Tips for preparing your car for winter

Winter has the potential to wreak havoc on your car's condition, especially for those who live in places with very cold climates who deal with the damaging effects of snow, sleet and salt all season long. Detailing your vehicle in early fall can offer significant protection for your car and even prevent some of the worst damage of winter.

Preserve the paint

Since your car's finish is the most delicate surface, it is especially important to properly prepare your vehicle for winter. The first step is to pre-wash and thoroughly wash the vehicle using a specific car shampoo . The use of any other household detergent risks removing the protection previously applied to your car!. Cleaning helps remove debris that can scratch your vehicle's finish, and since salt and gravel are more prevalent on roads in the winter, it's important to maintain a regular car washing schedule throughout the season.

Once your car's exterior is clean, apply a high-quality paint sealant to protect the finish. The polymers in a synthetic paint sealant form a barrier that will protect your vehicle's paintwork from salt, water and chemicals used on roads during winter weather. High-quality paint sealants typically offer protection for about six months, allowing you to apply the sealant in the fall and be protected all winter.

Safeguard your interior

You also need to detail the interior of your vehicle in preparation for winter with professional interior cleaning products , particularly if your car has leather seats. Skin can be dried out by winter cold and lack of moisture, and unhydrated skin is prone to cracking. Additionally, since leather is only porous in relatively warm conditions (typically above 50 degrees), it can actually absorb products well and make them softer. If you decide to recondition your leather interior in cold weather, the leather will appear supple but will not have actually absorbed the necessary moisture.

Protect your tires

Your tires come into closer contact with salt and other chemicals on the road in the winter. By using a good , high-quality rubber black , applied in early fall and reapplied often after washes, you can ensure your tires look good and are protected from the winter elements.

In short, by doing a good detailing of your car in the fall with an eye on preparing for the winter, you can ensure that your vehicle gets through the season in great condition.