Gearhead Guru Guide: How to Wash Your Car During Winter Weather

Jan 12, 2025

While it might seem a little out of season to wash your car in the winter, it’s actually a very important car maintenance task. The winter roadways are full of debris, particles, and grime that can cause corrosion on metal and deteriorate paint. Removing it after winter is always a good idea but if you can get some mid-season washes or biweekly, that’s ideal! Let’s go through some helpful tips to get your vehicle in pristine condition during winter weather.

Select a covered area such as a car wash facility or garage or car port. Using an enclosed space with drainage in the floor can help prevent the car from drying up too quickly or freezing in winter winds. It will also be much more comfortable for you, rather than standing out in the elements and chilly air. Remember not to leave your car running in enclosed spaces, as the fumes from the exhaust are extremely toxic and unhealthy; only run your vehicle outside of the garage and in open spaces for safety purposes.

Get yourself some quality microfiber wash mitts, synthetic fiber drying cloths, and some waterproof gloves. A thick, super fluffy wash mitt will help capture road grime, salt grains, gravel and caked on mud much easier than your typical car washing sponge. A drying cloth will help you wipe down your car in preparation for winter waxing much faster since your car won’t be sitting in the sun to dry. Insulated, water proof gloves will keep your hands warm while you’re cleaning and dipping into soap buckets and rinsing, making the process faster and more comfortable.

Utilize warm water, not hot, or opt for a quality “no rinse/waterless” car cleaning solution. Preheat the car before pulling it into the garage or carwash bay, and ensure that you’re utilizing the defrosters and blowers aimed at all the windows and doors. Clear all snow, ice, and frost off of your vehicle, as you don’t want to risk getting any cracks in the glass or damage to the vehicle by applying warm water to extremely cold surfaces. Once the car is clear and warmed up, grab some warm water before washing and give the vehicle a rinse to help dissolve salt grime. Do not use HOT water directly on frozen or extremely cold surfaces; you can crack glass or shatter it completely. Rinsless washes reduce the amount of water needed to clean your car to little or none, and can be safely used indoors in places like garages. Other applications include spray-on cleansers that you can wipe down with microfiber cloths. It’s worth noting that waterless options are most appropriate for mild to moderately dirty vehicles.

Pay special care to cleaning out the undercarriage of your vehicle. Salt and corrosive ice melts can lead to build up. Wet wintry conditions also cause a build up of rust causing corrosion and deterioration from constant exposure to the elements. Ensure that you are adequately spraying and cleaning the underbody of the vehicle as well as thoroughly spraying the wheel wells and any small detailed areas like grills and grates.

Ensure your wipers are free and clear of debris after you’ve rinsed the vehicle. Wipe them down gently with a microfiber cloth, then spray the washer fluid on the windshield for several seconds. Allow the cleanser to soak into the wiper blade surfaces and hinges to help prevent corrosion and ice forming. Make sure your wiper fluid has been replaced with an appropriate one for winter temperatures, and opt for one with a hydrophobic assistive additive as well.

Seal your clean vehicle with a protective wax designed to prevent winter weather damage. Car wax can help insulate your vehicle’s paint against damage and corrosion from the elements and road salt/gravel. Opt for something like a carnauba wax at the very least, but optimally you’ll want to seek out a synthetic wax with additional protection from winter weather. When applying wax to your car in winter, it’s important to do this in a temperature controlled garage or covered area so it has time to dry and cure properly before you get back on the road.