Why protect paint before winter
Ontario winters mean months of salt, brine and freeze-thaw cycles. Bare paint holds on to road film and slush, and once it dries, the grime has to be scrubbed off. Protected paint is slicker, so less sticks and washing is easier.
The time to do this is October or November, once the leaves are down and before the first salt truck. Doing it after winter helps clean, but doing it before helps protect. For a broader plan see our winter car care checklist for Ontario.
This page is for anyone who parks outside, commutes on the QEW or 403 through the season, or keeps a good car and wants to keep it that way.
There is one more reason to do it in fall: leaves. Wet leaves stick to paint and leave stains that are easy to prevent and slow to clean. By the time the last ones drop, the car should already be protected, and the winter wash routine should be easy.
Two ways to do it
We build winter protection out of existing packages, so there is no mystery product.
- Sealant route: Exterior Revival with a sealant on the paint. This is the simpler, shorter option and is also part of The Full Detail, which adds the interior.
- Ceramic route: Ceramic coating, with paint enhancement first. This lasts longer and handles salt better, and it takes a full day.
If you plan to keep the car beyond one winter, ceramic usually makes more sense. If not, a sealant does the job. Our comparison of ceramic coating, wax and sealant helps you decide.
The difference between the two routes shows up in spring. A sealant has usually worn thin after a winter of salt and washing, and needs refreshing. A coating is likely to still be working, and the car washes faster. If you park outside and drive every day, the ceramic route tends to give the better winter.
What we do, step by step
- Wash the car and clean wheels and arches.
- Remove iron, tar and bonded grime, then clay the paint so the sealant bonds properly.
- Dry thoroughly, including door jambs and seams.
- Apply the sealant to all painted surfaces, or the full ceramic sequence if you chose it.
- Protect and dress wheels, tires and trim.
- Wipe door seals so they do not stick in freezing weather.
- Walk around the car with you and fix anything not right.
Optional interior work is worth adding. All-weather mats, a deep clean and a pre-salt vacuum make spring much easier. If you want it, book Interior Restoration or the full package.
Plan the visit for a stretch of mild weather. Coatings and sealants need to cure, and they do best when it is dry and above freezing for a day or so. If the forecast turns, we reschedule free or move to a garage. Book the date before the weather forces the decision.
How it is priced
The sealant route starts from Exterior Revival, which starts from $103 $129, with the sealant step quoted with your vehicle. If you want interior and exterior together with sealant included, The Full Detail starts from $176 $220. The ceramic route starts from $399 $499.
- SUV +$30, truck +$40, van or minivan +$50, exotic +$60.
- Winter salt mess +$40 if you book late and the car already has salt on it.
- Additional vehicles in the same booking are 20% off.
Tell us which option you are leaning toward on the quote form, and we advise honestly on what is worth paying for.
As an example, a sedan going the sealant route is the Exterior Revival base plus the sealant step, quoted with your vehicle. An SUV adds +$30. A truck adds +$40. If you also want the interior ready for slush, the interior package is added at its usual price.
Looking after protected paint in winter
Protection works best with a bit of upkeep.
- Rinse salt off the lower body and wheel wells on warmer days.
- Use a touchless or hand wash, not brushes.
- Avoid ice scrapers and brushes on paint, and clear snow with a soft brush.
- Book a salt removal visit if the car gets crusted. See winter salt removal.
Do not forget the inside. Winter slush and salt track in on boots and ruin carpet. All-weather mats are the cheap fix, and a deep clean in spring is the reset. Our spring detailing guide explains what to expect.
Why mobile timing matters
The fall window is short, and dry, above-freezing days are limited. Mobile service lets us fit your car into a good day at your driveway in Burlington or Oakville, or work in your garage if the weather turns. We bring our own water, power and lighting.
Book early in the season. Slots tighten as the first freeze arrives.
Wipers and washer fluid are your own jobs, but we are happy to point out worn blades at the walk-around.