For those of us who live in South Dakota and the rest who live in colder climates, we understand how brutal it can be to keep our cars clean during winter months. It only takes one drive down the road to completely ruin a freshly washed and waxed vehicle. We all know that auto enthusiast who will tell you that even the most brutally cold and snowy winter won’t stop them from keeping their car clean. So for those enthusiasts, we have created this list of the top four tips for keeping their car sparkling like the snow.
The mainstream car care products on the market today are enhanced to work at temperatures above 50 degrees. We all know there is a shortage of 50 degree days during the winter, so your next best option is to wait for a sunny day. This will allow the car panels to warm up and enable the active ingredients to be most effective during the cleaning process.
Here in South Dakota, it’s not abnormal to see cars lined up at the automatic car wash after a big storm. The sad reality is that the minute these people leave the car wash, their cars will be covered in the same dirt, salt and sand they started with. As you have witnessed during storms, there are crews who have been out for hours covering the roads with salt and sand for our safety. Once the ice on the roads start to melt, it leaves behind a mess of slush that loves to cling to our vehicles. Typically, it’s more beneficial to wait a few days after the storm to go through a car wash. By that time the majority of debris has cleared the road, and you’ll have a better chance of keeping your vehicle cleaner longer.
Wax is a must after your car has been cleaned, as it provides great protection from the elements. Not only will it give your vehicle a brilliant shine, but it will also keep your car cleaner longer. You may even notice that water will literally bead right off the paint. During the wintertime, a spray wax is usually best since it applies easier and faster.
Protecting your vehicle’s wheels is just as important as the outside of a car during winter months. Use wheel Glaze, a protective wax for your tires. It prevents brake dust adhesion, which is a problem year-round, and it repels snow and ice.
