Winter Prep Car Detailing in Spokane
Get your car washed, decontaminated and protected before the snow season and road deicer arrive.
What is winter prep detailing?
Winter prep is an exterior detail timed for October and early November, before the City of Spokane’s snow season starts on November 15. We clean off the summer’s bug, sap and mineral build-up, decontaminate the paint and add a protective layer, with extra time on the lower doors, rocker panels, wheel wells and door jambs where road deicer and sand collect. It helps winter film rinse off more easily. It does not make a car salt-proof.
Two winter prep packages
| Winter Prep | Winter Prep Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Foam pre-wash and hand wash | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wheels, tires and wheel wells (extra time) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Clay or iron decontamination | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paint sealant on all painted panels | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lower doors, rocker panels and door jambs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Exterior glass treatment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full interior detail (vacuum, steam, shampoo, leather care) | — | ✓ |
| Floor mats deep-cleaned for slush and salt | Basic | ✓ |
| Starting price, car or sedan | $175 | $375 |
| Starting price, SUV or small truck | $200 | $425 |
| Starting price, large truck, van or 3-row SUV | $225 | $475 |
Prices are starting prices for a vehicle in average condition. Heavy sap, tar, pet hair or mold cost extra. We confirm your exact price before we start.
Why Spokane cars need it
The city treats busy streets with magnesium chloride and sand during snow season. Spokane Valley mostly uses granular deicer on main arterials and generally not on residential streets. Either way, a daily commute leaves a film that clings to lower doors, wheel wells and brake parts. Road deicers can hold moisture against bare metal, which speeds up corrosion, and sand thrown up by tires peppers the lower panels.
When to book
- Best window: October to early November, while temperatures still allow a proper exterior wash
- Too late: once it stays below freezing, exterior work needs a garage or covered spot
- No covered spot? Book the interior now and an exterior on the next thaw
Your five-minute winter routine
- On a thaw day, rinse the lower body and wheel wells with plenty of water.
- Never use hot water on a frozen car. The temperature shock can crack glass.
- Do not scrape ice off dry paint. Use a de-icer spray or let the defroster work first.
- Vacuum or shake out floor mats weekly so salt and sand do not grind into the carpet.
- Book a thorough exterior in late winter to clear off remaining residue.
Questions about winter prep
Does a sealant protect against road salt all winter?
Is ceramic coating better for winter?
Can you wash my car outside in winter?
Should I get an interior detail too?
Related
Book your winter prep before November 15
Send the year and make, your ZIP code and two photos. We reply with a clear price and the next open time.