Detailing in cold weather...

Phideaux

New member
I know that you should only wash and/or detail on a cool car, but what about a cold surface? Not freezing, but upper 30's-lower 40's. I want to take advantage of the break in the rain we're having, but it's supposed to be cooler this weekend. Will cold effect how the products work? Should I just do a wash and wait until it's warmer?
 
28* over in the sun
32* without sun


I do it all the time. I would use warm wash water (in the bucket) while doing so.
 
There's no harm in working on your car as long as it's above freezing. Otherwise, any water you put on your car will freeze. I do notice when I work in near freezing temperatures that some products work a little differently. Some cleaners seem to become less powerful and some polishes seem to gum up faster. The low temperatures likely slow the chemical reaction which allow many cleaners to work.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that cleaning in near freezing temperatures is OK, but can be a little more work IMO.
 
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