper drainage, which means dirty water mixed with oil, soap, and road grime flows straight into nearby storm drains. These lead directly to oceans, rivers, and lakes—without filtration.

What’s worse, standard garden hoses can use up to 100 gallons of water per wash.

By contrast, BLISS Car Wash uses professional undercarriage sprayers combined with advanced water reclamation systems that recycle over 70% of water used in every wash.

Instead of DIY hacks like lawn sprinklers or high-pressure nozzles—which waste water and fail to clean thoroughly—BLISS offers:

  • High-powered undercarriage jets that flush out salt and grime
  • High-efficiency water reclamation system to reduce runoff into public drains or waterways
  • A safer, more effective clean with no crawling or risk involved

 

2. Choose Eco-Friendly Products That Actually Work

Cleaning products matter just as much as water usage. Many off-the-shelf degreasers and soaps contain phosphates, acids, or petroleum-based agents that strip away protective coatings and pollute the environment.

At BLISS, we only use biodegradable, pH-balanced cleaning solutions that are:

  • Tough on dirt and oil
  • Safe for your car’s paint, rubber seals, and metal parts
  • Certified to meet Beyond Green™ environmental standards

So, while you’re getting a deep clean, you’re not contributing to chemical runoff or damage to local ecosystems.

 

3. Stick to a Smart Cleaning Schedule

Undercarriage cleaning shouldn’t be a once-a-year chore. A regular schedule is the best defense against corrosion and mechanical issues. How often you clean depends on where and how you drive:

Ideal Cleaning Frequency

  • Weekly: If you drive daily or live near the coast
  • Bi-weekly: If you’re mostly urban but park outdoors
  • After Events: Every off-road trip, snowstorm, or muddy adventure

Why It Matters

Salt and moisture don’t just coat the surface—they get into the nooks of your frame, your brake lines, and the mounting brackets. If you leave them there, they start to degrade components from the inside out.

BLISS Car Wash makes it easy to stay on schedule with unlimited wash memberships. Just drive in, get clean, and drive out in minutes.

 

4. Inspect for Issues While You’re at It

Undercarriage cleaning is also the perfect time to give your vehicle a once-over for early signs of wear or damage.

Here’s what to watch for:

  • Rust along seams, bolts, and suspension joints
  • Leaks from brake, fuel, or coolant lines
  • Loose parts like heat shields or plastic covers
  • Scrapes or dents from speed bumps or rough roads

The sooner you spot these issues, the cheaper and easier they are to fix. At BLISS, our trained staff are on the lookout for signs of underbody trouble during the wash process—and can flag visible issues that need attention.

 

5. Choose a Car Wash That Shares Your Values

A clean car shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. Unfortunately, many traditional car washes still use excessive water, non-recycled systems, and harsh chemicals.

BLISS Car Wash is built differently:

  • Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Each location is equipped with state-of-the-art water reclaim systems
  • Biodegradable Products: Safer for your car and the environment
  • No Toxic Runoff: All used water is collected, filtered, and reused
  • Energy-Efficient Equipment: Lower emissions and smarter operations

And there’s more. Every time a new BLISS location opens, we fund the drilling of a freshwater well in Niger, West Africa—providing access to clean drinking water for communities in need.

 

How BLISS Makes It Easy

BLISS isn’t just about great results—it’s about convenience too. Whether you need a quick rinse or a full protection package, we’ve got you covered.

Our Wash Packages

  • Cleanse: A great exterior clean. BLISS is the only car wash with Clear Coat Protectant in its basic Cleanse wash package.
  • Sparkle: Everything in Cleanse. Plus includes undercarriage rinse and wheel cleaning
  • Transform+: Our premium offering, with ceramic sealants, tire shine, undercarriage rinse, and more

All washes come with:

  • Free high-powered vacuums (currently the Aliso Viejo location does not have vacuums)
  • Unlimited membership options
  • Quick drive-through service
  • Friendly staff and sustainability-first philosophy

No appointments. No long waits. Just a clean car, done right—every time.

 

Protect What’s Beneath—Responsibly

Your vehicle works hard for you, every mile of every day. And the undercarriage—though often ignored—is its unsung hero. Cleaning it regularly prevents corrosion, catches problems early, and preserves your car’s performance.

But how you clean it matters.

At-home methods waste water, pollute local drains, and rarely do a thorough job. That’s why BLISS Car Wash exists: to give you a cleaner, smarter, and greener alternative.

We’ve made it easy to protect your car and the planet at the same time.

Ready to give your car the BLISS treatment? Visit your nearest Southern California location today and experience the better way to clean—from the ground up.