Here’s how to wash your car in winter without turning it into an icicle – Jalopnik

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The winter season is one of the toughest and most grueling seasons for your junk box. Freezing temperatures, road salt, and thick, muddy dirt all combine to make your ride a filthy mess. Winter also makes it somewhat difficult to wash cars, but frequent washing during the snow season is essential. It’s a safe way to prevent rust and corrosion from ruining your car’s paint, undercarriage and ultimate resale value.

A compromise has to be made, because how on earth are you supposed to wash a car in the cold when the freezing weather forces you to drink hot chocolate in front of the fireplace? It all comes down to timing and using the right tools and techniques. There’s no point in trying when the mercury dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit because washing a car in that kind of weather will definitely turn your ride into an icicle. You even run the risk of the metal locks and doors freezing. Instead, it is better to wash your clothes during the hottest parts of the day. You should aim for midday or midday, or simply look for the outside temperature to be above 35 degrees Fahrenheit (1.6 degrees Celsius).

Also try using a strong car shampoo Chemical Guys Tough mud or Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash and Wax. Both have pH neutral formulas and provide thick foam to remove mud and dirt quickly. Dissolve a little shampoo in a bucket of warm water and wash the hair from top to bottom with a microfiber wash mitt. Don’t forget to wash the roof, hood and trunk before cleaning the lower doors and side sills to avoid scratching the finish.

When the weather gets warm enough, don’t forget to spray the undercarriage, suspension, brakes and parts of the exhaust with water to rinse off excess road salt. A garden hose connected to a tap is fine for this, but you can also use a self-service car wash.

That said, waterless car washes are nothing more than spraying liberally and wiping away the dirt. Turn the towel over if it is soaked with dirt, or grab a new one before moving on to the next section. The golden rule of washing from top to bottom still applies to prevent excess dirt from marring or damaging the finish. Of course, you should only clean your car with a waterless wash during the hottest parts of the day, and you should go back to the fireplace when the weather gets too cold for comfort, regardless of whether you use water or not.