Summary:
Winter’s snow, ice, and road salt can damage a vehicle’s paint, corrode metal parts, and affect safety. Protect vehicles by rinsing away salt regularly, washing with the correct soap for the paint type, drying thoroughly, applying protective wax, and maintaining areas like wheels, windows, vents, and tailpipes. Address issues such as chipped paint, bird droppings, and worn wipers promptly, and take preventive steps to keep vehicles clean, protected, and in good working order throughout the winter season.
Snow, ice, and road salt can wreak havoc on vehicles, from dulling the paint to corroding metal and clogging vital systems. Regular winter cleaning keeps cars looking good while protecting their value and ensuring they stay safe on the road.
If you manage a dealership or operate a fleet of commercial vehicles, you already know how quickly winter grime can pile up. While your team can handle much of the day-to-day upkeep with the steps in this article, it’s also useful to have professional support (especially during the busy holiday season).
Picture Perfect Cleaning offers large-scale cleaning services for auto dealerships that keep every vehicle on your lot or in your fleet looking its best, no matter how harsh the season gets.
Here’s our team’s best advice on how to clean vehicles in winter so they last longer, look better, and stay ready for your customers.
Why Winter Car Cleaning Matters
Alberta winters are tough on vehicles. Salt and slush look awful on your car, but that’s just the tip of the icicle. These substances also speed up rust, cloud windows, and cause wear on moving parts.
Regular winter cleaning:
- Prevents rust and corrosion from salt and de-icing chemicals
- Keeps glass, mirrors, and lights clear for safe driving
- Protects your car’s paint and finish from permanent damage
- Reduces costly repairs by addressing small problems early
- Keeps your interior free from salt stains, water damage, and musty odors
These benefits matter for regular car owners, but they’re especially important if you own a fleet or a business where you sell vehicles.
Related: The Importance of a Clean Car Dealership: How it Affects Your Business
15 Steps (with Instructions) for Keeping Your Car Clean in Wintertime
Here’s what we recommend if you plan to clean any number of cars throughout the winter by yourself. If it’s too much for you and your in-house team, consider hiring cleaning partners who have experience with this kind of work. Don’t just ignore it or hire cleaners who don’t know how to work with vehicles!
Related: Best Practices for Maintaining a Clean Car Dealership: Tips from the Pros
1) Gather the Right Tools and Products
Winter cleaning requires tools that can handle freezing conditions. Here’s a list of what you’ll need (at least):
Essentials:
- Snow brush and ice scraper
- Soft-bristled wash brush or microfiber mitt
- Hose with running water (kept from freezing) or a bucket system
- Car shampoo suited to your paint type (matte-safe or regular)
- Chamois, microfiber towels, or drying cloths
- Winter-specific car wax or sealant
- Old toothbrush for tight spaces
- Tire dressing for rubber protection
Tip: For matte finishes, avoid soaps with wax, dish soap in summer, and flocked car washes that create shine.
2) Pre-Rinse to Remove Salt and Loose Dirt
Always start by rinsing off as much grit as possible from the exterior of the vehicle.
Action steps:
- Use a hose or pressure washer to rinse the whole car, especially wheel wells, undercarriage, and lower panels.
- Avoid spraying directly at electronics or window seals.
- In high-salt areas, rinse at least once between full washes.
3) Wash With the Right Soap and Method
Washing removes stubborn salt and grime before they can cause damage. Just make sure to use a technique that won’t scratch the finish, and avoid chemicals that could permanently damage paint or chrome.
Action steps:
- Use car shampoo appropriate for your finish.
- Work from top to bottom to avoid scratching the paint.
- Use a soft brush or mitt, refreshing rinse water often.
- Pay extra attention to wheel arches, bumpers, and behind tires.
- Avoid washing in extreme cold where water will freeze on the surface.
4) Rinse and Dry Completely
Trapped water can leave mineral spots or freeze overnight, so it’s important to avoid leaving water on surfaces.
Action steps:
- Rinse all soap thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry all surfaces with a chamois or microfiber towel.
- Open doors and trunk briefly to dry seals and prevent freezing shut.
- Wipe glass inside and out to prevent fogging.
5) Apply Wax or Sealant for Winter Protection
This creates a barrier against salt, slush, and grime.
