Why Pre-Winter Prep Is the Best Protection for Your Car

WINTER IS COMING.

By Dylan von Kleist 

VP of Sales & Marketing 

As winter approaches in Colorado, your vehicle faces its toughest test of the year. Between snow, ice, and corrosive deicers on the road, the season can quickly take a toll on both the look and longevity of your car. The good news? Preparing your vehicle with a professional detail and protective coating before the first storm hits is one of the smartest investments you can make, and it can save you thousands in repair costs down the road.

THE REAL THREAT: MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE

The biggest danger to your car in winter isn't the snow or cold; it's magnesium chloride, the deicer sprayed on Colorado roads. It is necessary to mitigate ice on the roads, but it’s also extremely corrosive, attacking metal components like exhaust systems, brake lines, and frames. Left on paint, it can fade the finish and, if scratches or chips expose bare metal, even trigger rust that spreads beneath the paint and causes blistering.

Applying a strong protective layer before winter acts as a sacrificial barrier, slowing down the rate at which magnesium chloride can damage your paint. For undercarriage protection, regular removal every 1-2 weeks is key, and Autowash locations make this easy with Mag-Away in self-serve bays and undercarriage washes in automatic lanes. 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROTECTION

While regular washes during winter are essential, starting the season with a professional detail gives your car a huge advantage. Professional-grade coatings with graphene or ceramic provide durable, season-long protection (3-6 months) that standard waxes or sealants can't match. Waxes and sealants are still effective, but they typically require reapplication every 2-4 weeks to survive Colorado's harsh winter conditions. 

Autowash customers can explore professional detail partners at our detail partner page or shop pro-grade DIY products with our friends at Adam’s Polishes. Members even enjoy a special discount code in the Autowash app. If you’re more the ‘hands-on’ type, the Autowash x Adam’s Clay & Seal Kit offers an easy at-home solution that provides 3-4 months of graphene protection. You can find it linked in the app or at www.autowashco.com/clay-and-seal-kit

WHY CLAY TREATMENT MATTERS

Before applying any protective layer, it’s critical to remove the buildup that a wash alone can’t handle. Claying lifts bonded contaminants like bugs, overspray, and summer fallout from the surface. This non-abrasive process leaves paint smooth and ready for protection, ensuring it bonds properly and lasts longer. A smoother surface also means contaminants rinse away more easily throughout winter, keeping your car cleaner with less effort.

Here's the bonus: a smoother surface means contaminants rinse away more easily throughout winter, keeping your car cleaner with less effort and fewer washes. It's a small step that makes a big difference all season long. 

SMART WASHING HABITS FOR WINTER 

Once your car is sealed or coated, the key to keeping it looking good all winter is frequent maintenance. With Colorado’s freeze/thaw cycles and intense sun, contaminants can cause damage quickly. Wash your car every 1-2 weeks during the winter months, and don't wait for clear roads! Even a quick, lower-level automatic wash, or rinse off in the self-serve bay helps “knock down” residue before it has a chance to start acting on the delicate exterior surfaces of your car. On dry days, choose a higher-level wash or take your time in self-serve. Consider topping up your protection for added durability with a spray sealant.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Start the season strong with a detail and protective layer before the snow, and temperatures, start to fall and you’ll not only guard your car against winter’s harshest elements but also make washing easier and more effective all season long. Come spring, you’ll be glad you invested in protection now.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PRE-WINTER CAR CARE

When should I plan my pre-winter detail? Late October or early November is ideal. It is best if you have protection applied before the first snowfall but after summer road trip season.

How often do I really need to wash in winter? Every 1-2 weeks, or within 24-48 hours after major snow events when magnesium chloride is heavily applied to roads.

Can I do this myself or should I go professional? Both work! Professional detailing ensures expert application and maximum durability. DIY options like the Autowash x Adam's Clay & Seal Kit provide excellent protection if you're willing to invest an hour or two at home in the garage.

Is undercarriage cleaning really necessary? Absolutely. Your undercarriage faces the most direct exposure to magnesium chloride and is where the most expensive corrosion damage occurs -- brake lines, exhaust systems, and frame members. The sooner you can remove the corrosives from those surfaces the less likely you'll see significant damage.