Why does my car get a greasy film in winter?

Smog and morning fog bring fine particles down onto the car. When the moisture dries, it leaves a grey, slightly oily layer that a dry cloth only smears.

How often should I wash my car in the smog season?

Every week or so is a good general guide for cars parked outside. Clean the glass more often for visibility.

Should I change my cabin air filter more often in Delhi?

Follow your owner's manual, but have it checked sooner if you drive a lot in dust or smog. A dark, clogged filter should be replaced.

Is it safe to use the wipers to clear a dusty windscreen?

Not when it is dry. Spray washer fluid first, or the blades can drag grit across the glass.

Does Mobidoi replace cabin air filters or wiper blades?

These are not part of our cleaning packages. Your service centre or mechanic can replace filters and wiper blades.

Car Care in Delhi's Smog Season

From late autumn through winter, Delhi's smog and fog leave a grimy film on every parked car. A few simple habits keep your glass clear, your paint clean and your cabin fresher through the season.

What smog season does to your car

In winter, cooler air near the ground traps pollution over Delhi, and morning fog adds moisture. When that moisture settles on your car, it brings fine particles with it.

The result is a grey, slightly oily film on the paint and glass. It is different from dry summer dust. It smears when you wipe it, and it builds up quickly on cars parked outside.

Glass: a hazy film that causes glare from headlights and low sun.
Paint: a dull grey layer that makes even a new car look tired.
Cabin: fine dust on the dashboard, vents and seats.
Lights: dirty lenses that throw less light into the fog.

Keep your glass clear, inside and out

Visibility matters most in this season. Clean glass reduces glare and helps the wipers and demister do their job.

Clean the windscreen, rear glass and mirrors with a dedicated glass cleaner and a separate microfibre cloth.
Do the inside of the windscreen too. A haze builds up there over time and causes glare at night.
Wipe the side mirrors and camera lenses if your car has them.
Do not use a dry cloth on dusty glass. Wet it first, or you will scratch it.

Wipers and washer fluid

Check the wiper blades. If they streak, judder or leave unwiped patches, replace them.
Wipe the rubber edge of each blade with a damp cloth to remove grit.
Top up the washer reservoir with a fluid made for cars, not dish soap.
Never run the wipers on a dry, dusty windscreen. Spray washer fluid first.

Check the cabin air filter

Most modern cars have a cabin air filter. It cleans the air coming in through the AC and heater vents, catching dust, pollen and other particles.

A clogged filter reduces airflow and can make the cabin smell stale. Your owner's manual gives the replacement interval. In dusty or smoggy conditions, it is worth having it checked sooner, often at your regular service.

Ask your service centre to show you the old filter. A grey or black filter is due for replacement.
Some cars can take a filter with an activated carbon layer, which also helps with odours. Check what fits your model.
In heavy traffic, many drivers use recirculation mode to draw in less outside air. Switch back to fresh air from time to time to stop the windows fogging.

Filter replacement is a job for your service centre or mechanic. It is not part of Mobidoi's cleaning packages.

Look after the paint

Because the smog film is slightly oily, it does not come off well with a dry cloth. Wiping it just spreads grime and drags grit across the clear coat.

Wash the car every week or so with a proper car shampoo.
Use a foam pre-wash on very grimy cars, so the film loosens before anyone touches the paint.
A wax or polish layer makes the film easier to wash off next time.
Clean the headlights and fog lamps at every wash.

Mobidoi's Super Foam Wash costs ₹299 (hatchback) / ₹399 (sedan & SUV) and includes glass, mats, engine bay and underbody cleaning. The Super Wash + Polish costs ₹499 (hatchback) / ₹599 (sedan & SUV). It adds dashboard, plastic parts, black exterior and bumper polish.

Keep the cabin clean

The fine dust that settles on your car also gets inside it. Windows down, doors opening and the ventilation system all let it in.

Wipe the dashboard, console and vents weekly with a slightly damp microfibre cloth.
Clean the mats every week or two, as they hold the dust shoes bring in.
Do not leave the car with windows open on smoggy days.
Plan a deep clean of the seats, carpets and roof lining once or twice a year.

Smog season overlaps with the festive season. If you are getting the car ready for Diwali, see our Diwali car cleaning checklist. For seats and carpets, Mobidoi's interior deep cleaning costs ₹1,499 (hatchback) / ₹1,599 (sedan & SUV).

A quick smog-season routine

Every morning. Clear dew and film from the windscreen and mirrors before you drive.
Every week. Wash the car properly, clean the glass inside and out, and wipe the dashboard.
Once in the season. Check wipers and the cabin air filter, and add a wax or polish layer.
When needed. Deep clean the interior if the cabin feels dusty or smells stale.

Prefer not to do this yourself? Our monthly car cleaning plans keep the exterior clean through the season. Message us on WhatsApp or call +91 93105 79236.