One of the best ways to keep you ride clean all year round, but especially in the winter is to use Meguiars Ultimate Waterless Wash. Works great - basically spray on and wipe off. Just follow directions and use the proper technique. You will need plenty of microfiber towels and as soon as you the towel gets dirty, turn it over and use a clean spot. Forget about pulling out the hose, buckets, sponges, form guns, etc. This is quick and easy and more importantly, does a fantastic job.

 

I apply a heavy coat of "wax and dry" type spray wax after every winter washing. It helps protect the paint from salt and ice.

 

before winter i usually get a good coat of wax and keep her under the covers when parked in the elements.

 

I typically wash my car on days when it's above 0 Celsius, and I dry the car and drive it around a bit before storing it. Weekly practice.

 

I run my daily driver through the car wash when it gets warm outside - upper 20s or so.

 

When the temperature fluxuates above and below freezing, rain or melted snow can freeze the door to the door seals. Coat the seals in silicone, mineral oil or even tire bright. This will prevent the two surfaces from freezing together and eliminate the chance of tearing or damaging the seals. This will also help when coming out of an automated carwash in freezing temperatures.


Dan

 

It may be blasphemy but my car stays in the garage this time of year. MODOT here in St Louis likes to pretreat the roads with a Beet Juice Brine that gets in all the nooks and cranny's. Call me a wuss, LOL.

 

Always use a high quality detailing spray, like Meguiar's, on all painted surfaces just prior to putting a car cover on to avoid any scratches in the finish from residual dust or other particulates! You can use a detailer on XPEL coatings also!

You actually expect me to drive this car in the winter?

 

I use the one-bucket wash system. Mix Meguiar's Mirror Bright automobile shampoo solution in one bucket, add about 14 folded high quality microfiber towels. Spray one section of car with Meguiar's automobile shampoo solution from a spray bottle, to remove any excess dirt and loosen up hard stains. Then wipe one swipe with one edge of a soaked microfiber towel. Repeat with a clean edge of the towel. Continue until entire section has been cleaned, always using a clean section of towel. Never let a used towel go back in the soap bucket once it leaves the bucket. Use a clean damp microfiber towel to dry off the just-cleaned section.

No hose required. Just one bucket and a small spray bottle of water. Lots of microfibers.

I end up by sealing the finish with a polymer sealant, which I also use on the glass areas.

I keep Meguiar's Mirror Bright detailing spray and a microfiber towel in the frunk for when it's needed to keep the surface clean until the next wash.

 

Clay bar and complete wax before the bad weather hits. Keep the car as clean as possible with frequent washes. The one bucket system and lots of microfiber works well. A great spray detailing wax to keep the surface slick and dirt is easily removed all winter. Here on the Wet Coast it's about keeping off the layer of road muck from rainy days and applying frequent protection. Plenty of Meguiar's spray bottles littering my garage and always one in the frunk with a stack of clean microfiber cloths for the road trips.

 

During the Winter months when your baby stays inside...
Mix a product such as Sta-bil in your fuel to keep the ethanol at bay.

 

Install a trickle charger to keep your battery topped up during the dormant months.

 

If you live in Western NY, wash and wax your car prior to covering it and putting into storage.

Also, inflate your tires an extra 5 PSI to prevent flat spots.

If you have access to power, then leave a trickle charger on your battery.

If no power present where storing then take your battery home and put it up off the floor and keep it on the charger for the winter. Do not leave it on a concrete floor as it can discharge.

Visit your car at least once a month and tell her how much you love her and miss her.

 

Road salt and slush can stain carpets and mats. To dissolve the salt, use a mixture of warm water and white vinegar with a soft brush to remove salt stains. Follow with a quality Capet shampoo or cleaner,.

 

I know that I am a little bit nutty but I will not use a car wash I only hand wash and wax our cars in all seasons ! I carry buckets of water from the kitchen to the garage if the water freezes in the outside hose !
Here in Pittsburgh winters can be extreme I have used Meguiars products for years ( I am a certified 62 year old car nut) and by the way I am also a big fan of Barry's tv show Car Crazy !

I have three winter car care tips :

Take your car weekly to the high pressure car wash w the hand sprayers - spray the UNDERSIDE of Your car and wheel wells to flush out all the salt and dirt

Wax your alloy wheels it takes some time but they clean up more quickly and are protected

If you expect snow and you have to park outside for example at work pull your wipers up so they do not contact your cars windshield this makes it easier to clean the snow and ice off your windshield and also protects the wipers from freezing to the windshield and becoming damaged

However my TOP TIP though for winter is to GO TO Florida and avoid it !!!

Russ DeJulio
Pittsburgh PA