How to Protect Your Car’s Paint Before Winter
Between road salt, freezing temps, and constant grime, winter is brutal on your paint. But the good news? You don’t need a professional detail to get solid protection. Follow this simple checklist to lock in your shine and shield your paint before winter hits.
Step 1: Wash Thoroughly
- Use a pre-soak with The Super Soaper to break down road film and grime
- Foam the entire car and rinse with high pressure
- Use a soft contact wash towel for safe contact cleaning
Step 2: Decontaminate the Surface
- Clay the paint to remove embedded contaminants
- Optional: Use an iron remover on lower panels to target brake dust and fallout
Step 3: Apply a Paint Sealant or Ceramic Spray
Now that the paint is clean and bare, it’s time to seal it up. We recommend:
- Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray – Spray, wipe, and you’re done
- Use two towels: one to apply, one to level
- Cures best above 45°F, so do this early in the season
Step 4: Don’t Forget Trim and Tires
Plastic trim and rubber take a beating in cold weather. Prevent fading and cracking with:
- All Dressed Up – Use straight or diluted 4:1 for a matte OEM look
- Apply to tires, trim, engine bay plastics, and weather seals
Step 5: Optional—Polish Before You Seal
If your paint has light swirls or looks dull, a quick pass with Picture Perfect Polish can make a huge difference before locking in protection.
Step 6: Protect Your Interior Too
- Use Complete Cabin Cleaner on all surfaces—safe on leather, vinyl, screens, and fabric
- Vacuum carpets and clean rubber mats before slush season starts
Pro Tip
If your car is ceramic coated already, this is still the time to add a topper like Tough As Shell. It’ll boost gloss and add a hydrophobic layer on top of your base coating to resist salt and grime.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to wreck your car. A little prep now will save you from deep cleanups later. Wash, protect, dress, and enjoy easier maintenance all winter long. It’s the smart move whether you’re driving a daily or storing your ride until spring.
Protect Your Paint with Tough As Shell
