Sounds like a job for some insulated rubber gloves; try a marine supply place that sells to commercial fisherman. Washing cars outdoors in the winter? How is that even possible? These gloves are some of the best you can buy-- Gore-Tex ensures that he will keep his hands dry. I'm not sure what all washing cars in the winter entails, but it seems like constantly getting the leather wet and bending it could damage them very quickly. One thing to remember is that gore-tex is built like a sandwich. You have your outer layer of fabric, normally not waterproof. Then there is a layer of gore-tex, and then an inner layer of fabric. Even though a glove can keep water from getting in, if you soak (and freeze) that outer layer of fabric, the glove will not be as warm because it will transmit coldness to the inside quicker. If he doesn't need finger movement, the absolute mittens will keep him even warmer. They are Gore-Tex too.http://www.backcountry.com/store/BLD0341/Black-Diamond-Absolute-Mitten.html

Beefier ropes are more durable and offer greater friction when running through carabiners and belay/rappel devices. This means you will have a rope that will last longer and and will be able to control the rate of descent better when rappelling or lowering someone off of a climb. For top roping/ repealing most climbers will use a rope 10+ mm.Skinnier ropes provide less rope drag, combined with being generally lighter, a lead climber will exert less energy using a skinner rope. But the skinner ropes, generally, sacrifices durability and will have less friction available when belaying/ repealing. Most lead climbers will use a 9.8+ for everyday use, and save there 9.8- for red point burns and hard on sight attempts.