I went to visit some family at the shore and was needed to traverse a road covered in salt water.

Using a hose, I rinsed off the wheels/wheel wells and tried to get under the car as best as possible.

I realize the car won't melt but I would like to get some water/cleaner on the undercarriage.

Any tricks/suggestions or should I just jack it up and hose off.

Thanks,
Michael

 

The best option would be to put on a drive on hoist and then use APC and a hose. Using a pressure washer will work, but I don't like the idea of forcing water into areas that may retain moisture.

This will sound funny, but you could spray the wheel wells with APC and then drive over a rotary sprinkler that is on just enough to rinse, but not force water underneath. In fact if you have help, they could turn the water on after you are situated to avoid spraying the entire car, that way you could pull forward/backward to thoroughly rinse the underside.

 

I hose my undercarriage off all the time, ESPECIALLY AFTER NYC WINTERS! Jack it up, soak it with water, foam with soap/degreaser scrub a dub with a LONG bristled brush, rinse, done.

 

above and if you are feelin extra wacko, pull the wheels-
do them up and you can get into the wheel wells much easier when they are off.
i also like to use wheel well wax (its a spray) for the really hard to get areas.
not exactly my process, but close enough:
http://www.properautocare.com/cowhtiwhwecl.html

and more good stuff here:
http://www.detailersdomain.com/uberwheelti...ellcarekit.aspx

 

Some car washes have a undercarriage washing process but I dont know much about them or if they would be effective. It that works it would be a lot easier if you dont have an issue with car washes.