Winter Car Prep: Stay Protected This Season
by Michael Mankarious
As winter approaches, detailing your car might not seem like a priority. However, when considering the impact of mud, dirt, and road salt, it becomes clear that detailing isn’t just about achieving a showroom finish. It’s a necessary step to protect your car for the long term.
Protecting the paint finish, plastic, and rubber trim with the right products will help keep your car looking its best year-round. When not properly protected, the corrosive nature of road salt, and the wearing away nature of mud can seriously harm the finish of your car.
From Lotus Ultra ISF Pre-Wash to SF3 Premium Protect Sealant Wax and Glass Sealant, here are the steps to achieving a winter-ready car ready to tackle on the winter elements and make for a safer and more enjoyable drive.
Pre-Wash to Remove Road Salt and Grime
Product Suggestion: Lotus Ultra ISF
Lotus Ultra ISF is a concentrated, biodegradable, eco-friendly pre wash cleaner that when diluted, is your first step prior to a detail and your first step in the maintenance wash during the winter months. Lotus Ultra ISF removes stubborn road grime, bugs, dirt, and even breaks down road salt accumulation.
Lotus Ultra ISF effectively breaks down organic grime, such as bugs, and dissolves road salt.
- Pro Tip: Use Lotus Ultra ISF regularly to prevent salt buildup and maintain your paint’s finish reducing the possibility of corrosion.
How to Use:
- Dilute as directed for road salt or bug removal (1:5 – 1:10)
- Spray on affected areas and let sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Follow up with a wash with your favorite car wash shampoo like Nextzett Auto Glanz Shampoo or Lotus Ultra Power Foam Car Wash Shampoo. By using Lotus Ultra ISF prior to washing, you will save time and allow the wash process to be more effective since the majority of stubborn grime has been removed.
Prep the Exterior for Winter Protection
Product Suggestion: SF3 Premium Protect
Nextzett SF3 Premium Protect is a polymer sealant wax that creates a durable, high-gloss barrier on paint. It has. excellent resistance to road salt, organic based (oil, bird droppings, sap) and non organic based (road salt, soot, acid rain, brake dust, tire components, bitumen) road grime.
It’ll repel water, salt, and dirt for months, offering your car protection throughout the winter season.
- Pro Tip: SF3 Premium Protect delivers long-lasting durability, reducing the need for frequent reapplication and saving time during busy winter months. For optimal results, reapply after several car washes or heavy snowstorms to maintain maximum protection.
How to Use:
- Wash and dry the car thoroughly.
- Apply SF3 with a microfiber applicator pad.
- Buff to a glossy finish with a clean microfiber towel.
Protect the Interior from Mud and Moisture
Product Suggestion: Cockpit Premium
Keeping your interior clean is just as important for long-term value as protecting the exterior. From mud to road salt, the interior takes a beating during winter.
It will also protect the dashboard and interior trim from the UV rays, even in the winter months.
Got extra soiled surfaces? Read our Pro Tip next on what to use.
- Pro Tip: Cockpit Premium is perfect for rubber floor mats and plastic or rubber surfaces where a non-slippery finish is essential. For heavily soiled areas, start with Nextzett Plastic Deep Cleaner applied with a brush or microfiber applicator to lift stubborn grime. Finish with Cockpit Premium for a clean, protected surface.
How to Use:
- Apply Cockpit Premium using one of the following methods:
- Spray directly onto a cloth and wipe the surface.
- Spray directly onto the surface, then wipe with a clean cloth.
- Spray onto a soft bristled brush to clean textured surfaces.
- Reapply as needed for continued protection and cleanliness.
Protect Upholstery from Winter Stains
Product Suggestion: Lotus Ultra Textil Protect
Winter can wreak havoc on your car’s interior fabrics. Mud, slush, road salt, and spilled drinks can leave lasting stains on seats and carpets. Lotus Ultra Textil Protect creates an invisible barrier that repels liquids and stains, keeping your upholstery looking fresh all season long.
- Pro Tip: Lotus Ultra Textil Protect isn’t just for your car! Use it on jackets, gloves, hats, and shoes to enhance water resistance and protect against the elements.
How to Use:
- Ensure the fabric is clean and free of dirt or debris before application.
- Spray evenly onto dry or slightly damp fabric, working the product into the surface to ensure thorough coverage.
- Allow the treated fabric to dry completely before exposure to moisture.
- Reapply as needed for continued protection.
Maintain Rubber Seals and Prevent Freezing
Product Suggestion: Gummi Pflege Stick
You walk out to your car in a freezing day, only to find the door stuck — not from a frozen frame, but from frozen weather seals. Gummi Pflege Stick prevents this by keeping seals pliable, reducing the risk of sticking and deterioration. Regular use throughout the year helps seals maintain their flexibility, keeping weather seals and wind out while reducing noise. Apply it before winter to prevent sticking and improve insulation against the cold.
Pro Tip: Apply Gummi Pflege to door and trunk seals to keep them pliable and ice-free. This improves noise reduction and insulation during winter.
How to Use:
- Wipe your weather seals with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Press the built-in foam applicator on the Gummi Pflege Stick bottle against the weather seal and lightly squeeze bottle to get fluid flowing.
- Release and glide the applicator along the weather seals. For use on door, window, sunroof, trunk/hood seals.
Protect Tires and Trim from Salt Damage
Product Suggestion: Vinyl-Rubber Extra
Like your car’s painted surfaces, plastic trim and tires are affected by the damaging long-term effects of road salt and road grime. By simply applying our deep treating Vinyl-Rubber Extra onto plastic trim and tires, you’ll keep them protected and looking good.
- Pro Tip: Reapply Vinyl-Rubber Extra periodically, especially after heavy snowfall or salt exposure.
How to Use:
- Apply Vinyl-Rubber Extra on to a foam applicator pad
- Work product into clean surface. Reapply if necessary.
Keep Windows Clear for Maximum Visibility
Product Suggestion: Glass Sealant
A clear road is non-negotiable when it comes to winter driving. To maximize clarity and keep frost from sticking to your windshield, side windows, and mirrors we suggest applying Glass Sealant. It will repel water and help keep frost from sticking for up to six months.
Glass Sealant is resistant to aggressive detergents used by carwashes so if you have to pay a visit, it will not affect its longevity.
- Pro Tip: Glass Sealant not only enhances visibility by repelling water and frost but also helps reduce wiper wear and tear, extending their lifespan. It’s compatible with all washer fluids. For the clearest view possible, pair it with our Kristall Klar Premium Washer Fluid for warm climates or Anti-Frost Washer Fluid for winter conditions.
How to Use:
- Clean the glass thoroughly using Nextzett Windscreen Clear glass cleaner. For hard water spots and stubborn grime, use einszett Glaspolish.
- Apply Glass Sealant using a microfiber applicator pad.
- Buff to a crystal clear finish with a clean microfiber towel that’s moistened with water to remove any haze.
Prepare for winter with these essential Nextzett Products and take your winter car care routine to the next level!
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