As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it’s easy to let your car care routine slide. But with winter comes a barrage of harsh elements – road salt, slush, and grime – that can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s finish. Protecting your car isn’t just about keeping it looking good; it’s about preserving its value and ensuring its longevity. This winter, don’t just survive the season, conquer it with the ultimate car care arsenal from Joe in the Dirt.
We’ve reimagined the winter prep guide, swapping out standard products for a premium lineup of Labocosmetica and Maniac Line products, all available at Joe in the Dirt. Get ready to give your car the winter armor it deserves.
The Pre-Wash Power Play: Obliterate Grime Before You Wash
Before your wash mitt even touches the paint, the first strike against winter filth is a powerful pre-wash. This step is crucial for loosening the heavy layers of salt and dirt, preventing you from grinding them into your paintwork during the contact wash.
Product Spotlight: Labocosmetica #Primus
#Primus is a concentrated, alkaline pre-wash that is a true powerhouse. It safely and effectively dissolves stubborn road grime, salt deposits, and bug splatters, making your main wash easier and safer.
| Vehicle Condition | Dilution Ratio (Water:Product) | Application Method |
| Very Dirty Vehicle | 50:1 | Foam Cannon |
| Moderately Dirty Vehicle | 80:1 | Foam Cannon |
| Frequent/Maintenance Wash | 100:1 | Foam Cannon |
| Wheels/Tires/Heavy Grime | 10:1 | Pump Sprayer |
How to Use #Primus:
- Dilute #Primus in your foam cannon or pump sprayer according to the chart above.
- Working from the bottom of the vehicle upwards, apply a thick layer of foam to the entire exterior.
- Allow the product to dwell for 3-5 minutes. You’ll see it start to break down and lift the dirt.
- Rinse thoroughly with a pressure washer, again working from the bottom up to start, then finishing with a top-to-bottom rinse.
The Ultimate 3pH Wash: Cleanse, Decontaminate, and Shine
With the heavy lifting done by #Primus, it’s time for a revolutionary washing process. The Labocosmetica 3pH wash system ensures the deepest clean possible, removing contaminants that a normal wash leaves behind.
Step 1: The Neutral Wash – Labocosmetica #Semper
#Semper is a highly concentrated, pH-neutral shampoo that provides exceptional lubrication and cleaning power without stripping existing waxes or sealants. It’s the perfect gentle giant for your maintenance washes.
How to Use #Semper:
- Dilution: #Semper is incredibly concentrated. Use a ratio of 1:800 to 1:1500 (product to water) in your wash bucket. For a standard 3-gallon bucket, you only need a tiny amount!
- Application: Fill your bucket with water, add the #Semper, and agitate with your pressure washer to create a rich foam. Using a high-quality wash mitt, wash the car from top to bottom. Rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: The Acidic Decontamination – Labocosmetica #Purifica
Here’s the secret weapon. Winter roads leave behind more than just visible dirt. Mineral deposits from road salt and hard water can create a dull, rough film on your paint. #Purifica is an acidic shampoo designed to safely dissolve these mineral deposits, reviving the gloss and clarity of your paint and helping to unclog ceramic coatings.
The Benefits of #Purifica:
- Restores Shine: It eliminates the dulling effect of mineral deposits, revealing a sharp, glossy finish.
- Unclogs Coatings: If you have a ceramic coating, #Purifica removes the mineral layer that can hide its hydrophobic properties, bringing back that satisfying water beading.
- Preps for Protection: It creates a perfectly clean surface, ensuring that any new layer of protection will bond effectively.
How to Use #Purifica:
- Dilution (Foam Cannon): For a post-wash decontamination, dilute #Purifica between 1:10 and 1:20 in your foam cannon.
- Application: After washing with #Semper and rinsing, foam the entire vehicle with your #Purifica solution. Let it dwell for 2-4 minutes, then rinse thoroughly from the top down.
Interior Defense: Keep Your Cabin Clean and Fresh
Winter’s mess doesn’t stay outside. Mud, salt, and slush get tracked into your car, staining carpets and making a mess of your interior plastics.
