► How to look after your car this winter
► We get advice from Richard Tipper
► Plus keep reading for our favourite products
Winter isn’t the best time for cars; road grime, salt and icy temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle, as well as its tyres and its paintwork. And if you’re running an electric car, you may also notice a decent reduction in your driving range.
We can’t help with the latter, but this winter we’ve teamed up with Richard Tipper aka Perfection Valet and Alfa Romeo for some serious car care insight. We’re using an Alfa Romeo in this case, but on this page you’ll find tips and tricks for looking after any car in winter and preparing it for the colder months – all from Britain’s most well-regarded detailer.
Also, watch the video here.
Keep reading for our step-by-step guide.
1. Preparation
Before starting, make sure your car is in the right place. Position it in a suitable area away from direct sunlight or extreme cold, as this will make a difference later on. Ensure you have all the necessary cleaning tools and products, including a pressure washer, wheel cleaner, soft brushes, a drying towel, and hydrophobic protection spray.
If you want some tips for what to buy, try some our of cleaning material guides or look at our best pressure washer deals.
2. Cool and closed
Ensure all windows and doors are closed tightly, as you really don’t want any water getting in. Also wait for the car to cool if it has been recently driven; hot surfaces can cause cleaning products to dry too quickly, leading to streaks or damage. With that in mind, give it around half an hour or so if you’ve just driven the car. It’ll be worth it in the long run!
3. Do the wheels first
The wheels are often the dirtiest part of the car, so starting with them reduces the amount of cross-contamination. Using your alloy wheel cleaner, start with the bottom of the wheel and work your way up and be sure to use a soft brush for scrubbing and a pressure washer to rinse them.
Be careful with that pressure washer, though. Hold it around 12 to 18-inches from your wheels depending on how powerful it is – you don’t want to damage your brakes or wheels.
While you’re looking at your wheels, this is also a good time to check your tyre condition, including tread depth and pressures for safety.
4. Clean wiper blades
Dirty wiper blades could undo your work in seconds, with that in mind, be sure to clean them now before you do the rest of the car. Clean the rubber strips gently to remove grim, and while you’re there, top up your washer fluid with a product containing sufficient antifreeze to prevent freezing in colder weather.
5. Glass cleaning
This should be done last to ensure a streak-free finish. First you’ll want to use a quick mist of glass cleaner – and be sure that it is indeed a mist. Less is more when it comes to glass cleaner.
A top tip from the expert: turn on the engine and cabin heater to warm the glass slightly. That way it’ll be slightly easier to clean and less prone to smears.
6. Apply hydrophobic protection
After you’ve cleaned your car, you’ll want to coat it with a hydrophobic protection product to keep it looking good for as long as possible. Hydrophobic products, such as spray waxes, essentially create a water-repellent film that displaces water and helps grime slide off while driving. Take a closer look after you apply it; you’ll notice the difference as water beads and rolls away, taking dirt with it.
Anything else?
- Be mindful of water usage – more water doesn’t mean a better clean.
- Put rock salt around your car to prevent icy, dangerous surfaces.
- Wash the underside of the car of salt.
- Dry locks and handles thorough to prevent them freezing overnight.
- Take your car for a short drive to dry the brakes. This prevents corrosion and ensures safety the next time you drive.