Though many vehicle owners tend to neglect their cars during the winter months, detailers know that this time of year can be the most difficult on a car. Snow, ice, and road salt present major threats to automobiles.
Preparing Ahead of Time
A thorough detail job complete with the best possible protection will not only help customers keep their vehicles in good condition during the harsh winter, but it will also make it easier on the detailer through the season and when it comes time for a spring cleaning.
Offering winterization services encourages customers to be prepared. A clean vehicle shouldn’t be exclusive to warmer months.
Exterior Paint Protection
Applying protection to the exterior of your vehicle prior to the start of winter is recommended so that it’s protected against the chemicals that are used to melt snow and ice such as sodium chloride (salt) or halite (rock salt).
These harsh chemicals and abrasive materials can be highly detrimental to all exterior surfaces of a vehicle, so having protection is extremely important to prolong the vehicle’s life. There are various methods designed to protect automotive paint.
Carnauba wax – Naturally occurring carnauba wax has been used since the very first cars hit the road. Liquid waxes like our Cherry Wet Wax combine old-school wax with new technology for a stronger formula.
In average climates, carnauba-based waxes will last for three to four months. Under the conditions of winter, it won’t be able to hold up as long.
Polymer sealant – Synthetic sealants like our STS+ are specially formulated to provide protection for a superior amount of time. It’s applied and buffed off just like a traditional wax, but it lasts twice as long.
Ceramic coating – For the most durable protection and highest shine, check out our line up of Jade Ceramics products. Ceramic coatings chemically bond to the surface of the vehicle, allowing for longer protection.
Jade Obsidian is our most durable coating, offering up to seven years from one application.
Protecting the Interior
Tracking snow and road salt into the vehicle can quickly turn the interior into a mess. Protective measures should be taken to make maintenance and cleanup so much easier.
Jade A65 Fabric Guard bonds to carpet and upholstery to form a barrier against stains. This formula will protect these interior surfaces through the winter and makes removing dirt much easier.
When dressing rubber and plastic floor mats, it’s important to use a product that won’t make the surface slick or slippery. For this, we recommend our Non Silicone Dressing.
Detailing Throughout the Winter
Detailing during the winter can present unique challenges, particularly if unprepared. Vehicles that are regularly detailed will be much easier to manage, but there are products out there to help detailers with every job throughout the season.
Use a Waterless Wash System
Waterless washes eliminate issues caused by freezing water during cold weather. Freeze damage is serious trouble for expensive detailing equipment, and no one wants to handle icy water while washing, either.
Silica Waterless Wash turns exterior upkeep into a one-step process. This product allows for cleaning on mildly drift vehicles without the use of a pressure washer or garden hose. As you are cleaning you will also be applying a thin layer of protection and this can be used on any vehicle – whether it has a wax, sealant, or ceramic coating on it. Simply spray and wipe with a microfiber towel, or for dirtier vehicles with multiple layers of dirt, you can mix in a bucket and clean with a wash mitt or towel, then wipe dry with fresh microfiber towels.
Vehicles with excessive dirt and road grime will still require a more traditional wash to avoid marring. Rather than bringing out a pressure washer and water tank, try our battery operated sprayer for an efficient, hassle-free wash.
From IK Sprayers, we also offer their battery-operated IK e Foam Pro 12 and, for lower volumes, the hand-pumped IK Foam Pro 2+.
Offer Express Services
There are many express options for cleaning and protecting the exterior, alleviating difficulties for mobile detailers in the winter and making it more appealing to customers who don’t want to spend a ton on detailing a vehicle that’s bound to get coated in road salt again.
Protect your vehicle for up to two months with our Gloss & Glide or up to four months with our new Miracle Mist +. Both products are worked into the paint with a microfiber towel, and that’s all it takes. That’s as “express” as it gets!
During the winter, customers are likely to need their vehicle’s undercarriage rinsed, which makes for another quick and easy add on service.
A full carpet extraction may be more difficult to sell during the months when snow and dirt are constantly being tracked into the vehicle. Instead, customers might prefer a quick, inexpensive vacuum to help with upkeep.
Winter doesn’t have to be a guaranteed dead period for automotive detailers. By understanding how to work around the cold weather and tailor your services to appeal to customers most during this time, you’ll be able to keep business flowing year-round.