Prepare Your Car for Winter... Without Freezing Your Hands Off!
Winter is coming. It's a tough time for your vehicle and no one wants their car looking like a frosty dirtball. From icy windows to slushy tires, the cold season is a full-on assault on your ride. But don’t worry, we’ve got the ultimate plan to keep your car looking pristine and running smoothly through the season's challenges.
Whether you're dealing with snow, ice, or road salt, proper winter car care protects your investment and keeps you safe. This guide will walk you through the process of preparing your car for winter, from cleaning and protecting your paint to maintaining clear visibility and ensuring your tires and wheels are winter-ready.
No freezing buckets of water are required!
PREPARE YOUR GEAR
- Swift Wipe Waterless Car Wash: Fast, easy water-free cleaning.
- Workhorse Professional Grade Microfiber Towel 3-Pack: Ultra-absorbent, durable towels.
- HydroBlitz Hybrid Spray Wax: Quick shine and protection.
- Waffle Weave Glass and Window Microfiber Towel: Streak-free glass cleaning.
- Sticky Citrus Gel Wheel and Rim Cleaner: Powerful, clingy wheel cleaner.
- HydroSpin Wheel & Rim Ceramic Coating: Long-lasting ceramic protection.
- HydroView Ceramic Glass Cleaner & Coating: Crystal clear glass with a ceramic finish.
- Body & Wheel Flagged Tip Short Handle Brush: Gentle yet effective scrubbing.
- Fresh Cherry Blast Hanging Air Freshener 3-Pack: Fights odors with the scent of fresh cherries.
- Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant Car Cleaning Wipes: Cleans & adds UV protection to leather, vinyl, plastic, and more.
Or grab all these products in one convenient bundle with the...
- Chemical Guys Winterization Kit
A complete winter kit containing all the essentials to properly prepare your car for the season.
Chemical Guys Winterization Kit
Get your ride ready for winter weather with this complete winterization kit featuring everything you need to give your ride a waterless wash right inside your garage, apply ceramic shine and protection, and refresh your interior.
Step 1: Clean, Shine, and Protect Your Car (The Easy Way)
Buckets? Water hoses? Not in this weather!
Grab Swift Wipe Waterless Car Wash and clean your car like the pro you are (without needing to thaw your fingers afterward). This product is a game-changer for winter detailing because you don’t need to rinse with water, making it perfect for colder months when hoses freeze and water use is impractical. It picks up dirt and debris while laying down a slick layer of sealant that’s practically magic.
Spray the product onto your car's surface and use a Workhorse Professional Grade Microfiber Towel folded into quarters. Employ the rolling wrist technique to avoid dragging dirt and causing scratches. Always work in linear motions to avoid annoying swirl marks. Once the surface is clean, use a second Workhorse Professional Grade Microfiber Towel 3-Pack to remove any excess Swift Wipe, leaving a glossy finish.
Pro Tip: Want to level up? Hit your car with HydroBlitz Hybrid Spray Wax—its ceramic-infused hydrophobic powers make water, snow, and grime slide right off. Think of it as your car’s winter armor.
Spray a small amount onto a clean Workhorse Microfiber Towel, wipe it onto the surface in straight, linear lines, and buff off the residue with another towel.
Step 2: Keep Those Windows Crystal Clear
Icy, foggy, streaky windows are not the vibe for winter.
Restore clarity and make your glass winter ready with HydroView Ceramic Glass Cleaner & Coating. Clear windows are vital for safety during the winter season, and HydroView offers a dual solution for cleaning and protection. Not only does it clean like a dream, but it also adds hydrophobic protection to shrug off rain, sleet, and snow.
Spray HydroView directly onto your windshield or windows, working one section at a time to avoid drying.
Use a Waffle Weave Glass and Window Microfiber Towel, folded into quarters, to wipe away dirt and residue. Flip your Waffle Weave Towel as needed to maintain a clean surface.
