Originally Posted by Aeromotive

I also wait for temperatures to get over 0C (32F) and wash it using ONR after spraying it at the coin-op car wash (I don't have a garage, just a shed, so I have to wait for warmer temperatures).

Originally Posted by toyotatom

If I get a day where its at least around 40 degrees, I still wash it myself outside. Dress up and wear some rubber gloves to keep hands dry and its not bad to do. What did they charge to wash your car if I may ask. Thanks

Originally Posted by rgonza1

Luckily here in Phoenix, AZ I can wash my car year round. I don't know how people manage in the colder climates.

BTW, your car looks great!

Originally Posted by AdvanSLF

I'm not a full time detailer but i am a detailing fanatic and take lots of care and consideration when cleaning my car. just because you take your car to a hand car washing place doesn't mean jack. if i am lazy, i would go to a brushless car wash (e.g., soap and high pressure water, no brush contact) rather than go to some hand wash place. do you really think they do a two bucket wash method? do you think all the deposits and debris collected on the wash mitt from the previous car is washed off before used on yours? do you think they use clean water on your vehicle (its recycled water, so there will be some small contaminants).

do yourself a favor and use one or a combination of the following during winter mode, or year round:
1) rinse off as much gunk as possible using a brushless car wash facility.
2) if you have a garage then even better, use chemical guys' eco wash (hose free washing solution) and the two bucket wash method.
3) again garage is awesome, and if you're too lazy to do #2, use chemical guys' eco smart (spray and wipe cleaning solution). note that there is some carnuba or similar form of wax in eco smart so there is a slight haze and you'll need to buff a little after. if you want to skip the buffing, use optimum no rinse or ultima waterless wash+, great products!

Originally Posted by doodlebug

^^^ This is what I did yesterday. I just don't trust strangers with the task.

Originally Posted by Noeh

I just spray it down at a DIY and get it detailed once in a while.

Originally Posted by PAPI007

I just go outside and wash my car like I did today. It was 85 degrees outside today!

Originally Posted by IS1911

I do exactly the same but at this time of the year in my neck of the woods we can go 30-40 days where the temperature remains below 40. Sadly, this means my car just doesn't get washed. It's better to leave it dirty - even with salt on it - than to run it through a car wash and I don't trust ANYONE else to wash it - not even hand washing. This is the same way I've dealt with all my other cars during winter and they faired just fine. When the temperature does warm up enough for a wash it takes more time/effort to get all of the salt off. In this case it usually takes me 2 hours to wash it (not including drying) but it's okay. In a perfect world they wouldn't put down brine and salt on the roads but instead just plow what they could and let the rest melt naturally then there would be no issues. Unfortunately that's not reality.

Originally Posted by Aeromotive

I also wait for temperatures to get over 0C (32F) and wash it using ONR after spraying it at the coin-op car wash (I don't have a garage, just a shed, so I have to wait for warmer temperatures).

Originally Posted by Akrkwk

My is hasnt been washed once since i got it a month and half ago, covered witb dust and stain from rained on
In the end, i dont really care to look nice in it

Originally Posted by shivad87

i am a bit of a detail freak too. love keeping my car clean, hate when its dirty, just got some snow here in Nyc and watching my car sit there with all that salt on it is killing me lol. can't even take it to a hand wash place because its gonna be stuck in the teens here for the next few days nothings open =/ time to move to florida or cali LOL

Originally Posted by toyotatom

We go for stretches of cold temps also, right now it won't get above freezing for who knows how long. Just have to wait it out. Im pretty picky about washing it and won't bring it too a car wash or let Lexus wash it either when I go in for service. They are using the "green" salt on our roads now, not sure if that is any better for cars though.

Originally Posted by lexi90

There's always the opportunity when you have to trust strangers with your business

Originally Posted by dagobert

I take mine to the do it yourself carwash minimum once a week in the winter. When it warms up and the crap starts to melt it can easily be 3 times.
They use mag chloride mixed with sand up here, there is no way I'm letting it sit on the car for more than a few days.

Originally Posted by AndyL

Are you referring to those indoor heated coin-op car washes in Alberta? In Greater Toronto Area, such indoor do it yourself car washes are very hard to find. Probably less than 5.