Why winter washing matters
Road salt and de-icing products sit on paint, wheels and the underside of the vehicle. Left for weeks, they speed up corrosion and dull the finish. Alberta also has Chinook warm spells that make short wash windows even in January. Take them.
When to wash
- Wash on a day above freezing, ideally when the sun has helped the vehicle warm up, so water does not freeze in locks and seals.
- Rinse the underbody and wheel wells: that is where salt collects.
- Avoid washing right before a hard freeze.
Protect doors, locks and seals
After washing, open each door and wipe the jambs and rubber seals dry. Water left in a door seal can freeze the door shut overnight. A light rubber-safe seal conditioner helps keep seals from sticking.
What to avoid
- Pouring hot water over frozen glass, which can crack it.
- Automatic brush washes, which can leave fine swirl marks, especially on dirty paint.
- Waiting until spring to clean salt off carpets and mats. Salt stains set in.
Interior in winter
Salt tracked in on boots leaves white stains on carpets and mats. Vacuum and wipe mats regularly, and consider a shampoo treatment after the season. Our car detailing page lists the interior add-ons and prices.
Protection that makes winter easier
A ceramic coating or sealant makes salt and road film release much easier. The Signature Detail includes a 30-day ceramic sealant; our ceramic coating lasts much longer. For gravel, paint protection film protects the front end.
A simple winter wash routine
- Pick a day above freezing and let the vehicle warm up.
- Rinse thoroughly, starting with the wheels, wheel wells and underbody to flush salt.
- Wash the paint by hand or choose a touchless wash.
- Rinse again and dry the paint, glass and mirrors.
- Open each door, wipe the jambs and seals, and dry the door handles and locks.
- Leave the vehicle somewhere warmer for a short time if you can, so the last water evaporates before it freezes.
Wheels and brakes
Salt and brake dust collect on wheels and are hard to remove once they bake on. A regular rinse of the wheels and wheel wells in winter makes the spring clean-up much easier.
Before winter: a checklist
- Apply a sealant or ceramic coating so salt and road film release more easily.
- Protect the front end with paint protection film if you drive highway.
- Fit winter-rated wiper blades and top up cold-rated washer fluid.
- Put winter floor mats in, so salt does not reach the carpet.
After winter
In spring, book a deep clean to remove embedded salt and road film from paint, carpets and mats. The Signature Detail includes a full hand-contact wash, engine wash, door jambs and a 30-day ceramic sealant.