Winter Detailing tips

I

imported_fireberd350

New member
Its starting to get a little chilly outside and it began to remind me about how much I hate the cold, especially washing cars in the cold.



Any winter tips? I was thinking of trying the QEW since it uses only a bucket and much less water and will probably make life a lot easier. I've even washed at times when the water froze...any tips for when that happens?



Any help would be great...I HATE the cold!
 
If you want to try QEW there is a 2 for one special going on right now: http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39939



I just got my order in Friday, tried it Saturday morning and it worked pretty well. That's a product I would NEVER have tried except for the great reviews it got on this site. Didn't save me much time since my hose is on a reel right by the garage door, but I can see a definite use for the stuff. You want to use two buckets with it, here is a great write up on QEW: http://www.autopia.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32078



I don't think I'd wash a car when it was so cold the water was freezing, too much of a chance with marring your paint with ice crystals. JMHO
 
Here's a tip:



Use large size rubber dish washing gloves in combination with medium size cotton gloves. Put the rubber gloves on over the cotton gloves. The cotton acts as a barrier between the rubber and your skin. Together they will help keep your hands warm in cold weather.
 
mirrorfinishman said:
Here's a tip:



Use large size rubber dish washing gloves in combination with medium size cotton gloves. Put the rubber gloves on over the cotton gloves. The cotton acts as a barrier between the rubber and your skin. Together they will help keep your hands warm in cold weather.
Click to expand...



Thats what i do! Which reminds me i need to go pickup a new pair of cotton gloves... Also Fillup your wash bucket with warm water from inside the house.
 
fireberd350 said:
Any winter tips? I was thinking of trying the QEW since it uses only a bucket and much less water and will probably make life a lot easier. I've even washed at times when the water froze...any tips for when that happens?



Any help would be great...I HATE the cold!
Click to expand...



Simple tip: Move to Texas :D



That's what I did (Originally From Philly as well) ;)
 
Texas, eh??



Haha, I've seen that QEW deal for a while....I should just break down and buy it, I've spend over $500 on supplies this summer, why stop now:o



I've tried the rubber dish gloves idea but water always seems to get into the gloves (comes in from the forearm area) and then gets trapped and really cold. I'll try the rubber/cotton combo trick tho!



thanks, STeve
 
fireberd350 said:


I've tried the rubber dish gloves idea but water always seems to get into the gloves (comes in from the forearm area) and then gets trapped and really cold. I'll try the rubber/cotton combo trick tho!
Click to expand...



Try a little 'heavier duty' rubber glove - the type that professional cleaners use. They cost a bit more, but are really good and will probably solve your 'leakage' problem. You can find them at Lowe's and Home Depot
 
You could always do what i do, in the winter i take my car to a self service car wash. may not be the best thing but it doesnt hurt the car too bad. just need to detail the car come spring thats all.
 
I have a sheepskin wash mitt with an extra long gauntlet. The mitt has a heavy grade rubber glove that Velcro’s at the top. It really helps. I also have an additional heavy grade rubber glove that I wear on the other hand.



And of course use hot/warm water.



Shawn
 
mirrorfinishman said:
Here's a tip:



Use large size rubber dish washing gloves in combination with medium size cotton gloves. Put the rubber gloves on over the cotton gloves. The cotton acts as a barrier between the rubber and your skin. Together they will help keep your hands warm in cold weather.
Click to expand...



That is a really good idea that I started using last year. Instead of cotton gloves, though, I use polypropylene "glove liners ." They are really thin and insulate even when wet. They are available from outdoor shops like REI, Cabela's, etc.
 
ive heard some of you guys say use warm or hot water but i thought i read on here somewhere that u shouldnt do that because it will "shock" the paint in the cold and do somthing to it .....i may be wrong someone correct me if i am.
 
Well my winter washing blues are over, thanks to QEW!



I tried it out this weekend on two trucks and it worked flawlessly, not to mention much quicker. I will be able to use a single bucket of warm water and wash in the coldest weather no problem. With my QEW and S&W I'll never need a hose again!



THanks Autopia, I'll never have a blue hand from winter washing again!
 
pappy: "shock" the paint"



I've used warm water in the winters for years and have never had an issue.
 
mgm121499 said:
pappy: "shock" the paint"



I've used warm water in the winters for years and have never had an issue.
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Thermal shock would require a larger temp diff then cold to warm. (a 15-20oF+ temp diff will usually do it)



When I was working in PA a group of us were cleaning the ice from our windows, one young lady had a 'quicker' way...throw hot water at it. Needless to say she had a clear view (but no windshield)
 
In preparation for winter. Aside from the normal paint work, I would clean and protect the wheels and tyres, use some Gummiphledge, change the wiper blades and make sure the mechanical/electrical side of things are all working correctly
 
What if the vehicle is excessively dirty (i.e. lots of salt and sand), and you need to rinse? How would one use the QEW method with a vehicle that is dirtier (hasn't been washed all winter)



Carl
 
I use elbo-length Neoprene Gloves that duck hunters use for maximum waterproof protection and warmth. You can buy them at Cabela's or other outdoor stores. They have a wristband for keeping the water out and are fleece-lined. About $20.
 
AUMaxima said:
I know its noobish of me to ask, but how does QEW work without a hose?? Thanks



-Ben
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Protectalls Quick & Easy Wash (QEW) is non-abrasive; it safely loosens, then dirt-encapsulating ingredients will lift the dirt from the surface eliminating the need to use a water hose. QEW is as effective as a regular wash, whenever there is a water shortage, cold weather washing, as it takes less time, or a water hose is not available (condominiums, car shows, etc)
 
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