❄️ How to Protect Your Car’s Paint in Winter

Winter is tough on your car’s paint. Road salt, snow, and freezing temps can dull your finish and speed up corrosion. Here’s some expert advice from AB Detailing to help protect your car’s paint in winter and keep your vehicle looking new all season.

1. Start with a Deep Clean

Give your car a full wash before winter hits. Remove old grime, tar, and contaminants so they don’t get trapped under snow and salt.

2. Decontaminate the Paint

Use a clay bar or iron remover to pull embedded debris from the surface. This helps your protective layers bond better and reduces micro-scratches.

3. Apply a Sealant or Ceramic Coating

For the best winter protection, apply a high-quality paint sealant or ceramic coating. Sealants last 3–6 months, while ceramic coatings offer long-term durability against salt, UV, and chemicals.

4. Wash Regularly

Even in cold weather, rinse off salt every 1–2 weeks. Use touchless washes when temps drop below freezing to avoid scratching the paint.

5. Don’t Forget Wheels & Undercarriage

Apply wheel sealant and rinse the undercarriage often. These areas collect the most salt and rust quickly if ignored.

6. Avoid Scraping Ice on Paint

Only use ice scrapers on windows. For the body, use a soft snow brush or let the car warm up to loosen ice safely.

Quick Summary

Protecting your car’s paint in winter is simple: deep clean, decontaminate, seal, wash frequently, and avoid harsh scraping. These small steps keep your paint glossy and protected all season long.

If you are looking to have your cars paint professionally protected for the winter season feel free to drop us a message and we will be happy to help!

Contact us at AB Detailing to book an appointment for a professional mobile valet! CLICK HERE