Holiday road trips, rainy weeks and treated roads all hit your car at the same time. A little prep now protects your paint and keeps the inside clean through the season. Here's what we tell customers in Portsmouth and across Hampton Roads.
- Seal the paint before it gets cold
- Rinse wheels after driving on treated roads
- Protect the interior before road trips
- Book before the busy holiday weeks
What winter does to your car.
We don't get much snow in Hampton Roads, but winter is still hard on cars.
Treated roads
When a freeze is in the forecast, roads get treated with salt brine. It sticks to the wheels and underside, and salt speeds up rust.
Salt air
Living near the water means salty air all year, and it settles on your paint.
Rain and road film
Wet weeks leave a gritty film that dulls the finish and streaks the glass.
Holiday travel
Long drives mean bugs, tar, crumbs and spilled coffee.
Protect the paint before it gets cold.
The best thing you can do for your paint before winter is wash it the right way and put a layer of protection on it.
6-month paint sealant Our Exterior and Full Details finish with it, for a higher gloss that lasts longer. It carries you through winter and into spring.
A sealed finish also makes washing easier. Road film and dirt don't stick as hard, so they rinse off instead of grinding in.
Don't skip the wheels.
Brake dust and road brine build up on the wheels and the bottom of the car first. Left alone, brake dust bakes on and gets harder to remove.
- Rinse wheels, wells and lower panels after treated roads
- Use a wheel cleaner made for your wheels
- Hand wash when you can, since brushes can leave swirl marks
Get the inside ready for road trips.
Kids, pets, snacks and wet shoes all end up on the seats and carpet. A clean interior is a lot easier to keep clean.
All-weather floor mats
They catch water, mud and salt before it reaches the carpet.
A small trash bag
Keep one in the car with a pack of wipes.
Clean spills fast
Especially coffee and soda on fabric seats.
A seat cover for the dog
Keeps hair and paw dirt off the seats.
The add-on most people skip.
Salt, leaves and dirt build up under the hood too. An engine bay cleaning can be added to any package, and a clean engine makes it easier to spot a leak before a long drive.
Which package should you book?
| Package | What you get | Sedans from |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Hand wash, wheels, glass and spray wax, plus a light interior clean | $100 |
| Exterior | Full hand wash and a 6-month paint sealant | $130 |
| Interior Only | Seats and carpet shampooed, everything disinfected and dressed | $175 |
| Mini | Full interior plus an exterior wash and spray wax | $200 |
| Full | Full interior plus a 6-month paint sealant | $250 |
Prices are starting prices for sedans and can change based on the vehicle's condition. SUV, minivan and truck prices are on the services page.
Our pick before winter: the Full Detail. You get the deep interior clean before road trips and the 6-month sealant to protect the paint all season. Just want the paint protected? Go with the Exterior Detail.
At our shop or at your door.
Drop your car off at our shop at 3605 Dartmouth St., Suite 1 in Portsmouth, or book mobile service and we'll come to your home or job anywhere in Hampton Roads.
Common questions.
How often should I detail my car?
A full detail every 3 to 6 months keeps most cars in great shape, with regular washes in between. The 6-month sealant lines up well with that schedule.
How long does a detail take?
It depends on the package and the condition of the vehicle. We'll give you a time when you book.
Do you detail work trucks and company vehicles?
Yes. We offer onsite fleet washing for vans, trucks and company cars, at your lot.
Book your winter detail.
At our shop in Portsmouth or at your door. Check the home page for current specials.
