What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, I've spent 15 years cleaning everything from dusty Patrols to salty beach buggies, and the March transition is the most important time for your car. The UV is still high enough to cook your clear coat, but the morning dew is starting to trap salt and dust against the panels. This checklist is for the blokes and ladies who want to get the job done right without wasting half their Saturday. Just grab your gear and follow the list.
The Gear You Actually Need
What You'll Need
Pre-Start Inspection
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Execution Steps
Wheel and Arch Deep Clean
Clean these first while the car is dry. Use a dedicated brush. If you do them last, you'll just flick grime back onto your clean panels.
The Heavy Rinse
Blast off the loose red dust and grit. If you don't get the bulk off now, you're just sandpapering your paint during the hand wash.
Two-Bucket Wash
One bucket for soapy water, one for rinsing your mitt. Work from the roof down. Re-load the mitt frequently to keep it clean.
Decontamination (If needed)
Run your hand over the clean, wet paint. If it feels rough, use the clay bar with plenty of lubricant to pull out the embedded rail dust.
The Big Dry
Dry the car quickly using your microfibre towel. I usually blow out the mirrors and door seals with a leaf blower to stop those annoying drips.
UV Protection Layer
Apply your sealant. In March, you need something with high UV inhibitors to prevent that classic Aussie 'sun-damaged roof' look we see on every second car.
Final Inspection Checklist
What You'll Need
A Few Truths
Watch Out
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