How cold is to cold detailing outside?

Luv-N-It

Luv-N-It

New member
What is the general rule of thumb as to when it is to cool to apply compounds, sealants, and waxes? :dunno
 
-22 degrees is definitely too cold. I've detailed at 35 degrees and sunny and had a great time doing it however. In my opinion tire protectants seem to be some of the most finiky products to deal with in cold weather.
 
I'll do a traditional hose and bucket wash at temps down to around 40F. But, I prefer the temps to be at least 50F for polish/seal/wax efforts.
 
Last year I played the part of a fool, and started washing the truck when it was 33 degress with a windchill factor making it 23 degress. Once I started I was determined to finish and I did. It was painful. I learned my lesson. I will no longer become one with very cold wind and water - I am not one of the elements and now I know it!

That only partly answers your question though. I would not do it now below 50. I did put on a coat of EX when it was in the 40's and it worked, however, it seemed to leave some swirls - not the swirl mark scratch kind, but product swirls. I think it was maybe 45 degress roughly and probably colder with the windchill factoring in.
 
I will wash as long as it is above freezing. I use hot water in the bucket to keep my hands warm. It's too cold when the water starts to freeze on the car. :)
 
So the big question here is how do you keep your car washed when it's snowing and less than 35 degrees out for 3 months at least??? There is a TOUCHLESS car wash in my area, but I don't know if I want to take the risk...any suggestions?

Carl
 
I've washed my legend when it was so cold that the driveway was freezing under me as I washed!! I had to slide up and down the driveway to wash!! LOL
 
If you use a liquid wax and that freezes, that's too cold. My personal record, by the way, something like zero, it sucked.
 
norahcrv said:
Don't ask me, I live in AZ!!!:)
Click to expand...


dont ask me! i live in hawaii!!! its hot all four seasons of the year :(... its 84 degress rite now, at 10:11 PM! grr thats hot...

i cant imagine working in such cold weather. my fingers would probably freeze off if i tried to do a hose wash.....
 
The best way when it is freezing out it to get a buddy that is as insane as you to follow you around the car drying as you QEW. The freezing water is the easy part of this...finding someone that is going to dry the car after you is the hard part :D
 
35 degrees that is the cutoff point for me.I have washed and waed in low but it becomes DANGEROUS and why be risky.Yes that buck of hot water helps keeps the hands warm when washing but when drying I started to CRY and BEG for MERCY
 
when it's cold (anything < 45*) you're going to be moving faster, trying to get the job done quicker and that's when you start smashing your fingertips into mirrors, spoilers, sidemarker lights, and other trim pieces.

I've done this with cold, wet hands & it damn near feels like an electric shock.

Washing with bucket of warm water is a godd idea for the hand that's inside the wool or chenile mitt but what about the other hand that's getting numb & the fingernails are getting blue.
 
I use sturdy rubber gloves when washing in cold weather. My favorite is the Atlas 620 Vinylove model. Atlas gloves

I also have hot and cold water taps in my garage, so I can control the temperature of the water coming out of my hose. Warm running water makes cold weather washing much more bearable.
 
Wont detail unless its over 65F I hate cold weather so anything under 85F for me is horrible. I tired detailing in 50's before it was horrid hands felt like you where dipping them in liquid nitrogen.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top