Mobile Detailers (Keeping Warm In Winter)

[foris2]

It's starting to get a little cool here in Georgia. If any of you mobile detailers would be so kind as and share tips on how you keep warm in the winter months. Last year I only detailed when the temperature was above 35 degrees! There has got to be a way to keep a little warm (heaters, etc.) (make & model of heaters, etc). Thank you in advance for your input.

[Details3]

keeping warm

Living in Texas helps, but it still gets cold- mid 30's. I wear a thermal suit that keeps you warm in freezing temps. I got it last year and the water proof gloves work great. I got mine from Duluth trading. I get the long johns from a local hunter's store and then wear the thermal suit on top. One thing you may have problems with is dealing with cold water and that is were the gloves come in handy. They are water proof, but get one size smaller than you need so they fit tight. Hope this helps

Details3

[foris2]

Thanks for your reply Details3. Good info!

[mirrorfinishman]

Here in New Jersey we have already been seeing below freezing temps early in the AM hours. Since I start most of my mobile detailing jobs by 7:30AM, it is very important to dress accordingly and pay attention to whether or not the temperature is low enough to cause the water to freeze when it hits the car. Because of the cold, I usually clean and vacuum the interior of the vehicle first and then when I am sure it's above freezing, I will wash the car.

I have flannel lined pants that I wear along with two sweat shirts, one with a hood, and an overcoat. It is a little bulky, but it keeps me warm. For those cloudy, windy, blustery January and February type days I will also wear insulated underwear, under the flannel pants. I also wear cotton gloves under rubber dishwashing gloves. Once I begin to work I usually warmup rather fast. The key is not to go inside to take a break. Once you do that, then you have to warm up (outside) all over again.

Right now I have got the next three weeks booked solid with detailing jobs and I as long as the weather stays about what it is now (low 30s at night, upper 40s during the days) I will have very little problem with the cold. However, if we go into an early deep freeze, that will not be good. Here in New Jersey we are usually okay until January. Since we cannot do very much about the weather, we will just have to wait and see, taking one day at a time.

[foris2]

mirrorfinishman - I appreciate your input. Indeed you have provided me with some great tips. Thanks a lot!

[J SOLO]

Hows it going foris2 Im still waiting to see your rig.Are you ever going back to the church you were detailing at?Good topic this will be my first winter detailing.Most my detailing is done indoors at a local speed shop.I was thinking maybe insulated coveralls like hunters use.

[Chris Nemlich]

I like to detail in what I refer to as "double sweatshirts". These are basically a double-thick sweatshirt that is amazingly warm. The best part is it is comfortable and easy to move in. You can probably find them anywhere that carpenter clothing is sold.

Chris

[foris2]

Originally posted by J SOLO
Hows it going foris2 Im still waiting to see your rig.Are you ever going back to the church you were detailing at?Good topic this will be my first winter detailing.Most my detailing is done indoors at a local speed shop.I was thinking maybe insulated coveralls like hunters use.

Everything is going pretty good. I'm at my church nearly every Saturday, However, I usually just do washes and set appointments for full details through the week at the customers house or workplace. I have been thinking about trying to do some inside work myself (that is if it isn't too expensive). Did you work out a deal at the speed shop?

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

I do not mobile detail. But I do know winter very well! The key to stay warm is multiple layers of clothing that breathe well. Goretex jackets etc work really well.

When I lived up North, I used to have special metallic (yes metallic) lined gloves, socks etc. They were designed for temperatures in the -60 degrees or colder!!!!

Tim

[mirrorfinishman]

Originally posted by 2hotford
The key to stay warm is multiple layers of clothing that breathe well.

Very good advice!

Wearing multiple layers allows you to adjust your clothing accordingly. For example, when you first get started, especially early in the morning you will probably be a lot colder than after you've been out there working for an hour or two. It's always a good idea to be able to adjust the amount of layers that you are wearing.