Really had to try and clean the car today as she was filthy
Took it to my local jetwash guys ( basically these guys let me use their jetwash and wash the car myself, but using their equipment, for a small fee ) and gave it a quick going over.
As it was so cold as I was washing the car I watched it more or less ice over....lol
Anyways, got her clean and the wheels lookin a bit better too, not that it'll last for long
Gave the interior a quick vaccuum too to get rid of the debris that has collected over the past week....made me feel a little better I guess

Interested to hear how some of you guys who stay in colder climates manage?

 

Usually people here avoid cars washes in sub zero weather simply because it will freeze things shut - like doors, boot lids, gas door etc. etc.

If the weather is slushy like today, the car is filthy again within a few kms, so it was money wasted.

The high pressure car washes also to tend to drive water (usually contaminated with salt from the street) into places that water should not go.

 

I am resigned to a dirty Jag for the meantime. The windows and lights get a good wipe over to keep them clean. I have realised that with the windscreen washers in the wipers they freeze solid. I have taken to throwing snowballs at the windscreen to cover it and then wipe it off to clean it!

As soons as is possible it will get a good hand wash. As you say, a jet wash can get salty water into parts you dont want it.

 

Mid-70s and sunny here in southern California--sorry guys.

Doug

 

It is rather frustrating as we do not usually get this much snow and for it to last this long. I got a clay detailing kit and decent Draper portable vacuum and I cant use either. I had previously got stuff to paint my calipers and I have had to give up on that as well due to the weather.

I did my put my new Jag tax disc holder and Leaper keyring on!

 

This is really frustrating now. I dont remember a cold spell like this. How do you clean your car in places where it stays below freezing for weeks/moths on end?

 

You don't- it's that simple. Nobody else does either, so it's 'normal'.

 

Since I spend months in this kind of weather, I will go through the touchless and get the undercarriage spray then drive her home and park in the heated garage for a day. Doesn't get anywhere near clean but it gets a layer off. After that it usually stays cold enough that it doesn't get dirty for a week or two.

 

Don't you worry about the wash driving the salt deeper into the underbody? Mine stays outside 24/7 to avoid the freeze/thaw cycles.

 

I fopund a hand wash place open today (balmy 4 degrees celcius) and they gave it a a nice wash. At least the lights, number plate and windows are clear.

 

We don't use salt on the roads here, mosty sand. So, not too worried.

 

We don't use anything on the roads here, just what falls out of the sky or the back end of a farm animal.

So the car is either covered in snow or sh#t depending on the season

 

I think, because the weather is so variable in the UK, where it is possible to get three seasons in one day, there is a reluctance to change habits. The British dont understand the concept of 'there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes'. So people want roads gritted so they do not need to vary their driving style. When they crash, it is the weathers fault.

 

Jim,

Here is a really neat product "ONR-Optimum No Rinse" that we have available in the states. I just tried it out for the first time last weekend 1/9/2010 and it was great, I would highly recommend it for those cold day's, instead of your fingers getting numb and frozen.

I was a little apprehensive to try ONR for my first time.....I have always washed my vehicles or customers cars the traditional way using a quality automotive soap, 2 buckets and grout sponges...After all the posts on the different forums and the raves I thought I would give ONR a try. Just purchased my first gallon, used it to prep this F360 Spyder, loved the results.........
The method I used was a 2 bucket ( 1 bucket for ONR 2 ounces : 4 gal H20 ) the other bucket was just pure water for rinse out. 2 large MF towels one for wet wipedown application the other for drying. I left all the lowers, rockers, wheel well arches, diffuser and rear bumber areas for last. After the initial prep, the vehicle was thoroughly clayed, rotary polished, D/A polished, D/A waxed.....
I would definately use ONR again as a substitute for a traditional full vehicle bath if water limitations apply. ( If vehicle is EXTREMELY dirty I may be more hesitant...and may suggest visiting a coin wash first for a pre rinse to remove heavy build up then follow up with ONR)







I will post the products and methods employed shortly.....

Dave @ Innovative Detailing

 

Hi Dave, thanks for sharing that. There's sumthin similar to that ONR over here, a waterless car wash treatment that BuckMR2 reved about....awlays been a bit skeptical about that kinda thing myself tbh.

Loved the detail on the Spyder......stunning results, stunning car

 

My car is filthy again

 

I give it a good detail before it gets too cold, then take the bus to work. Only take it out when the roads aren't digusting. They use A LOT of salt here, no sand (salt lake city - aquifers are salty anyway). If I do get some salt on it, I promptly go to the wand car wash and soak it with the low pressure spot free (the place here uses filters and some form of RO - so basically distilled water) till I can taste all the salt is gone. Yes I'm that ****

Then again I only do this till I get the hell out of here (-16C cold and the most polluted city in the US). So I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, otherwise I dont think I could keep this up indefinitely.

 

Hey Peniole...lovin the fact that you "taste" your car to see if its salt free.....totally OCD buddy, but hell, when you love your car, you love your car, right?

 

Absolutely love the car Jim. There's a reason for the sig, I'm car OCD all over.

My wife has a fit when I do it though. Instructions: 1. Soak car with DI water 2. Dry door sills, drain holes, and chrome 3. wipe finger on suspect area 4. Taste 5. Repeat if required.

Noticed you're in Glasgow. I miss Glasgow, I grew up there till 5th grade primary. I've only been back once in 2000; boy had it changed from the 80's! Hope to be back in the area soon.

 

Finally, its first proper hand wash. Spent ages on the alloys and of course missed a bit!