As the winter fast approaches, we reach for the extra layers and thermals. Not only is it important that we protect ourselves from the harsh environmental conditions, but that we protect our cars too.

Snow, ice, frost, road salt and freezing temperatures can all have an impact on not only the look, but the function of your vehicle.

Since the 30s, in the UK in particular, local councils - when funding is available - have used salt to clear the roads. As a hygroscopic substance, the salt absorbs and retains the moisture from the snow and ice. Therefore, any salt present on the surface of your car is certainly unwelcome, as the dampness can accelerate oxidisation. All in all, modern paints have been designed to reduce the occurrences of rusting, but if scratched, chipped or damaged in anyway, corrosion can begin.

There are a number of Gtechniq products that are essential to keep your car looking and operating well through the winter months.

Our G1 ClearVision Smart Glass, unlike other rain repellent coatings that adhere using relatively weak physical bonds, chemically bonds to any glass giving it unrivalled durability. The excellent durability – staying on the glass for up to 2 years - combined with its exceptionally low smear characteristics make G1 ideal for car windscreens. The hydrophobic function improves wet weather visibility making driving safer and reducing eye strain. Using G1 will also help your car windows demist a lot quicker and prevent ice from freezing on the surface – you can say goodbye to harsh scraping and cold hands.

Even if your car is not treated with one of our paint protection products, that does not mean you should rule out EXO during the cold spells. EXO Ultra Durable Hybrid Coating is our ultimate hydrophobic surface protector – it simply out-beads any other products on the market. By providing, a lotus leaf effect which repels dirt and water, EXO ensures your vehicles surface stays cleaner and glossier for much longer. In the winter get EXO applied to your paintwork and make grim easy to remove, snow simply slide from the surface, and muddy splashes bead off.

Of our more durable products, C5 Wheel Armour is a must-have for winter wheels. Apply C5 to your alloys or standard wheels to make them much easier to maintain. C5 will chemically bond to the wheels of the car which will provide excellent stain and contaminant resistance making them easy to clean and maintain on mucky, slushy roads.

For those of you who are not looking for a durable protection, but a short-term fix following washing then C2 Liquid Crystal is a great all-rounder for winter protection. Simply spray the coating onto paintwork and wheels and buff of the residue for instant, effective protection from UV and dirt - for the ultimate performance you can layer C2 to provide maximum protection from the snow, ice and salt on the winter roads.

While you are at it, it would be a shame to miss your car’s interior. With colder weather comes an increase in flu, bugs and germs. To help combat this we recently introduced an antibacterial line of products including I2 Tri-Clean, I1 Smart Fabric AB, L1 Leather Guard AB and C6 Matte Dash AB. By teaming up with Biocote® world leaders in antimicrobial technology, our products now kill 99.9% of bacteria, and prevent odours and staining, helping to reduce those nasty germs that can contribute to winter colds and flu.

As well as being antibacterial, I1 Smart Fabric AB is a great product for protecting your car’s carpets from wet, snow-trodden shoes and boots – or alternatively you can use it to protect your shoes and boots. Simply spray the product onto carpets, leave it to dry, and I1 will protect your carpets from staining.

If you do not have the time to protect your car yourself, then you could always pay a visit to one of our Accredited Detailers (please see our Worldwide map for Accredited Detailers outside of the UK and USA).