Originally Posted by
ShaneB
I’ve stayed open thru the winter in Michigan the past 3 years, working from my home garage (I’m mobile most of the year) which I did my best to setup for detailing. That being said, I’m shutting it down this year. Not worth the struggle to get things done properly. I’m not sure if you do any interior work but even in my heated garage (which I can comfortably get to 70 degrees and work in a t shirt), I have a hell of a time getting anything to really dry out. I could do more to make it possible including getting a few fans but it’s just that much more work having to move them around.
if you’re looking to do just exteriors, reading your posts, there’s a few things of concern. First off, heating with propane. I wouldn’t ignore the risk of carbon monoxide. Is this an enclosed tent or spray booth type thing you’re setting up? I wouldn’t even consider heating an enclosed space with anything but electric or a vented gas heater. This could not only be a risk to yourself, but your client as well. If you’re going the propane route but it’s not enclosed, how are you planning to actually keep anything warm? The slightest breeze will pull away pretty much all the heat, and without insulation, you’ll lose it all very quickly even on a calm day. You also may want to think about how long it could take to warm a car up from frozen. This could take hours depending on how much heat you can surround it with.
Have you tried applying any waxes or sealants in colder weather? They do not setup properly at all and can freeze on the surface before even having a chance to properly bond.
Do you have a plan for being able to pressure wash anything? Rinseless washes and waterless washes are great, but your typical vehicle driven in the winter, covered in salt spray and dirt if FAR beyond being able to safely do a rinseless wash. I don’t have a drain in my garage so when I was asked to do an exterior detail in the winter I had to pull the car out and do any rinsing in the driveway while the pressure washer stayed inside (door closed, hose ram under the door). I had to keep a HEAVY layer of salt on my driveway to combat the ice which sets up almost instantly on concrete. The water also froze on the car almost instantly as well.
You sound pretty set on wanting to make this happen, and by all means give it a go if you think you can do it. Just weigh wether or not the juice is worth the squeeze. I’ve been running my business for 7 years, the last 3 I tried staying open thru the winter WITH a heated space to work, and decided it’s too much trouble and I didn’t enjoy it at all. Really take some time to thing about your entire process and how the cold will effect everything. Once you start getting below freezing it’s an entirely different game.
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