Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

[FBNitro]

Hello all, new to the site. Long time Meguiars user. I just picked up an Imperial Blue Metallic 2011 Camaro SS yesterday, and the weather is currently miserable. Rain and 9 Celsius (48F) for a high for the week.

I'd like to clay bar and get a few coats of Nxt 2.0 on the car.

I park in a non-heated parking structure attached to my apartment building. I don't know of anyone offhand that has a heated garage.

Can I wax the car in these conditions? Is there anything special I should do?

[greg0303]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

Two coats of Next Tech Wax 2.0, as a winter paint protection after clay bar, sound good.

You could also put All Season Dressing/ Ultimate Protectant on wheel wells and wax/ glaze on your wheels. Some antifreeze will be needed for windows and windshield sprayer.

Most products work fine above 50*F (10*C), but I think 48*F, as you currently have, shouldn't be a problem.

[DetailFreak517]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

Notably, the temp of the vehicle is most important since if you keep the products inside at room temperature (60F or above) there will be no issue with them being too cold to be effective. You just have to keep the panel at a decent temp so the product doesn't cool too much as you're working.

Not sure if there are electrical outlets in the parking area you can access, but if so a hair drier to warm the panel up a bit might be a good idea before you wax.

[Murr1525]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

Try to work in the sun...

[FBNitro]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

Unfortunately it's raining all week, so sun is out of the question. Would it be better to wait until it's sunny? Might be a few weeks... it's a brand new car, it's got nothing on it at the moment and I have to at least drive to work.

[Murr1525]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

If it were me, I would look at wash, clay, ColorX or Cleaner/Wax, then Nxt.

The temp should be ok, if it is damp the wax will take longer to dry. Probably have a higher chance for some streaking, but nothing to be concerned with.

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

In those kind of conditions, I'm less worried about the car and more concerned about myself staying warm. If you're comfortable, whatever you do will be fine. Just know what product tends to streak more, take longer to dry, and be harder to remove when it's cold out.

[Murr1525]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

In those kind of conditions, I'm less worried about the car and more concerned about myself staying warm.

Thats not cold....

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

I would definitely take advantage of the sun. Wax the vehicle outside. Let the sun heat up the surface. You should be fine except for longer drying times.

[FBNitro]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

I ended up having to go to the dealership and just got back. Got a grand back for being an existing GM owner, so can't complain about that.

At this point, I'll wash and toss 2 coats of NXT on the body and the wheels for now since it'll be dark in 2.5 hours. Like you guys said, I'm going to need a while between coats due to the temps/humidity.

At least this way I get some sort of protection on the car. Then when/if the weather turns nice, wash, clay, wash, cleaner, polish and NXT it.

Thanks for the advice guys, it's too bad the weather isn't working out for the new car. Glad to be part of the community.

[cnfowler]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

...it's too bad the weather isn't working out for the new car...

That's the way it usually happens. You know, if you wouldn't have just bought that thing, it would be record highs and clear skies.


Colin

[DetailFreak517]

Re: Advise for Cold Weather Detailing

Thats not cold....

That guy obviously doesn't know what real winter weather is