We just had snow in New England, and more is expected tonight. Not everyone is driving around in the snow. Many are waiting for the next car show here in New England.
For many, they have put their cars up in storage for the winter or waited to see what Santa brought to put into play.
Those of us who have put our vehicles up for the winter have devoted time to the “deep clean.” My friend, Kevin, who owns Alternative Detailing, had lots of clients bring their vehicles to him for that pre-winter clean. It included an exterior wash and undercarriage cleaning to remove salt, sand, and grime. Add in a high-quality wax or ceramic coating for additional moisture protection.
And what about the inside?
Again, Kevin would tell you that everything needs to be vacuumed and cleaned. (He has tons of great products on his site.) Then there are leather conditioners, fabric protectants, and other products. Because mine went into storage, I added “anti-mice” packs.
Because I had just purchased my car, I took it into the mechanics for an oil and filter change, as well as coolant, brake fluid, and transmission brought up to proper levels. I also added Stabil for gas to prevent fuel degradation.
In my case, I removed my battery for the winter. Tires were brought up to the proper level, for some (And I didn’t have time), use tire cradles. If you have access to the car, you can move it to avoid flat spots.
I bought a breathable, high-quality car cover to protect from dust and moisture.
Now to the fun part…
Buying stuff!
Winter is the perfect time to order parts, schedule paint correction, or plan upgrades. In the old days it was the JC Whitney catalog!
And you can book detailing or vinyl wrap appointments early.
Here is a calendar that works well in New England.
- December – January: Preservation & Planning
- Deep-clean and wax the car before winter storage.
- Add fuel stabilizer, change oil, and check all fluids.
- Disconnect the battery or set up a trickle charger.
- Make a list of upgrades or repairs you want done before show season.
- Order any hard-to-find parts early (shipping delays happen!).
- February: Interior & Detailing Prep
- Condition leather or treat fabric.
- Inspect trim, seals, and weatherstripping for cracks.
- Schedule paint correction or ceramic coating if needed (shops book up fast).
- March: Mechanical Check
- Reconnect the battery and test the electrical systems.
- Check brakes, suspension, and tires for wear.
- Rotate tires or replace if needed.
- Start the car and let it run to circulate fluids.
- April: Final Touches
- Full detail inside and out (polish, wax, vacuum).
- Apply tire shine and clean the engine bay.
- Install any new mods or accessories.
- Do a test drive to ensure everything feels right.
- 1–2 Weeks Before First Show
- Wash and quick detail.
- Pack your show kit (microfiber towels, spray detailer, tire shine, glass cleaner).
- Double-check registration, insurance, and any show paperwork.
I look forward to seeing many of you in this upcoming car show season. And if you need premium detailing, reach out to my friend, Kevin!
