Pre-Winter Checklist for Your Paint & Wheels

As the rainy season settles in across the Portland and Beaverton area, it’s time to think about how your vehicle’s exterior will hold up to months of road grime, salt, and constant moisture.
At Fresh Start Detail Co. we help protect your investment before winter weather can take its toll.
Here’s our Pre-Winter Detailing Checklist to keep your paint, wheels, and glass looking their best, and stay protected until spring.

1. Decontaminate the Paint with a Clay Treatment

Even the cleanest-looking cars accumulate invisible bonded contaminants over time… things like rail dust, road tar, paint overspray, and industrial fallout.
Before applying any protective product, it’s essential to remove these embedded particles from your paint.
Our clay bar treatment safely extracts these contaminants, leaving your paint silky smooth and ready for wax, sealant, or ceramic coating. This step is crucial for proper product bonding and maximum longevity through the winter months.
How to tell if you may need this service? After a thorough washing, feel you paint. Does it feel slippery smooth with no roughness, or does it catch your fingers a little as you lightly drag them across the surface? That friction is caused by these “bonded contaminants” that are removed when we perform our clay treatment.

2. Machine Polishing to Restore Gloss

Cold, wet weather exposes every imperfection. A light machine polish can revive dull, oxidized paint and remove fine swirls and blemishes.
We use professional-grade polishing compounds and dual-action machines to restore depth and clarity, bringing your paint back to life before sealing it for the season.

3. Apply a Durable Wax or Ceramic Coating

Once the surface is clean and polished, it’s time to protect it.

• Wax or Sealant: Ideal for short-term protection and high gloss. We recommend this for vehicles that receive regular maintenance washes.
• Ceramic Coating: For the ultimate in durability, a Fresh Start ceramic coating provides several years of protection from salt, grime, UV, and chemical etching.
  It creates a hard, hydrophobic layer that makes cleaning during winter far easier, and keeps your paint shining even in the grayest Oregon weather.

4. Protect and Deep-Clean Your Wheels

Winter roads are brutal on wheels. Brake dust, salt, and grime can quickly etch clear coat and corrode metal surfaces.
Our wheel deep-clean service removes built-up contamination.
For maximum defense and easier cleaning, we recommend upgrading to our ceramic wheel coating that helps resist future build-up of those caustic contaminants.

5. Treat Windshield and Glass for Safer Driving

Visibility is everything during dark, rainy commutes. A glass treatment like our hydrophobic windshield coating dramatically improves nighttime visibility by causing rain to bead and roll off at highway speeds. You’ll rely less on your wipers, and reduce glare from oncoming headlights.

6. Don’t Forget Trim, Tires, and Plastic Protection

Plastic trim, rubber seals, and tires all take a beating from cold, wet conditions.
We apply UV-resistant dressings and rubber conditioners that prevent cracking, fading, and oxidation. This not only keeps your car looking sharp but extends the lifespan of your exterior materials.

7. Optional Add-Ons for Complete Winter Prep

• Headlight Restoration: Restore clarity and brightness for improved nighttime safety.
• Engine Bay Cleaning: Removes corrosive buildup and helps spot leaks early.
• Interior Protection: Add fabric guard or leather conditioning before wet weather brings in mud and salt.

Book Your Pre-Winter Detail Today

Don’t wait until road grime and salt are already attacking your finish.
Schedule your Pre-Winter Paint & Wheel Protection Service with Fresh Start Detail Co.
We’re Beaverton and Portland’s trusted experts in ceramic coatings, polishing, and seasonal protection.

📞 Call or text us today to reserve your spot before the first big storm hits.
Or check out our packages at www.freshstartdetail.com.

Call (503) 641-3285 or email info@freshstartdetail.com or get a free quote.