Winter Car Care Essentials: Protect Your Paint from the Elements

Josh Cuthbert
Jan 4
2 min read

Updated: Feb 17

Winter in Sussex can be tough on your car. The cold temperatures, rain, snow, and road salt can all take a toll on your vehicle's paintwork. But don't worry, Nine Yards Detailing is here to help you keep your car looking its best all season long!

Why Winter Car Care Matters

Winter throws a lot at your car's paint:

Road Salt: This is the biggest culprit. Salt is corrosive and can cause rust and paint damage if left unchecked.
Mud and Grit: Winter roads are often covered in mud and grit, which can scratch your car's paint.
Freezing Temperatures: Cold weather can make your car's paint more brittle and susceptible to damage.

Top Winter Car Care Tips

Here are our top tips for protecting your car's paint this winter:

1. Wash Your Car Regularly

This may seem counterintuitive in cold weather, but it's crucial. Regular washing removes harmful road salt, mud, and grit before they can damage your paint.

Pro Tip: Use a touchless wash or hand wash with a pH-neutral car shampoo to avoid scratching. Remember to dry your car thoroughly afterwards to prevent water spots and ice from forming.

2. Wax On!

Wax provides a protective layer against the elements. A good coat of wax will help prevent road salt from reaching your car's paint and make it easier to wash off dirt and grime.

Nine Yards Detailing Recommends: Consider our "Deluxe Detail" package, which includes a 7-month hydrophobic ceramic wax application. This will provide long-lasting protection against winter weather. Book Now.

3. Undercarriage Protection

Don't forget about the underside of your car! This area is particularly vulnerable to road salt damage. Consider getting an undercarriage wash or applying a rustproofing treatment.

4. Mind Your Mats

Invest in quality floor mats to protect your car's carpets from mud, snow, and salt.

Pro Tip: Our "Deluxe Detail" includes floor mat shampooing and extraction to keep your interior looking its best. Book our Monthly Detailing Plan here.

5. Beware of Bird Droppings

Bird droppings are acidic and can damage your car's paint quickly, especially in freezing temperatures. Remove them as soon as possible using a car-safe cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

6. Park Smart

Whenever possible, park your car in a garage or covered area to protect it from the elements. If you have to park outside, try to find a spot that's not directly under trees (to avoid sap and bird droppings) or near a busy road (to minimise salt spray).

Nine Yards Detailing Can Help!

Need help with your winter car care? Nine Yards Detailing offers a range of services to keep your car looking its best, including:

Driveway Detail: A comprehensive exterior and interior clean for your car. Book a Driveway Detail
Deluxe Detail: Includes everything in the Driveway Detail plus extras like tire dressing, floor mat shampooing, and a ceramic wax application. Book a Deluxe Detail
Monthly Maintenance Plans: Keep your car looking showroom-ready year-round with our convenient maintenance plans. Book the Monthly Maintenance Plan