How to clean snow trip grime off your car
A weekend in the mountains often comes home as a gray crust and wet floor mats. Here is how to reset the car.
What snow trip grime is made of
Snow trip grime is a mix of road film, sand and de-icing material spread on mountain roads, plus mud from chain-up areas and slush thrown up by other cars. It coats lower doors, wheels, rear hatches and headlights.
Many Peninsula drivers head to Tahoe on Interstate 80 or Highway 50 in winter. The drive home through valley rain can turn that crust into streaky film.
Headlights and the rear hatch on SUVs often get a heavy film that cuts visibility on the drive home. A quick rinse at a gas station is better than nothing, as long as you avoid wiping.
What to do when you get home
Rinse the outside soon, and dry out the inside.
Ski racks, boot bags and wet gear left in the cargo area can drip into carpet. Unload everything and let the area air out.
- Rinse wheels, wheel wells and lower panels thoroughly.
- Wash with pH-neutral car shampoo once the loose grit is gone.
- Pull out wet floor mats and let them dry fully.
- Wipe salt or sand marks from carpets and door sills.
- Leave windows cracked in a safe place so the cabin can dry.
What not to do
Do not wipe the dry gray crust off with a towel or brush. It is full of grit. Avoid letting wet mats sit in the car for days, which can lead to a musty smell.
Skip dish soap and harsh household cleaners on paint and trim.
When to book NOVA
A Full Detail handles the exterior wash, wheels and tires along with the cabin, carpets and mats. For heavily soiled cars after a long season of trips, Elite Restoration adds deep mat cleaning and heavy stain spot removal.
NOVA does not do undercarriage washing or mechanical work. White salt lines in carpet often lighten a lot, but some may leave a faint mark. A musty smell from soaked carpet may not fully clear, since NOVA does not offer odor treatment.
If you head up often, NOVA Monthly can keep a regular slot through the season so the grime never sits for long.
The package we suggest
Full Detail. Prices depend on the car and its condition, so we text you an exact price before anything is booked. Not sure? Text a photo and we will suggest one.
Questions
How soon should I clean my car after a snow trip?
Can NOVA clean white salt marks from carpet?
Does NOVA clean the underside of the car?
Can I book before my trip too?
Does NOVA work in my garage in winter?
More answers on the FAQ page.
Request a detail
About a minute online, no card needed. We text you to confirm the day, arrival window and price.