Preparing your car for winter: how to protect the paint and windows to make it easier to wash and less prone to scratching
by Radek Lövenhöfer
16 min reading time
One thorough preparation in autumn can save you a lot of work throughout the winter. Simply wash the car thoroughly, apply protection to the paintwork so that dirt doesn't stick as much, and treat the windows with rain repellent or a ceramic coating. Winter washing can then be shorter, and with a suitable window product, manufacturers claim frost is easier to remove as well. You will find a four-step procedure here, along with specific products and what their manufacturers say about them. The interior, seals, and tires are not covered here.
Why it pays to prepare your car for winter
In winter, a mixture of salt, slush, and greasy road film sticks to the paintwork. The longer it stays on the car, the harder it is to wash off. Moreover, washing in winter is unpleasant: it's cold, it gets dark quickly, and water freezes.
Protection on the paint and windows won't remove winter dirt, but it can make it easier to wash off. Manufacturers state that water runs off treated surfaces better and dirt adheres less. Additionally, many products require dry conditions or temperatures above a certain threshold for application and curing; you will find specific examples below. That is why it is better to apply protection in the autumn while it is still reasonably warm outside.
Step 1: thorough pre-wash and washing
Protection only holds on a clean surface. Before applying anything, remove all dirt from the car as gently as possible so you don't induce scratches into the paint.
Pre-washing loosens the worst layer of dirt before you touch the paint with a wash mitt. For autumn preparation, an alkaline pre-wash is suitable, as it dissolves road film and grease:
Bad Boys Traffic Film Remover: A highly alkaline concentrate (pH 14) for contactless pre-washing that dissolves road film, grease, and stubborn deposits. It is diluted from 1:10 to 1:100, roughly 1:20 for general use. According to the manufacturer, when diluted more than 1:20, it is also suitable for ceramic coatings and durable synthetic waxes, but a solution that is too strong can weaken wax protection. Let it act for a maximum of 5 minutes, do not let it dry, and do not work on a hot surface or in direct sunlight.
Koch Chemie Active Foam: A highly concentrated alkaline foam that dissolves grease and road dirt. It is diluted 1:10 for a foam sprayer and left to act for a maximum of 5 minutes. According to the manufacturer, it is suitable for unprotected cars, ceramic coatings, and synthetic waxes. If you have natural wax on the paint, the manufacturer recommends the pH-neutral Gentle Snow Foam.
Koch Chemie Vorreiniger B: An alkaline cleaner with pH 13 that functions as both an active foam and an insect remover. It is diluted 1:30 to 1:50 for the bodywork, and 1:1 to 1:2 for a foam sprayer. Apply it to a dry car in the shade on a cool surface, let it act briefly (roughly up to 1 minute), and do not let it dry.
Koch Chemie Gentle Snow Foam: A pH-neutral active foam that is compatible with paints that have wax protection applied. A gentle formula that beautifully cleans wax of external impurities.
-> For more on the differences between Active Foam, Gentle Snow Foam, and Vorreiniger B, read HERE.
You can apply active foam most conveniently with a pressure washer foam lance, such as the NOX FoamShot (1/4" QuickLock connection). You can find other pre-wash products in the pre-wash collection.
Contact washing follows the rinsing. Before applying new protection, a shampoo that thoroughly cleans the paint and leaves nothing behind is suitable:
Bad Boys Alkaline Shampoo is, according to the manufacturer, intended among other things for preparation before further detailing and can handle road film and grease. The dosage is 25 ml per 10 l of water.
Bad Boys Acid Shampoo & Foam (pH 3.7) removes mineral deposits and water spots. It contains no gloss enhancers, so the manufacturer recommends it as preparation before wax, sealant, or a new ceramic coating.
After washing, things that the shampoo doesn't remove may remain on the paint: embedded particles, surface rust, or residues of old wax. How much preparation is needed depends on the product. Gyeon specifies washing and degreasing for Q² Wax. Carbon Collective wants chemical and mechanical decontamination in addition for Ceramic Lite.
Choose one or both steps according to the requirements of the selected product:
Decontamination means the chemical and mechanical removal of deposits from the paint. The procedure is described in detail in the article Paint decontamination; products are in the paint decontamination collection.
Degreasing removes residues of polishes, waxes, and oils so that the new layer has something to adhere to. Carbon Collective Panel Prep is an alcohol-based degreaser that the manufacturer marks as a necessary step before ceramics or sealant. For Q² Wax, Gyeon recommends degreasing with Gyeon Q²M Prep.
Step 3: paint protection for winter, three paths
Choose based on how much time you want to put into the preparation and how often you want to renew the protection throughout the winter.
Path A: synthetic wax or sealant with durability
For those who want to apply protection once and do not have experience with ceramics.
Gyeon Q² Wax: a hard synthetic wax with fluorine. The manufacturer promises long-lasting hydrophobic protection and easier maintenance, but does not specify exact durability. After application, let it haze for 30 to 40 minutes. Then the car must not get wet for 6 to 12 hours and should not be washed for about a week. So, check the forecast in autumn.
