Detailing in winter tips.

[LowlifeDubber]

Ok so ive just got my shopping/xmas list in to the missus which includes a machine polisher and clay and blah blah blah(you know the score)

I will be correcting the paint on the missus mk4 1st and once i have practiced enough on hers i will polish my own
Anyway what is the protocol for detailing on a freezing cold day when you have no indoor lovelyness to do the job in hand?I have a garage,but whilst neat and tidy it is rammed full of tools so i cant get it in there.

Can it be "too" cold to polish/wax/clay etc?

I had thought about one of these.

But obviously that wont make it any warmer.

Few tips would be nice please.

[Dan J]

Firstly washing probs will include the obvious water freezing on the car mid wash etc, claying will be effected causing the clay bar to turn hard very quickly due to the low temps.
Polishing shouldn't throw you any problems really.
Waxing will be slightly stiffer to apply and curing times will be extended.

Make your wash solution with water as hot as you can stand it and work fast obviously with caution but you'll have to speed up, work in small areas if it makes things easier.
Have a cup of warm water to hand so you can keep putting your clay bar in it to keep it soft, also make your clay lube up with warm water.
Apply your wax very thin which will help with the curing times and do 2/3 layers to ensure good coverage, if it's late in the day don't attempt waxing as the dew point will play havock when it comes to removing it.

[LowlifeDubber]

Some great tips there mate thankyou!

[scarr89]

Mess the Mrs' car up before your eh

*Joke*

Whenever I clay mine my clay is always solid. I wack in a glass or very hot water for a couple of mins then it's ready to work with. I wouldn't be too worried about water freezing, just use warm water...oh and add a few table spoons of salt  

[LowlifeDubber]

Too right my car has been resprayed and hers hasnt.I know which one i will be practicing on.I have a spare wing i may have a go on 1st but she said im not allowed to do it on xmas day

Not clayed before so looking forward to it!

[Dan J]

Too right my car has been resprayed and hers hasnt.I know which one i will be practicing on.I have a spare wing i may have a go on 1st but she said im not allowed to do it on xmas day

Not clayed before so looking forward to it!

Use plenty of lube and no heavy pressure
If its really really cold on the day you do it run the car for a while and get the inside of the car hot with your heaters on full chat which will help to a degree.
If its not to cold then do as you normally would.

[javalin]

wait for summer....