The freezing winter can be a hassle for many people, but car owners especially have increased worry about keeping their vehicle clean during the winter months. Muddy shoes, road salt, slush stains, and other grime tend to pile up, making it more difficult to keep your car clean this season. With such frequent bouts of bad weather, driving through the car wash alone is not enough to fight off the bitter effects of winter.
While it may seem like all hope is lost, there are plenty of things you can do to combat the winter and keep your prized possession in perfect shape. At Cleveland Customs Detailing, we pride ourselves on maintaining the pristine condition of the vehicles you cherish. That's why we've listed five tips to keep your car clean all winter long.
1. Clean The Exterior
As the freezing weather and snowfall begins, you'll likely notice your vehicle's exterior being affected first. Road salt can accumulate on the body of your car and in the wheel arches, causing rust or other damages. Road salt has a corrosive nature, and when water and air are combined, it causes a chemical reaction that degrades your vehicle's metal. Consistent salt exposure can cause corrosion to form on your car's brake system, and harm the exhaust and muffler systems. To combat these effects, you might want to consider strategies like:
Applying snow foam - Snow foam is an important pre-washing technique that most detailers utilize to avoid scratches and swirl marks, which will occur if you try to scrub a dry car, or one that has not been pre-washed. Using a snow foam lance, apply a thick layer to the car before cleaning it so that it can loosen the stubborn dirt and grime stuck to your car's exterior. This process makes cleaning your car significantly easier.
Pressure washing your car - A pressure washer is a serious upgrade from your typical garden hose, as it can give your car a deeper clean in less time. A strong stream of high-pressure water does a better job of removing grime like road salt, slush, snow, and other buildup that is inevitable in the winter months. Whether you are washing off your snow foam, or giving the final rinse of your car wash process, you'll be sure to have pristine results when you use a pressure washer.
Add Ceramic Coating - If you are serious about keeping your car's exterior clean, you should consider adding a ceramic coating. Ceramic coating is an advanced form of automotive paint protection that offers a long-lasting finish and superior protection from contaminants. It is a liquid polymer applied to your car's exterior and then cured with high heat. This creates an ultra-thin, ultra-slick layer that protects your paint job from UV rays, dirt, bird droppings, snow, road salt, and more.
The exterior of your car is just as important as the interior, so taking these necessary steps will ensure a sleek appearance.
2. Use Rubber Floor Mats
Rubber floor mats are great for trapping dirt, mud, and slush from the outside environment. They can protect your carpet from pesky stains and should be used year-round if you live in a place that sees all four seasons. You can buy some at most auto parts stores or online retailers if your car doesn't have rubber mats.
3. Vacuum Regularly
Dust and dirt will accumulate on your car's interior surfaces no matter what you do. To keep it away, make sure to vacuum your car at least once a week during the winter season. Vacuuming prevents dirt, road salt, and grime from clumping up in carpets or floor mats and makes keeping your car clean easier when spring rolls around.
4. Wipe It Down
One thing you don't want to forget about is wiping down the interior surfaces of your car. This includes wiping down interior plastics and vinyl with a soft cloth and warm water or an all-purpose cleaner. You might also consider waxing your dashboard and other plastic surfaces to help protect them from damage. Wiping away dirt prevents it from settling into cracks and crevices, which can be difficult to clean when they accumulate. Doing this regularly will make your car's interior look clean and fresh, even in the middle of winter.
5. Keep Everything Out
It's tempting to leave your winter coat, boots, and other items in your car during the cold months. However, these items can easily accumulate dirt and grime when left out in the open. To keep your car clean all winter long, make sure that you take anything you don't need out of the car as soon as possible. You'll also want to keep your doors shut when you're not using the car to prevent snow, ice, and cold air from coming in. By protecting the inside of your car and keeping the outside grime away, you can keep your car clean the whole winter period.
Whether you've purchased a new car or have a family car that's been passed down through generations, it's important to give your car the care it deserves. At Cleveland Customs Detailing, we provide a variety of services to help you maintain a clean, comfortable, and safe car that you can be proud of. From regular cleaning and waxing to more complex services like scratch removal and ceramic coating, we have you covered! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your car looking great all winter long.
Cleveland Customs Detailing specializes in high-end detailing, protection, and customization for cars, motorcycles, RVs, and more. We offer many different services including detailing, in-depth paint restoration, ceramic coating, and customizations for your vehicle. Request an appointment online today, or visit our shop at 36635 Reading Ave, Unit 5 Willoughby, Ohio 44095.