1. Pre-Winter Preparation:
   • Thoroughly clean your car’s exterior, including the undercarriage, before winter sets in. This will remove any existing dirt, grime, or contaminants that can interact with salt and cause damage.
   • Apply a quality wax or paint sealant to create a protective barrier on your car’s paint. This will make it easier to clean off salt and road grime later on.
2. Regular Washing:
   • Wash your car regularly during the winter months, ideally every one to two weeks. This will help remove salt and road grime that can accumulate and cause corrosion.
   • Use a pH-neutral or mild car wash soap and warm water to prevent stripping off the protective wax or sealant.
3. Focus on Undercarriage:
   • Pay special attention to cleaning the undercarriage, as this is where salt and road grime tend to accumulate the most.
   • Use a high-pressure hose or pressure washer to flush out salt and dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
4. Wheel and Tire Care:
   • Clean your wheels and tires regularly, as they come into direct contact with salt and road grime.
   • Use a wheel cleaner specifically designed for your type of wheels, and scrub with a soft brush to remove brake dust, grime, and salt residue.
5. Protective Coatings:
   • Consider applying a dedicated undercarriage coating or rust inhibitor to provide an extra layer of protection against salt and road chemicals.
   • Apply a wheel sealant or wax to your wheels to make them more resistant to salt and easier to clean.
6. Drying:
   • After washing, make sure to thoroughly dry your car to prevent water spots, which can be more prominent in cold temperatures.
   • Use a microfiber drying towel or an air blower to remove excess water from all surfaces, including the undercarriage and wheels.
7. Interior Protection:
   • Use rubber floor mats or all-weather floor liners to protect your vehicle’s carpets from salt, snow, and mud.
   • Clean and condition your car’s interior regularly to prevent damage from moisture and salt residue.
8. Post-Winter Detailing:
   • Once winter is over, give your car a comprehensive detailing to remove any remaining salt, grime, and stains.
   • Perform a thorough wash, clay bar treatment, and apply a fresh coat of wax or paint sealant to restore and protect your car’s paint.

By following these winter car detailing tips, you can help protect your vehicle from the corrosive effects of salt and road grime, keeping it in better condition and preserving its value over time.