5 Essential Winter Car Care Tips for New Englanders

Winter is here, and with it comes the challenges that every vehicle owner in New England knows all too well. The salty roads, snowstorms, and freezing temperatures can take a toll on your ride, but fear not! This season doesn't have to be a death sentence for your car. Here are 5 tips from professional detailers to help keep your car clean this winter in New England.

1. Watch The Forecast

Here's a hard lesson to learn when washing your car in the winter: you can't wash the dirt off if it's frozen. Warm weather fronts are a golden opportunity to get your wash mitt going. Always plan to tackle the exterior at the warmest part of the day to reduce the chance of ice forming as well. Another essential safety tip is to plan for water drainage while washing your car this winter. Plan ahead so that your car is not stranded within a driveway-sized ice-skating rink the next day!

2. Wax for Protection

After washing, always apply a protective wax coating to shield your car's paint from harsh winter elements. This protective layer will not only help your car look great, but a wax or ceramic based coating will make snow and ice removal a breeze! Not only does a protective coating make this make maintenance easier, but coating your vehicle will discourage all forms of oxidation from attacking your paint, such as: rust, fading, and chemical stains. New England Auto Spa highly recommends installing a winter paint sealant or ceramic coating prior to the winter months. Some of the high-quality coatings used by our team prevent ice and snow from sticking to exterior glass, metal, and paint all together.

3. Use Waterproof Gloves

The value of proper PPE cannot be underestimated. Even during a brief warm period, the winter is a dangerous time to get your skin wet. Here at New England Auto Spa, our detailers use insulated, neoprene-dipped gloves to protect our hands. This choice keeps heat in without sacrificing dexterity during the detailing process.

4. Don't Forget the Glass

Protecting your car's glass will promote safety for you and your passengers this winter. Adding a protective layer to your vehicle's windows will discourage snow and ice buildup while driving.

5. When In a Rush, Use Rinse-Off Products

Innovations in the detailing industry have blessed car care enthusiasts who refuse to hibernate. Rinse-off protective products provide a quick, user friendly, and effective method to help maintain your vehicle's cleanliness. These chemicals give a light, touchless scrub while water pressure provides enough agitation to lift salt and grime off your vehicle. As a bonus, many of these products leave behind a layer of protection to make the next wash much easier.

With these winter car care tips, you can ensure that your vehicle has a leg up on winter this season. Your local detailing experts at New England Auto Spa are even available during the winter to help you with any car care needs you require. Remember, a little care goes a long way in preserving the longevity and performance of your vehicle during the harsh New England winter months. Drive safely and be prepared for whatever the cold weather throws your way!