The muted gray film on your vehicle during winter can cause permanent damage if left until spring.

“The longer it sits on your car, the greater potential for permanent damage,” says Mike Pennington, leader of global training at Meguiar’s, an automotive car-care company.

Grime mostly consists of dirt, mud, salt, oil and harsh road chemicals. Wet winter driving splashes it across all surfaces of your vehicle. Left to settle over the winter months, grime chemically bonds and etches painted surfaces including wheels.

Pennington likes to say winter car care is about “preservation” -- keeping contaminants at bay before they cause permanent damage. By the time spring arrives, bringing out the natural shine of your vehicle takes less effort.

“The best protection for your car is car wax,” Pennington says. “Applying a protective coat acts as a barrier to the outside elements. It helps prevent damage caused by sun and contaminants.”

A traditional paste wax such as Carnauba offers simple, safe protection. Re-application monthly may be required depending on the type of weather encountered.

Hybrid ceramic waxes offer season-long protection. They combine silicon dioxide and polymers with traditional wax to form a tough shield. Pennington cautions drivers to follow manufacturer guidelines for application to prevent streaking and hazing.

“The most important thing is washing,” says Pennington. “The longer the grime sits on the car the more time it has to bond to your car and ruin it.

“Rinse the car’s undercarriage and wheels and pay close attention to your car’s troublesome spots.”

Pennington’s tips for winter shine:

Rinse your vehicle thoroughly then wash with a cleaner designed specifically for automobile surfaces. Use two buckets–one filled with car wash solution and the other topped with plain water to rinse mitts between sections. Pennington suggests using wash mitts to make washing easier and faster.

• Use a pressure washer for the car’s undercarriage and door jams. A note of caution: Keep the spray nozzle a few inches away from surfaces to avoid damage.
• Remove grime frequently during winter to avoid pitting and staining. Use a cleaner designed for wheels. Also work with brushes designed for wheels to prevent scratches and give you access to small, out-of-the-way spaces.
• Do not clean wheels with the wash mitts you use on other painted surfaces.
• Brake dust is acidic and can damage other surfaces of the vehicle.
• Dry your vehicle with microfiber towels. They’re easy to use, safe on painted surfaces and may be cleaned for reuse.
• Add a layer of protection such as carnauba wax or hybrid ceramic spray wax. Both provide reliable protection against winter grime. Hybrid ceramic waxes offer season-long protection. Make sure to follow manufacturer directions to avoid streaks and hazing.
• Use an automated wash when weather or time limit prevent hand washing. Look over your vehicle and use a spray detailer to remove spots missed by the automated wash. Add a layer of wax protection at home.

“Use those sunny winter days to remove grime from your vehicle before the next storm moves in,” Pennington said. “The effort you extend now helps prevent long-term damage to painted surfaces. It also reduces the effort and time needed to make your vehicle sparkle come spring.”