Once the area is clean, use a second Waffle Weave Towel to buff away any remaining product, leaving a streak free, hydrophobic finish. The anti-fogging agents in HydroView further ensure clarity in cold and humid conditions, making this step essential for safe winter driving.
Step 3: Conquer Your Grimy Tires
Your tires have it rough in winter, but yours will be prepared!
Start with our Sticky Citrus Wheel Cleaner Gel to obliterate brake dust, road grime, and general nastiness.
Simply spray a little onto your tires and wheels. Then, use a Wheel And Rim Flagged Tip Brush to scrub the surfaces thoroughly, ensuring you clean every groove and all of the lettering. Wipe away the loosened grime and dirt with a Workhorse Microfiber Towel, folded into quarters so you always have a fresh surface.
Your tires will thank you.
Pro Tip: To avoid cross-contamination and scratches, always use a different color towel for each type of surface on your car or truck.
Step 4: Lock In That Wheel & Rim Protection
Now that your rims and tires are looking fresh...
It's time to protect your wheels from winter like they’re the Mona Lisa, using HydroSpin Wheel & Rim Ceramic Coating. This long-lasting ceramic shield keeps brake dust, water spots, and grime at bay for up to 12 months. It’s like giving your wheels a high-tech winter coat.
To apply HydroSpin Wheel & Rim Ceramic Coating. Spray HydroSpin onto a Premium Grade Microfiber Applicator and work it evenly into all areas of the wheel. Allow it to rest for two minutes to bond with the surface, then buff off the excess with a clean Workhorse Microfiber Towel.
This ceramic layer prevents brake dust, grime, and water spots from sticking, keeping your wheels looking great through winter.
The Winter Warrior’s Checklist
With our must-have products in your corner, your car will be ready to laugh in winter’s face! Just remember, the sooner you prep, the longer you’ll enjoy a clean, shiny ride, without the stress of winter’s wrath.
For a limited time, grab your Chemical Guys Winterization Kit and save yourself some serious cash!
We've covered the exterior but the inside could use some love too... Try our Total Interior Cleaner & Protectant Wipes. They're super easy to use, simply pull one from the package and wipe! They're also safe for ALL interior surfaces and will leave the inside of your ride as great as the outside.
After you cleaned up in there, try a Hanging Air Freshener Assorted 3-Pack, available in scents like Black Frost, Cherry Blast, and Piña Colada. Leave your car smelling as good as it looks!
Chemical Guys Winterization Kit
Get your ride ready for winter weather with this complete winterization kit featuring everything you need to give your ride a waterless wash right inside your garage, apply ceramic shine and protection, and refresh your interior.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CLEANING YOUR CAR DURING WINTER
Can I wash my car in winter without water?
Absolutely! A waterless car wash like Swift Wipe makes cleaning easy without freezing your hands off.
How do I prevent ice from sticking to my windows?
Use HydroView Ceramic Glass Cleaner & Coating for a hydrophobic barrier that shrugs off ice and snow.
What’s the best way to keep my tires looking clean in winter?
Start with Sticky Citrus Gel Wheel and Rim Cleaner to remove grime, then protect with HydroSpin Wheel & Rim Ceramic Coating.
Will road salt damage my paint?
Yes but applying HydroBlitz Hybrid Spray Wax adds a protective layer to shield your car from harsh elements.
How do I avoid streaks when cleaning windows in cold weather?
Use a Waffle Weave Glass and Window Microfiber Towel with a quality glass cleaner like HydroView.
Why does my car’s paint feel rough even after washing?
Embedded contaminants could be the culprit; a clay bar kit can remove them for a smooth finish.
How often should I apply wheel and rim protection?
Ceramic coatings like HydroSpin can last up to 12 months, so reapply yearly for the best results.
Can I use the same towels for different parts of my car?
Nope! Keep separate microfiber towels for glass, paint, and wheels to avoid cross-contamination.
Does waxing my car help in winter?
Yes! Waxing adds an extra layer of protection against salt, grime, and icy buildup.