The Ultimate Fall Car Care Checklist

Fall car care includes washing, decontaminating, applying protection, and prepping your trim, tires, and interior for cold weather. Here’s the full checklist to keep your car looking great all season.

 

The Ultimate Fall Car Care Checklist

The Ultimate Fall Car Care Checklist

As the temperatures drop and the leaves start falling, it's the perfect time to get your car ready for the season ahead. Fall detailing isn’t just about looks—it’s about protecting your investment from moisture, grime, UV, and the road salt that’s right around the corner. This checklist gives you everything you need to prep your vehicle like a pro.

✅ 1. Give It a Deep Wash

Start with a proper decon wash to strip away summer grime, road film, and sunscreen residue.

✅ 2. Clay and Decontaminate

Cooler weather = more bonded contaminants. Clay now to prevent long-term damage.

  • Use a clay mitt or bar to remove embedded grit
  • Optional: Add an iron remover to dissolve brake dust and fallout

✅ 3. Apply a Protective Layer

Paint protection is key as moisture and grime increase. Apply a durable ceramic spray like:

✅ 4. Dress Your Trim and Tires

Cold weather dries out plastic and rubber. Lock in protection with a water-based dressing:

  • All Dressed Up – Use straight or dilute 4:1 for a natural, matte finish

✅ 5. Clean the Interior

Fall brings in dirt, mud, and leaves. A quick interior refresh now saves you from deep winter grime later.

  • Complete Cabin Cleaner – Safe on plastics, leather, and screens with no streaks
  • Vacuum carpets and floor mats, then use compressed air to blow out tight areas

✅ 6. Finish with the Glass

Clean glass improves visibility during shorter, darker fall days. Don’t forget:

  • Inside and outside glass cleaning
  • Degrease windshield wiper blades
  • Consider applying a hydrophobic glass sealant

Pro Tip

Apply all your protection layers on a cool, dry day. Fall humidity can affect cure time—so work in the shade and keep towels clean and dry throughout the process.

Final Thoughts

Fall detailing isn’t about being fancy—it’s about staying ahead of the damage. A simple wash, protection, and interior touch-up now will save you time, effort, and money all winter long. Knock it out in a weekend and you’re set until spring.

Start with The Super Soaper | Protect with Tough As Shell

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