I haven't had a car nice enough to justify washing in the winte for a while, but University Spur(Everyone still calls it Univeristy Conoco even though it isn't Conoco anymore) towel dries.  Make sure you work the power locks periodcally as you are driving away and for the next day or so and you shouldn't have a problem.  You can get little cannisters of propellent that de-ice your locks if you are worried.

Ride your bicycle

I use the SuperAmerica car wash up 53 just past Northern Equipment. They have a pretty decent blow dry at the end. I leave my car unlocked for a day or two afterwards- not that anyone would steal my car in the first place. Heated garages are a major contributor to rust-through on cars that drive on salted roads, so frequent car washes are a good idea.

Thanks Tim, that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Incidentally, we don't actually park cars in our heated garage. We use it for other purposes, so my car is always parked outside.

TimK, thanks for the advice re spraying Pledge to cut down on the the road glop. I have tons of that shit in my wheel wells and didn't know what to do about it.

I don't know this for sure, but I think waxing a car is not necessary because of the high-tech paint put on cars today.

For the rare day I wash my car, I like the self-serve place on Grand Avenue. You can spray under the car as much as you want. It's tropical in there; you close that garage door and leave winter outside. It's nice place to clean out the inside of your car, too, in the middle of winter.

Self Service Car Washes
7802 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN

Mel, I have always liked London Road Car Wash.  It is a bit pricey but they do a good job.

Always wash your car with a quality car soap.

Do NOT, repeat, NOT use dishwashing liquid. It will damage your car's clearcoat. 

Dry with a chamois cloth, synthetic ones such as the Absorber are the best choice.

Follow this with a quality car wax. I personally prefer Meguiar's Deep Crystal 3 step system. 

How you apply the wax is up to you. Your choices for the most part are by hand, using an orbital polisher, or a rotary polisher.

I have a rotary polisher I use for the large sections of my truck, but most often I do it by hand. If you don't want your shoulders to hurt like hell, spend the money for an orbital polisher. Orbital polishers mimic the movement you would do if you hand waxed. Rotary polishers are better left to experienced people, as if you're not careful, you'll burn through your paint. This will make you unhappy.

For your wheels and tires, do them last and use a spray and walk away type product. The best products for this are made by Stoner, IMO.

Stoner also makes about the best glass cleaner I've ever used.

What I do is go to the wash it yourself place behind Sammy's in Woodland.  You aren't supposed to bring a bucket in there but I go Sunday night and spend 45 minutes detailing "old Glory in and out...and it is nice and toasty in there.