If you happen to live in a city where rain and snow are a constant part of life, you should invest in regular professional car detailing to maximize your vehicle’s potential and prolong its usefulness. Humidity and moisture are just two of the things that can bring on premature oxidation in your vehicle. In the meantime, you should also seek out car detailing tips that will help you keep your vehicle in tiptop shape while waiting for the next appointment.

Being responsible for your vehicle’s functionality will ensure your safety on the road. You don’t want to have an accident in the middle of a snowstorm, or on any other day for that matter. So, it’s better to make your preparations even before the onset of winter, so that you’ll be ready to face the nasty snow and winds when the time comes.

Top car detailing tips for winter

Here’s the deal—your car will require regular washing and waxing even in the dead of winter. It would be better for you to stock up on the necessary supplies before autumn ends so you won’t have to rush out to the hardware store. Paint sealant and car wax are possibly two of the most important items for winter car care. Having them on hand for the rest of winter will help protect your paintjob from the harshest of winter debris: road salt.

While road salt is perfect for de-slicking the roads and ensuring a good grip for your tires, it can also be the number one factor that will speed up your vehicle’s oxidation. A good, thorough washing every now and then will lift road salt off your tires and paintwork. Don’t wait for spring to clean up your car.

When it comes to picking out the best paint sealant or car wax, there are a number of considerations that come to mind, such as cost, ease of application, durability, and formulation. The smartest way to go about it is to get the sealant that promises the longest protection for your car, so you won’t have to reapply the product as offten.

Other things you might want to try to care for your vehicle include the following:

1. 1. 1. Top up your fluids. No, you absolutely don’t want to run out of gas in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere. That is the absolute worst disaster that you can have with your vehicle middle of nowhere, with snow all around you. Winterizing your car means taking care of the basic things that keep it running well: engine oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, fuel, and water. Check the levels every week or so to ensure that you have enough to make it to and from your home.

1. 1. 1. Care for your wheels. If the metal surfaces of your car are subjected to the oxidative power of road salt, the wheels and tires take the worst of the beating. They come into direct contact with road silt, dirt, and muck with every revolution. Clean out your tires regularly with a pressure washer to discourage the build-up of grease and salt. Keep your tires supple and your wheel wells shiny with a generous coating of tire dressing and wheel cleaner. Also check your tires for proper inflation and alignment. Some car detailing tips also advise rotating the front and back wheels every so often to even out the weight and reduce the risk of a tire blowout.

1. 1. 1. Watch your driving style. Winter is probably the most dangerous season for car drivers, with increased wind speed, limited visibility, and unstable tire traction working against the car. Your vehicle can be 100% prepped for winter, but if you have poor driving skills, it will not matter. Simple things like reducing stone chip damage can be achieved by allowing a good distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Keeping too close will heighten the chances of your car being sand-blasted by flying road salt and grit, which will in turn cause damage to your vehicle.