Whilst we might not see blizzards, we can start to expect a delightful mixture of rain, road grime, frost, and the general wear and tear that comes with running a car in cooler temperatures.
If you’re not fully committed to taking care of your vehicle over winter, then you could easily let things fall into disrepair. That is why a thorough winter car detailing routine is something you should adopt now before it’s too late.
Proper cold weather car care goes much further than just keeping your vehicle looking shiny. You should be thinking about maintaining value, safety, and longevity. Our auto detailing guide will help walk you through the most important steps to prepare your car for winter, whether you’re flying solo or calling in the professionals.
Why Winter Detailing Matters in Australia
Even when you’re driving in milder climates, winter driving can expose your vehicle to increased levels of moisture, dirt, and the damage that comes with fluctuating temperatures.
Rain and road grime can quickly begin to wear down your paintwork, whilst damp interiors can start to invite mould and mildew into your car, which is never pleasant.
On top of that, you’ll probably find yourself wrestling with foggy windows and slippery surfaces, so it’s really crucial to start taking care of your vehicle before it’s too far into winter to do much good!
When you start following a seasonal detailing routine, you’ll easily be able to protect your investment, enhance your safety, and enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable driving experience overall.
Start with a Deep Exterior Clean
Even though your car is getting a quick rinse in the rain, the wet weather often leaves behind a trail of nasty contaminants that stick to your paintwork.
We always recommend starting your winter car detailing routine with a thorough exterior wash that helps to remove any dirt, oils, and debris.
If you find yourself short on time over the winter months, then a mobile car wash in winter is a brilliant way to save some time. Our skilled mobile car detailers can come to a location to suit you and perform a proper deep clean, no matter what the weather!
However, if you do choose the DIY route, then it’s vital to focus on the undercarriage and wheel arches of your car. This is where moisture and dirt build up the most, which can cause these areas to rust if not kept clean.
Choose From Ceramic or Wax Protection
When it comes to car protection, winter measures often mean choosing between either wax or ceramic coatings. Wait until your vehicle is completely dry before you add your wax or ceramic protection products for the best results.
The beauty of ceramic coatings is that they offer a durable, long lasting hydrophobic shield to help protect your vehicle from the elements over winter. If you park outside, ceramic coatings can also protect your vehicle from harsh UV rays, which can cause fading.
Protect Your Interior
Wet, muddy shoes are the number one cause for complaint over the winter months for car owners. Cold weather car care absolutely must feature a decent session with a vacuum and even waterproof floor mats to help protect your vehicle a little more.
Once you’ve tackled the carpets, wipe down surfaces with a decent antibacterial cleaner (hello, cold and flu season!), then apply leather or fabric protectant to help repel potential stains or excess moisture.
Whilst you’re working on the interior, it’s good to clean out your air vents. They often trap dust and moisture, which can lead to an unwanted, musty odour that is quite hard to get rid of.
If you have removable floor mats or seat covers, then we always suggest our clients swap them out for durable, waterproof versions that are easier to clean and don’t absorb excess water.
Keep Glass Clean
The low winter sun is a really dangerous hazard if your windscreen is streaky. Keeping the inside and outside of all your glass nice and clean can be a real winter game changer, making your vehicle much safer all winter long.
Not only that, but you can use water repellent glass treatments to make driving in heavy rain a little bit easier. Don’t forget to apply anti-fog treatments to your windows and mirrors whilst you’re at it!
Tyre Maintenance
Did you know that cold temperatures can reduce your tyre pressure? This can massively affect your grip on the roads as well as your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. That is why it is so important to check your tyres regularly and keep them inflated to the correct PSI.
It is also a nice finishing touch to give your wheels a decent clean to remove any brake dust and road grime. Black tyres make your vehicle look picture-perfect after a thorough detailing experience!
Enjoy the Convenience of Mobile Winter Detailing
You don’t need to brave the cold with your bucket and sponge this weekend! Mobile detailing services offer you a much easier solution. With so many mobile car wash winter options across Australia, you can easily book one of our Australia’s Detailing Group technicians to come and detail your vehicle wherever you are.
You can follow our auto detailing guide or book online today and let us handle the heavy work! Contact us today and see how we can keep your car looking fresh this season.