[Infographic] Four Seasons: Auto Detailing Throughout the Year
One of the most common questions that automotive detailers are asked is: When is the right time of year to have a car detailed?
The answer is a little more complicated than you may think. While the general recommendation is that a car should be detailed every four months or so, the weather can throw an unexpected wrench into the gears and make even the classiest car look more like a lemon. Some seasons can take a harder toll on the inside and outside of a vehicle, especially considering Canada’s unique winter weather, and there are certain areas of a car that, by nature, are affected more by the road conditions that come from each season.
Fortunately, your auto detailing training gives you the skill and techniques you need to service a car no matter the time of year. From salt and slush to protecting a car from the summer sun, there are many different things to remember to keep cars in top condition all year round during your auto detailing career.
Interested in finding out how you can promote good car care? Check out our infographic below to learn more!
Four Seasons: Auto Detailing Throughout the Year
6 Tips for Detailing in Winter Weather
- Use a microfiber cloth to remove snow
- Ice scrapers or brushes can scratch paint, so avoid them!
- An industrial-strength carpet cleaner can remove road salt
- Clear road salt and dirt from windows with glass cleaner
- A touch-free tire cleaner can remove grease and grime
- Recommend a car wash after a snow or ice storm
Watch Out for Road Salt!
- Road salt is corrosive, and can damage car wax and paint
- Warm weather can activate road salt, leading to rust
- A vehicle’s undercarriage can be vulnerable to salt damage
- Applying wax can help protect a car’s exterior
- Wax can protect a car against springtime pollen and sap.
Did you know? Montreal uses around 130,000 tonnes of road salt per year
How to Give a Car’s Interior a Good Spring Clean
- Carpeting: Vacuum any road salt, debris, or mud
- Upholstery: Apply restorer and protectant to leather
- Dashboard: Apply an interior protectant to prevent UV damage
- Console: Wipe down electrical connections without getting them wet
- Windows: Wash with a cleaner and microfiber cloth
Did you know? Melting snow and road salt creates potholes, which can splash winter debris onto a car
5 Detailing Tips for the Summer Season
- A good wax can help shield a car from damaging UV rays
- Applying wax to windows can help repel rain
- Wax can protect the wheel’s surface from scratches
- Use a product with a UV inhibitor in the interior to prevent fading
- Remove bird droppings and bug splats with a microfiber cloth
- Wax should be applied every 3-4 months
Did you know? Long days and high temperatures can lead to discoloured car paint
What to Do in the Event of a Summer Heat Wave
- Tell customers to avoid parking in direct sunlight
- Sun shades protect car interiors from UV rays
- Polymer-based sealants have higher melting points than carnauba wax
Did you know? The hood of a dark-coloured car can reach 87°on hot days
Preparing for Winter Should Begin in Autumn
- Wash the vehicle thoroughly to remove debris
- Apply wax to protect the finish
- Condition leather components to prevent cracking from dry, cold air
- Silicone-based tire dressing can prevent snow, salt, and ice build-up
- Recommend frequent applications of wax
Is There a Best Season for Automotive Detailing?
- Winter weather can mean more frequent visits to the detailer
- Autumn is the fairest season, weather and temperature-wise
- Spring can bring rain, muddy roads, and melting snow
- Summer’s high temperatures and frequent travel make detailing a must
