How often should I wash my ceramic coated car in winter?

In Calgary winter, wash every 1-2 weeks. Salt and road brine accumulate constantly, and while ceramic coating makes removal easier, leaving salt on the surface for weeks can still cause issues. After major snowstorms or salt applications, wash within a few days.

Can I wash my ceramic coated car in freezing weather?

Yes, but use a touchless wash or covered hand wash bay. Never use hot water on a cold car (thermal shock). Let the vehicle reach above-freezing temps if possible. Indoor heated washes work well. If washing outside, work quickly to prevent water from freezing on the surface.

What products should I use on ceramic coated cars?

Use pH-neutral car wash soap (avoid dish soap and harsh degreasers). Foam cannons work great. For drying, use quality microfiber towels or air blowers. Every 3-6 months, consider a ceramic booster spray to maintain hydrophobicity. Avoid wax products — they're unnecessary and can mask the coating.

How to Wash a Ceramic Coated Car in Calgary (Winter Edition)

You invested in ceramic coating to make winter maintenance easier. But are you washing it correctly? The wrong technique can negate your coating's benefits.

Calgary winters are brutal on vehicles. Road salt (magnesium chloride), sand, and calcium deposits attack every surface. Ceramic coating helps — but only if you maintain it properly. Here's your complete winter washing guide.

The Calgary Salt Reality

Calgary uses liquid brine (magnesium chloride) before storms, plus traditional rock salt. This creates a sticky, corrosive film that bonds to paint. Ceramic coating prevents this bond from becoming permanent — but you still need to wash it off regularly.

How Often to Wash in Calgary Winters

Frequency	When to Use	Why
Every 1-2 weeks	Standard winter driving	Salt accumulation is constant
Within 48 hours	After major storm/salting	Fresh salt is easier to remove
Weekly	Highway commuting (Deerfoot)	More spray exposure from trucks
Bi-weekly	Garage-kept, minimal driving	Still exposed when driving

The Correct Winter Washing Process for Calgary

Step-by-Step Winter Wash

Pre-rinse thoroughly. Use a pressure washer or high-volume hose to blast off loose salt and debris. This is the most important step — removing abrasives before any contact.
Apply foam cannon pre-wash. A thick layer of foam sits on the surface and dissolves road film. Let it dwell 3-5 minutes. This lifts contaminants without contact.
Two-bucket wash. One bucket with soapy water, one with rinse water. Use a quality wash mitt (not sponges). Work top to bottom, rinsing mitt frequently.
Rinse completely. Ensure all soap is removed, especially from panel gaps and door jambs where salt hides.
Dry with quality towels. Use plush microfiber drying towels or a car dryer/blower. Never let water air-dry in cold weather — water spots and ice.

Products to Use (and Avoid)

Safe for Ceramic

• pH-neutral car wash soap
• Snow foam pre-wash
• Ceramic booster sprays
• Quality microfiber towels
• Air blower/dryer
• Touchless car washes (occasional)

Avoid These

• Dish soap (strips protection)
• Brush car washes
• All-purpose cleaners at full strength
• Wax or sealants (unnecessary, can mask)
• Chamois or squeegees (can scratch)
• Rough microfiber towels

The Touchless Car Wash Question in Calgary

Touchless automatic washes are generally safe for ceramic coated vehicles. The coating won't be stripped by their chemicals. However:

Uses only water and soap — no brushes
Good for quick salt removal between hand washes
May not fully clean lower body and wheel wells
High-pressure can force water into panel gaps

Our recommendation: Touchless wash for weekly maintenance, full hand wash monthly.

Wheel Well and Undercarriage Care

Ceramic coating on your body panels is only half the story. Salt also attacks:

Wheel wells — Spray with high pressure during every wash
Undercarriage — Use self-serve wash bays with undercarriage rinse
Door jambs — Wipe with damp microfiber to remove salt
Brake components — Rinsing helps prevent frozen calipers

Consider undercoating for complete protection in these hidden areas where ceramic coating isn't applied.

Maintaining Hydrophobicity

Water Beading Maintenance

Your ceramic coating's water beading will gradually decrease over time. This is normal. To maintain peak hydrophobicity:

Apply ceramic booster spray every 3-6 months
Decontaminate with iron remover annually
Consider professional inspection annually

Where to Wash in Calgary's Freezing Weather

Finding the right wash location in -20°C is challenging. Your options:

Heated indoor hand wash bays — Best option. Controlled temperature, no freezing
Touchless automatic washes — Quick, heated bay, good for maintenance
Self-serve outdoor bays — Work quickly, dry immediately after
At-home driveway wash — Not recommended below 0°C (frozen doors, locks)

The Verdict

Ceramic coating makes winter maintenance significantly easier — but it doesn't eliminate the need for washing. Regular 1-2 week washes with proper technique will keep your coating performing at its best for years.

Not sure if your coating is still performing? Contact us for a free inspection. We can assess your coating's health and recommend maintenance or touch-up if needed.