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Autumn Paint Protection Checklist

Most car owners make this harder than it needs to be. Here's the straightforward approach that actually works—no fluff, no upselling.

March in Australia is a killer for your paint. Between the lingering humidity, bird bombs, and that harsh autumn UV, you need a solid routine to keep your rig looking decent.

MT
Mick Thompson Senior Detailing Editor
| Updated: 3 March 2026
Autumn Paint Protection Checklist

Aussie Conditions

Australian conditions are tougher than most—intense UV, red dust, coastal salt, and 40°C summers. European car care advice often doesn't cut it here.
Quick Summary

Look, I've spent 15 years polishing cars and I've seen what happens when you ignore the basics. This checklist is for the blokes who want to get the job done right without faffing about. Whether you're cleaning off red dust from a trip up north or salt from the coast, stick to this and you'll be right.

01

The Gear You Actually Need

What You'll Need

0/8
Two 15L Buckets — One for soapy water, one for rinsing your mitt. Essential for not scratching your paint.
Quality Microfibre Wash Mitt — Chuck the old sponge in the bin. They just trap grit and swirl your paint.
pH Neutral Car Wash — I'm a big fan of Bowden’s Own Nanolicious. It’s Aussie made and handles our heat well.
Large Microfibre Drying Towel — Don't use a chamois. They drag dirt across the clear coat. A big fluffy towel is much safer.
Wheel Cleaner & Dedicated Brush — Iron Remover style cleaners are great for that stubborn brake dust.
Clay Bar or Clay Mitt — To get rid of the 'sandpaper' feel. Trust me, it makes a massive difference.
Paint Sealant or Wax — Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic is easy for beginners. You need that UV protection in March.
Bug & Tar Remover — Needed for those dried-up locusts and bat's gold (bird poo).
02

Pre-Start Checklist

What You'll Need

0/4
Check the surface temp — If the bonnet is hot enough to fry an egg, don't start. You'll get water spots instantly.
Park in the shade — Under a carport or in the garage. Avoid gum trees though, or you'll be fighting sap the whole time.
Inspect for 'biologicals' — Check for bird droppings. If they've baked on, soak them with a wet paper towel first.
Check your water source — Make sure your hose reaches all the way around. Nothing worse than getting halfway and snapping a connector.
03

The Step-By-Step Process

Tap each step to mark complete
01

The Wheels First

Always do wheels first. If you do them last, you'll splash dirty brake dust water onto your clean paint. I learned this the hard way on a white Maloo.

02

Thorough Rinse

Blast off the loose red dust and grit. Start from the roof and work down. Don't be stingy with the water here.

03

Two-Bucket Wash

Wash a panel, rinse the mitt in the plain water bucket, then back into the soap. Work top to bottom. No dramas.

04

Decontamination

Run your hand over the paint. If it feels rough, use the clay bar with plenty of soapy water as lube. It'll feel smooth as glass after.

05

The Big Dry

Dry the car quickly before the sun does it for you. Lay the towel flat and pull it towards you. Avoid circular rubbing.

06

Protection Layer

Apply your sealant or wax. This is your sunscreen against the Aussie UV. Don't skip this or your clear coat will peel in two years.

A Few Quick Tips

A customer once brought in a black Prado covered in 'water spots' that were actually etched-in bird poo. Honestly, if you see a bird drop a load on your car, get it off immediately. Don't wait until the weekend. Our sun is so intense it'll cook that acid into your paint in two hours flat.
04

Final Inspection Checklist

What You'll Need

0/4
Check the door jambs — Give them a quick wipe. It's the mark of a pro.
Glass check — Look for streaks. Use a clean microfibre and maybe a bit of glass cleaner if needed.
Tyre shine — Don't go overboard. Too much 'sling' will just end up on your fenders when you drive off.
Fuel flap — Open it up and dry behind there. It's a classic dirt trap.

Watch Out

Never wash your car with dish soap, it strips every bit of protection off the paint and dries out your rubber seals. Also, watch your rings and watches; I’ve seen some nasty scratches from a wedding ring during the drying phase.

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