SOFT99 New Fusso Coat 12 Months Wax in versions Dark and Light: a hard synthetic wax based on fluoropolymer with durability up to 12 months. According to the manufacturer, it significantly reduces dirt adhesion.
Nuke Guys QUICK'N'SEAL: a synthetic polymer spray sealant. Spray on and wipe with a microfiber towel. According to the manufacturer, it is hydrophobic, repels water and dirt, and protects against UV. The manufacturer does not state durability, but based on our experience, it is roughly 3+ months.
If you want protection with stated durability for the entire winter, choose Fusso Coat from this path, or perhaps a ceramic coating from path C.
Wax is most comfortably applied with an applicator, such as the NOX CoatPad, and wiped off with a clean towel, like the NOX FiberWipe.
Path B: fast sealant after washing
For those who want protection without wiping or want to top it up throughout the winter. These products are applied to a wet car and rinsed off.
Bad Boys CERAMIC Hydro Wax: an SiO2 sealant for wet paint. Spray it on and rinse with pressure water; according to the manufacturer, a garden hose is not enough. Diluted up to 1:100, 50 ml to 450 ml of warm water in a foam lance. It can be used on paint, glass, wheels, and plastics, and also as a booster for existing protection. According to the manufacturer, it helps water bead off and speeds up drying. The manufacturer does not state durability, but according to our observations, durability is 2-4 weeks depending on the dilution.
Carbon Collective Hybrid Coating: a concentrated sealant that activates by rinsing with water. The manufacturer states a durability of 3+ months. Dilute 50 ml to 450 ml or 100 ml to 900 ml for a hand sprayer, 100 ml to 400 ml for a foam lance. Let it work for 30s to 1 minute, then rinse off. For preparation, the manufacturer recommends the acidic shampoo Carbon Collective Refresh Acidic Shampoo or the Panel Prep degreaser.
This path is the fastest. Because the manufacturer also mentions Hydro Wax as a booster for existing protection, it is also suitable for replenishing a layer from path A or C. Other sealants are in the detailers and sealants collection.
Path C: simple spray-on ceramic
For those who want a ceramic coating with stated durability around 12 months and are willing to put more time into preparation. Both are applied via spray and the excess is wiped off.
Gyeon Q² CanCoat EVO: SiO2 ceramic in a spray with durability over 12 months or 12,000 km. You spray it onto the included microfiber, never directly on the car, and wipe it to a gloss in small sections. In addition to paint, it is also suitable for plastics, wheels, or PPF and works as a top layer for existing ceramic coatings. You will use 10 to 15 ml per car. The EVO version can also be applied outdoors, but not in direct sunlight.
Carbon Collective Clear Coat Ceramic Lite: ceramic spray with durability up to 12 months or roughly 8,000 km if you maintain the car with a pH-neutral or slightly alkaline shampoo. The manufacturer states high chemical resistance to aggressive cleaners, road salt, and bird droppings. Apply at temperatures above 5 °C, in the shade and on a cool surface; wipe off excess within 10 to 20 seconds. It cures within 6 hours.
Ceramic Lite requires the most preparation: the manufacturer explicitly states washing, chemical and mechanical decontamination, and degreasing with Panel Prep as a necessary step. If you don't have the time or a dry afternoon with temperatures above 5 °C, reach for path A or B instead. You can find other ceramic products in the ceramic protection collection and a comparison of protection types in the article Car paint protection: how to choose.
Step 4: rain repellent and ceramic window protection
Windows are the reason why people scrape ice most in the morning. Treated glass does not mean it won't ice up. However, some products help limit icing or make its removal easier according to manufacturers. For several of them, manufacturers also state that water runs off them faster while driving.
Bad Boys EZ Wiper: a glass sealant with SiO2, lasts up to 6 months on the windshield. According to the manufacturer, it repels water, snow, and dirt, and water runs off even at lower speeds. Regarding winter, the manufacturer states that it helps limit ice formation. Procedure: clean, degrease with isopropyl alcohol (IPA), apply, leave for 5 to 15 minutes depending on the temperature, and wipe off. For maximum durability, the manufacturer recommends polishing the glass beforehand.
SOFT99 Ultra Glaco: rain repellent with durability up to 12 months. According to the manufacturer, they can limit the firm adhesion of ice and snow in winter and facilitate their removal. Wash the glass, degrease it, and ideally clean it beforehand with Glaco Glass Compound. Let Ultra Glaco dry for 5 to 10 minutes, then buff it and let it cure for about 12 hours in the dry.
Gyeon Q² QuickView: glass protection with ceramic particles with a durability of at least 6 months. According to the manufacturer, water leaves the glass from roughly 70 km/h, depending on the slope of the glass. The protection resists alcohol-based products. Before application, polish (GlassPolish) and degrease the glass, then let the product act for 5 minutes.
