Holiday Car Detailing Checklist – Winter Prep Guide

Jimbo Balaam on

Winter’s coming—don’t let your car suffer. This holiday detailing checklist gives you everything you need to prep, protect, and shine.

 

Holiday Car Detailing Checklist – Winter Prep Guide

Holiday Car Detailing Checklist – Get Your Ride Ready for the Season

Cold temps. Road salt. Family road trips. Your car's about to go through it this season—so let’s prep it the right way.

This checklist will help you protect your car’s paint, interior, and trim all winter long—while keeping it looking freshly detailed for holiday photos and family visits.

🧽 1. Pre-Wash: Remove Salt, Grime & Gunk

Start with a solid pre-rinse and foam soak to loosen up road grime. Use a high-quality foam cannon soap like The Super Soaper to break down dirt without stripping protection.

  • Use a foam cannon or pump sprayer
  • Let dwell for 5–10 minutes (don’t let it dry)
  • Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom

🧼 2. Hand Wash with a Soft Touch

Use a plush towel like the Orange Wash Microfiber Towel for safe contact washing. This helps avoid micro-marring, especially in colder weather where paint becomes more brittle.

Pro Tip: Wash in sections and rinse quickly to avoid water spots in the cold.

❄️ 3. Add Paint Protection Before the Storms

Salt and moisture are brutal on unprotected paint. A good ceramic spray like Tough As Shell gives you weeks of hydrophobic protection that resists grime and makes cleanups easier.

  • Spray on, wipe off—done in minutes
  • Safe for paint, trim, glass, and wheels

🛞 4. Clean & Dress Tires and Trim

Winter wrecks rubber and plastics fast. Use All Dressed Up to protect tires, engine bays, and exterior trim. It leaves a satin, OEM finish—no fake greasy look.

Bonus: It won’t sling, even if roads are wet.

🚗 5. Interior Reset: Winter-Ready Cabin

Keep your cabin fresh and protected with Complete Cabin Cleaner. It’s an all-in-one cleaner that removes grime, kills odor, and leaves a streak-free finish on all surfaces—even touchscreens.

  • Wipe down dash, doors, plastics, screens
  • Use a Scrub Buddy Pad for deeper grime on textured panels

🎒 6. Restock Your On-the-Go Kit

Keep a compact detailing kit in the trunk with essentials:

🎁 Want It All in One Kit?

Grab the Everything Bundle – Makes a Great Holiday Gift Too

Every essential product in one kit. Perfect for your own winter prep—or the car lover on your list.

🧠 Related Posts

Final Tip

Prepping your ride for the holidays isn’t just about looks—it’s about protecting your investment through the harshest months of the year.

Start early, detail smart, and enjoy a clean, protected car all season long.