jimd@mothers
Moderator
One of the most common questions I get during the cold season refers to temperature, so here we can discuss just how cold is too cold to be performing a particular task, or using a particular product.
My rule of thumb is... if it`s so cold it`s uncomfortable to work without a jacket, it`s probably too cold to be working on your vehicle with the exception of washing or using a mist, wipe and buff spray product -- this includes waterless wash & wax products, instant detailers, glass cleaners, spray waxes, protectants, interior care products, etc. Most of these types of products will work okay above freezing, or certainly in the low 40s F -- and this assumes surface temperature is at least that. Special note with clay bars, whether traditional bar or synthetic, even though the lubricant is safe to use at these lower temperatures, you may want to use these clay products in the mid-50s and above because they tend to stiffen up due to the cold.
When you are dealing with products that have a "let dry to a haze" step, like liquid (pour bottle) or paste waxes, polishes, any ceramic, and the like, you really need the surface and air temperature to be around the mid 50s F and above. Temperatures any lower than that and things won`t work right. And while no harm will generally come to the surface, you should just wipe off what you can and try again another (warmer) day.
Do note that any product that has a "cure" time, even if not generally designated, there is often a cure time of 24-plus hours before it should see rain, and the longer the better. If rain does hit a product before it cures, it may partially dissolve it, and you`ll have to fix that by re-applying it. This is especially the case with trim restoration and protectant products, but can include most "let dry to a haze" wax products as well.
My rule of thumb is... if it`s so cold it`s uncomfortable to work without a jacket, it`s probably too cold to be working on your vehicle with the exception of washing or using a mist, wipe and buff spray product -- this includes waterless wash & wax products, instant detailers, glass cleaners, spray waxes, protectants, interior care products, etc. Most of these types of products will work okay above freezing, or certainly in the low 40s F -- and this assumes surface temperature is at least that. Special note with clay bars, whether traditional bar or synthetic, even though the lubricant is safe to use at these lower temperatures, you may want to use these clay products in the mid-50s and above because they tend to stiffen up due to the cold.
When you are dealing with products that have a "let dry to a haze" step, like liquid (pour bottle) or paste waxes, polishes, any ceramic, and the like, you really need the surface and air temperature to be around the mid 50s F and above. Temperatures any lower than that and things won`t work right. And while no harm will generally come to the surface, you should just wipe off what you can and try again another (warmer) day.
Do note that any product that has a "cure" time, even if not generally designated, there is often a cure time of 24-plus hours before it should see rain, and the longer the better. If rain does hit a product before it cures, it may partially dissolve it, and you`ll have to fix that by re-applying it. This is especially the case with trim restoration and protectant products, but can include most "let dry to a haze" wax products as well.