Ceramic on windows: longer durability, more work
Gyeon Q² View EVO: ceramic glass protection with durability up to 24 months or 30,000 km on the windshield and up to 36 months on side windows. The set includes Q2 Cleanse cleaner, which prepares the glass. Work in 30 × 30 cm sections and you can add another layer after about 15 minutes.
Carbon Collective Platinum Glass: SiO2 ceramic for glass, self-cleaning effect from 50 km/h. Lasts 6 to 8 months on the windshield (roughly 12 in some places), 12 to 24 months on side windows. The manufacturer states easier removal of dried-on insects, frost, and ice. The glass must be polished and degreased; apply 2 layers to the windshield with a 60-minute interval.
How to choose: if you want protection for this winter with the least preparation, rain repellent is sufficient. If you are specifically concerned about icing, stick to the products where the manufacturer mentions it: EZ Wiper, Ultra Glaco, and Platinum Glass. When you want to treat side windows for more seasons and you don't mind more careful preparation, reach for ceramics. You can find the complete offer in the windows collection.
How to maintain protection over winter
Keep a few rules in mind during and after winter:
For regular washing, use a pH-neutral shampoo, for example Bad Boys Shampoo (25 ml per 10 l, the manufacturer states it is safe for both wax and ceramics) or Auto Finesse Lather. For Ceramic Lite, maintenance is with a pH-neutral or slightly alkaline shampoo.
Use an acidic shampoo only occasionally, when water stops beading off the paint as well as before. The manufacturer of Bad Boys Acid Shampoo & Foam states that the ceramic often hasn't disappeared in such a situation, it is just covered by mineral deposits. For maintenance, it is diluted 1:10 for foam, manually about 50 ml per 10 l. The Refresh Acidic Shampoo from Carbon Collective is also intended for the maintenance of ceramics, sealants, and waxes.
Replenish protection with a quick sealant. The manufacturer also mentions Bad Boys CERAMIC Hydro Wax as a booster for existing protection, and you can apply it during regular washing to a wet car.
Leave the deep cleaning for spring. The manufacturer mentions Bad Boys Alkaline Shampoo, among other things, for spring cleaning after winter. How to do it is described in the article Car after winter: how to do spring cleaning.
Even windows with protection should be cleaned gently: Gyeon offers the Gyeon Q²M Glass cleaner, which is gentle on applied glass protection. You can find more tips for regular cleaning in the article Cleaning windows in the car.
What to choose based on time and requirements
How much time you want to give
Paint
Windows
What the preparation entails
One afternoon, minimum work
Fast sealant after washing (Hydro Wax or Hybrid Coating), top up during winter
Rain repellent (EZ Wiper)
Pre-wash, washing, acidic shampoo or Panel Prep for Hybrid Coating, degreasing for glass
One careful day
Synthetic wax (Q² Wax, Fusso 12 Months)
Rain repellent (Ultra Glaco, QuickView)
Washing, degreasing, glass polishing, dry weather for curing for Q² Wax and Ultra Glaco
More time, more careful preparation
Ceramic spray (CanCoat EVO, Ceramic Lite)
Ceramics on glass (View EVO, Platinum Glass)
Washing, degreasing, glass polishing; for Ceramic Lite, also decontamination and a temperature above 5 °C
Frequently asked questions
Can the protection be applied in freezing temperatures?
It's better not to wait. Carbon Collective specifies a temperature above 5 °C for Ceramic Lite; Ultra Glaco needs about 12 hours to cure in dry conditions, and Q² Wax must not get wet for 6 to 12 hours. For other products, follow the manufacturer's instructions. A dry, mild autumn day is the safest bet.
Will windows stop frosting over after treatment?
No, none of the listed manufacturers promise that. According to the manufacturer, EZ Wiper helps reduce frost formation. Ultra Glaco can reduce the firm adhesion of frost, ice, and snow, making them easier to remove. Platinum Glass promises easier removal of hoarfrost and ice. So, keep your ice scraper in the car, it should just be less work.
Will alkaline pre-wash wash off freshly applied wax?
It depends on the type of wax and the strength of the solution. For Active Foam, Koch Chemie states it is suitable for synthetic waxes, but for natural wax, it recommends the pH-neutral Gentle Snow Foam. For Traffic Film Remover, Bad Boys warns that an overly strong solution can weaken wax protection. Furthermore, Gyeon states that for Q² Wax, the car should not be washed for about a week after application. For regular winter washing, therefore, reach for a pH-neutral shampoo.
Can the same product be used on paint and windows?
Some can. The manufacturer specifies Ceramic Lite for glass as well, and Hydro Wax for both paint and glass. However, manufacturers only mention frost for the glass products EZ Wiper, Ultra Glaco, and Platinum Glass. If your main concern is morning scraping, apply one of those to the windshield.
How often does the protection need to be renewed over the winter?
It depends on the chosen route and the durability stated by the manufacturer for the specific product. For Hydro Wax and QUICK'N'SEAL, no durability is specified. A guide can be when water no longer beads off the surface as it did before. However, with ceramic coatings, try an acidic shampoo first, as the protection might just be masked by deposits.