Product Spotlight: Labocosmetica #Omnia 2.0
#Omnia 2.0 is a new-generation, pH-neutral interior cleaner that is safe for all surfaces, including leather, plastic, fabric, and screens. It cleans deeply, leaves a natural finish, and contains no harsh chemicals.
| Cleaning Task | Dilution Ratio (Water:Product) |
| Deep Cleaning/Stains | 1:1 or Use Neat |
| Leather/Fabric Cleaning | 3:1 to 5:1 |
| General/Ordinary Cleaning | 10:1 |
| Quick Detailer/Dusting | 15:1 |
How to Use #Omnia:
- Dilute #Omnia in a spray bottle to your desired strength.
- Spray onto a quality microfiber towel or directly onto the surface (for heavy soiling).
- For stubborn areas, agitate with a soft interior brush.
- Wipe the surface clean with a dry microfiber towel to reveal a fresh, OEM finish.
Upholstery Under Siege: Erase Salt Stains and Spills
Those ugly white salt stains on your carpets and fabric seats are a winter trademark we’d all rather avoid. For this, you need a specialized cleaner.
Product Spotlight: Labocosmetica #Glico
#Glico is a unique, glycolic acid-based fabric cleaner. This patented formula is perfect for breaking down the inorganic residues left by road salt, as well as other tough stains. It features a special
Luminol effect that highlights stains that are not visible to the naked eye, ensuring you remove them completely.
How to Use #Glico:
- Dilution: For tough salt stains, dilute #Glico 1:5 in a spray bottle. For general maintenance, a 1:10 dilution is effective.
- Application: Spray the product evenly over the stained area. Agitate gently with a fabric brush to work the product in. Allow it to dwell for 2-3 minutes. Use a clean, damp microfiber towel to blot the area, followed by a dry towel or a wet/dry vacuum to extract the residue.
Tire and Trim Armor: The Finishing Touches
Don’t neglect the details! Your tires and plastic trim are constantly bombarded by road salt and UV rays, which can cause fading, browning, and cracking.
For Your Tires: Labocosmetica #Nero
#Nero is a tire dressing gel that delivers a rich, satin finish without the greasy, sling-prone mess of lesser products. It’s a solvent-based formula that penetrates the rubber for long-lasting durability and protection.
How to Use #Nero:
- Application: #Nero is ready to use. Ensure your tires are clean and dry (use #Primus at 1:3 for a deep clean). Apply a small amount of #Nero to a tire applicator sponge and spread it evenly across the tire sidewall. Let it dry completely before driving.
For Your Trim: Maniac Line All Round Plastic Protectant
This versatile, water-based protectant is your go-to for all exterior (and interior) plastic and rubber trim. It restores the deep, dark color to faded plastics and protects them from the elements.
How to Use All Round Plastic Protectant:
- Application: This product is also ready to use. After cleaning the trim, apply a small amount to a microfiber applicator. Work it into the surface, then buff off any excess with a clean microfiber towel for a perfect, non-greasy finish.
Crystal Clear Vision: A Safer Winter Drive
Visibility is paramount in winter. A clean and protected windshield will repel water, sleet, and snow, making your drive safer and less stressful.
Step 1: The Deep Clean – Maniac Line Glass Cleaner & Degreaser
Before you can protect your glass, you need to get it perfectly clean. Maniac Line’s Glass Cleaner uses “Zero Streaks Technology” to cut through grime, grease, and interior film without leaving any residue.
How to Use Maniac Line Glass Cleaner:
- Application: Simply spray the cleaner onto the glass and wipe with a clean microfiber glass towel. Use a second, dry towel to buff the glass to a crystal-clear finish.
Step 2: The Hydrophobic Shield – Feynlab Window Coating
Now for the magic. Feynlab Window Coating is a professional-grade ceramic coating for your glass. It creates an ultra-slick, durable, and hydrophobic surface that water, ice, and snow simply can’t stick to. At driving speeds, you’ll watch rain fly right off your windshield!
How to Use Feynlab Window Coating:
- Prep: Ensure the glass is impeccably clean and dry. It’s recommended to polish the glass with a dedicated glass polish for best results.
- Apply: In a well-lit, temperature-controlled area, apply a small amount of Step 1 of the coating to an applicator and work it onto the glass. Follow the specific product instructions for dwell time.
- Seal: Apply Step 2 to seal in the protection. Buff to a perfectly clear finish.
Your Winter Car Care Headquarters
Winter is tough, but your car can be tougher. With this premium detailing arsenal from Joe in the Dirt, you’re not just washing your car – you’re preserving it. Head over to Joe in the Dirt today to stock up on these Labocosmetica and Maniac Line essentials and give your vehicle the elite protection it needs to conquer the cold.