Cold weather washing?

jgibson2980

jgibson2980

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Has anyone heard of
that washing a car in cold weather when the car is cold cand induce surface scratches?

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I have to wash my customers cars out side all winter. I use two buckets with warm water. I use a foam cannon prior the two bucket wash and have never had a problem with surface scratches.
 
That's odd? The only thing different in the winter is the air temp. Same shampoo, same mitt, same water supply, same drying method? Should see the same results I would think.
 
Pureshine said:
I have to wash my customers cars out side all winter. I use two buckets with warm water. I use a foam cannon prior the two bucket wash and have never had a problem with surface scratches.
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Agree. I dont see how cold weather would cause scratches. Improper washing & drying techniques, and low quality products will do it. Cold weather...not so much.
 
Pureshine said:
I have to wash my customers cars out side all winter. I use two buckets with warm water. I use a foam cannon prior the two bucket wash and have never had a problem with surface scratches.
Click to expand...

I do the same, with a rinse-less wash. I can't wait to open the new shop so I can get away from this practice as much as possible. But no if you wash and dry as you go you will not induce more scratching unless your Microfiber is frozen and your still using it.
 
I was told this by another guy her locally that is a mobile detail er also . He asked where I was washing cars and noted I hope not outside. I replied yes, I am mobile . Then he told me cold car and cold water will scratch a car . Told him I've never heard of that and I've been in the detailing world for 13 yrs. Not that me having that much experience makes me know it all but, I would have heard of that by now. I just thought I would get my fellow autogeeks feed back . I'm sure he isnt one of us .

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Well as far as clear coats go, the cooler they are the harder they get.

I would actually assume the opposite, my old black Infiniti FX50S had a softer clear on it and if you washed it directly in the sun, the heat made it so soft a plush MF scratched it.

So really I wouldn't say its the temperature as much as it is the tool and how its dried.

Maybe the guy had a bad experienced and blamed the weather? I knew a guy who had a bad experience with a foam pad, he now preaches all foam pads are equal and bad.
 
He was telling me some story about washing cars in 25 degrees weather lol . So I'm sure he was . Cause I don't think uou can wash outside below freezing .

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Onr'd today. It was 16. I used the hottest tap water. I also used a warm bottle of onr qd. Two bucket wash with two megs MF kits. Turned out great. Although there is probably a 1/4 inch of snow sitting on it now.
 
Actually you can, but believe me it isn't worth it. I had to change the water half way through because it was "slushing" up. I believed the ONR may have lowered the freezing point or it was the scolding hot water but either way my hands went numb from the cold before I finished.
 
This guy is using a cold water pw as am I . And if is not above freezing your not washing any cars .

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jgibson2980 said:
Has anyone heard of
that washing a car in cold weather when the car is cold cand induce surface scratches?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online
Click to expand...

As I think about this scientifically, it is not possible unless .....

1. the paint surface becomes more susceptible to scratches due to the lower temperature
2. the surface is not well prepped, and thus permits dirt and grime to embedd in the paint
3. the washing activity does not have enough/frequent rinsing steps to avoid picking up dirt and grime and riding it along the paint

All-in-all, at most the cold weather could become a contributing factor.
 
I think he was surprised that I was getting business and working out in the cold . He said he was contracting out thru another detailing business . Witch dosent sound like he has his on clients at all . But hay as long as its not freezing cold outside I'm going to be washing cars and continue to build my cleintal

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jgibson2980 said:
I think he was surprised that I was getting business and working out in the cold . He said he was contracting out thru another detailing business . Witch dosent sound like he has his on clients at all . But hay as long as its not freezing cold outside I'm going to be washing cars and continue to build my cleintal

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Click to expand...

Ya its been a weird winter for me busier in Dec-Jan than Oct-Nov.
 
jgibson2980 said:
Has anyone heard of
that washing a car in cold weather when the car is cold cand induce surface scratches?

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online
Click to expand...

Let's define cold......Below or above freezing? I don't wash my car or truck if it's below freezing and I'm outdoors.....

41 degrees here yesterday and almost a summer day... Maybe not quite but sweatshirt only weather!

After a winter storm that brought about 6" of snow to my area my wife's 2013 Elantra Limited was in need of a serious bath. I did the 2 bucket method however 1 was dedicated to washing and the other rinsing.

To keep my hands warm I used warm water and warm water also dissolves contaminates easier and quicker than cold water PLUS it keep my hands from freezing..

Starting with the top I worked my way down and around the car washing a section then rinsing it. I ended up using 4 buckets of water to do the entire car including the wheels and tires.

Cobra's Guzzler waffle weave towels worked wonders soaking up the remaining droplets of water and I have to say I was very pleased with the results considering it's January in New England...


  • DP Extreme Foam Car Wash
  • Wolfgang's Wheel Cleaner
  • Meguiar's Super Degreaser
  • Wool Washing Mitt
  • Tire Brush
  • Cobra's Guzzler waffle
 
I tried to wash my car a few days ago using Citrus Wash and Gloss.
Temperature was a few degrees above freezing.
Citrus Wash and Gloss had a hard time mixing in water!
 
PPLd said:
I tried to wash my car a few days ago using Citrus Wash and Gloss.
Temperature was a few degrees above freezing.
Citrus Wash and Gloss had a hard time mixing in water!
Click to expand...

Always use warm water and especially during the winter months....:props:
 
saw this the other day, thought it be pretty useful here actually

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sv4KthAFTs]Adam's Premium Car Care Winter Washing Tips - YouTube[/video]

I would definitely fill up my buckets are home, put the lids on and away they go in the back of the trunk.

Great ideas tho!
 
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