5 Top Tips for Keeping Your Car Clean in Winter

Winter can be brutal on your car, with salt, grit, and mud threatening to tarnish your pride and joy. But keeping your car clean during the colder months isn't just about aesthetics – it's about protecting your paintwork and wheels from damage. With over 25 years of detailing experience on the road and in the studio, here are my top five tips for keeping your car in pristine condition this winter.

Winter dirt is stubborn, but blasting straight into a contact wash can lead to scratches and swirls. Start with a pre-wash to loosen grime and reduce the risk of damaging your paintwork.I recommend Auto Finesse Citrus Power, a gentle yet effective pre-wash solution that cuts through road grime, salt, and dirt without harming your wax or sealant. Spray it generously over the lower sections of your car, including the wheel arches, and let it dwell for a few minutes before rinsing off with a pressure washer or hose.

Wheels take the brunt of winter road filth, so they deserve extra attention. Before moving to the main body of the car, clean your wheels thoroughly. Use a dedicated wheel cleaner, such as Auto Finesse Iron Out, to tackle brake dust and iron deposits effectively. Apply the cleaner, agitate with a wheel brush to reach all the nooks and crannies, and rinse off. Don’t forget to clean the backs of the wheels – it’s often overlooked but makes a huge difference to the overall look.

Once the pre-wash is complete, it’s time for the main wash. The two-bucket method is essential in winter to minimize the chances of swirling. Use one bucket for your shampoo solution and another with clean water for rinsing your wash mitt.A high-quality shampoo like Auto Finesse Lather provides excellent lubrication to safely lift away contaminants. Work from the top of the car downwards, leaving the dirtiest areas (the sills and lower panels) until last.

After drying your car with a soft microfiber towel, finish with a quick detailer to add clarity, remove minor water spots, and enhance your paint’s protection. Auto Finesse’s Finale quick detailer is perfect for this. It not only gives a glossy finish but also leaves a slick layer of protection that makes your next wash easier. Spray it lightly onto each panel and buff it with a clean microfiber cloth for a showroom shine.

The secret to keeping your car clean all winter is consistency. Grit and salt can do long-term damage if left unchecked, so aim to wash your car every 1-2 weeks, depending on road conditions. To make life easier, you can top up protection with a product like Auto Finesse Aqua Coat, a spray-on rinse-off sealant that provides instant hydrophobic protection and helps repel dirt between washes.

If you’re dealing with heavy winter dirt, incorporating a snow foam like Auto Finesse Avalanche into your routine will provide extra cleaning power. It clings to the surface, breaking down contaminants and making the main wash even safer.

With these tips, your car will stay cleaner, protected, and looking its best all winter long. Remember, winter maintenance is about working smarter, not harder – and with the right tools and techniques, you’ll have no problem keeping the elements at bay.