Action steps:
- Apply a winter wax or sealant every 6–8 weeks.
- Coat wheels with rim-safe wax to make cleaning easier.
- For matte finishes, use sealants specifically formulated for non-gloss paint.
6) Deep Clean Hard-to-Reach Areas
Salt and dirt hide in small gaps and cause hidden damage, so you don’t want to overlook hard-to-reach areas.
Action steps:
- Use an old toothbrush with dish detergent and warm water to clean crevices.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly afterward.
- Check and clean around emblems, trim, and door handles.
7) Maintain Wheels and Rims
Salt buildup here can ruin your rims quickly. It’s tempting to ignore wheels on the grounds that “they get dirty anyway”, but don’t make this mistake.
Action steps:
- Wash rims with dish detergent and warm water.
- Scrub with a soft wheel brush, paying attention to lug areas.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry.
8) Keep Windows, Mirrors, and Wipers Clear
Visibility is non-negotiable in winter driving. Pay special attention to anything that helps you see while driving.
Action steps:
- Use a scraper or de-icer spray to remove ice and frost.
- Avoid aggressive scraping that can scratch glass.
- Replace worn wipers as soon as they streak or chatter.
- Keep washer fluid topped up with winter-rated fluid.
9) Protect Rubber and Moving Parts
Cold weather can dry out seals and stiffen hinges. A bit of TLC to these areas can help prevent costly mechanical damage down the road.
Action steps:
- Apply tire dressing to prevent cracking.
- Lubricate door hinges and seals with silicone or graphite spray.
- Secure loose spare tire covers with straps or bungee cords.
10) Protect the Interior From Slush and Salt
These things belong outside the car, not in it. Winter messes inside the car can cause lasting stains and smells.
Action steps:
- Use heavy-duty rubber mats or waterproof covers.
- Empty and rinse mats regularly.
- Vacuum often to remove abrasive salt and grit.
11) Handle Specific Winter Hazards Promptly
Winter comes with some specific environmental conditions that can dirty your vehicle fast. Quick action prevents permanent damage.
Action steps:
- Remove bird droppings as soon as possible to avoid etching.
- Repair chipped paint right away to stop rust from spreading.
- Clear air intake vents of leaves and debris to keep the engine breathing.
- Keep tailpipes clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
12) Arrange for Vehicle Checks if You’re Away
Snow and ice buildup can cause serious damage if left for weeks, so don’t just leave your car to the elements if you’re out of town during the holiday season.
Action steps:
- If you’ll be gone for more than a week, have a trusted person clear snow and ice from your vehicle.
- Show them where emergency supplies are stored (ice scraper, washer fluid, shovel).
- Ask them to check for salt buildup on wheels and undercarriage and remove it if possible.
13) Use a Makeshift Ice Removal Trick in Emergencies
If you’re caught without a scraper, you can improvise.
Action steps:
- Cut a piece from an old rubber floor mat.
- Spray one side with aerosol glass cleaner.
- Press it against the inside of the windshield to help loosen frost for easier removal.
- Use only in emergencies—replace with a proper scraper as soon as possible.
14) Avoid Harsh Chemicals on Matte Finishes
Matte paint requires special care to avoid unwanted shine or damage.
Action steps:
- Use only matte-safe soaps and sealants.
- Skip wax unless it’s labeled safe for matte finishes.
- Avoid flocked car washes that can alter the texture and sheen.
15) Use Touchless Car Washes in Extreme Cold
When home washing isn’t possible, touchless washes can remove salt safely.
Action steps:
- Choose a wash with an undercarriage rinse to clear salt from hidden areas.
- Avoid automatic washes with brushes that can scratch paint.
- Dry the vehicle thoroughly afterward to prevent ice formation.
Keep Your Car Protected All Winter Long
Winter cleaning is about prevention as much as appearance. By rinsing away salt, washing with care, protecting paint, and addressing small issues quickly, you can keep your vehicles looking great and ready to perform all season long.
For dealerships and fleet operators, keeping dozens (or even hundreds) of vehicles clean in winter can be a full-time job. Picture Perfect Cleaning can help with large-scale cleaning services tailored to your business, protecting your inventory’s value and making sure every vehicle is ready to impress buyers. Contact us to learn how we can keep your lot or fleet pristine all winter.
