What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, most blokes just hit their racks with a high-pressure hose at the servo and call it a day, but that's how you end up with streaky plastic and rusted bolts. This guide is for anyone who actually wants their rig to look decent and last more than two seasons. I'll walk you through the gear you need and how to deal with everything from smashed bugs to that stubborn salt spray that eats away at your gear.
Getting Stuck Into the Grime
The Right Gear for the Job
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Preparation
Park in the shade
Never, ever wash your car in the direct Aussie sun if you can help it. The chemicals dry too fast and leave spots. If it's a 40-degree arvo, wait until the sun drops a bit.
Check the snorkel head
Pop the grill off the snorkel intake. You'd be surprised how many dead Christmas beetles and leaves get stuck in there. Give it a shake out before you start spraying water.
Cool down the surfaces
Give the whole roof and snorkel a quick blast with plain water just to bring the temperature of the metal and plastic down.
The Cleaning Process
The Initial Rinse
Start from the top. Use your hose or pressure washer to knock off the loose red dust and salt. If you skip this and go straight to scrubbing, you're basically using that dust as sandpaper on your paint.
Apply Pre-Wash
Spray your APC or citrus foam onto the snorkel and the roof rack. Let it sit for about 3-5 minutes, but don't let it dry. This breaks down the oily road film and bird droppings.
Detail the Snorkel Cracks
Take your soft brush and work the cleaner into the gaps where the snorkel meets the guard and around the intake grill. This is where the salt hides and starts the rust process on your panels.
Scrub the Rack Channels
Roof racks have those T-bolt channels that collect everything. Use the brush to get in there. If you've got an awning attached, make sure to clean the bracket area well.
The Contact Wash
Use your wash mop or a microfibre mitt with a high-lubricity car soap. I reckon Meguiar's Gold Class is great for this as it doesn't strip existing wax but has enough grunt for dirt.
Dealing with Bug Guts
If you've been out west, the front of that snorkel is probably peppered with bugs. Use a dedicated bug remover here. Don't use a kitchen scourer, I've seen people do it and it ruins the finish.
Final Rinse
Rinse everything thoroughly. Pay special attention to the door seals under the roof rack and the base of the snorkel. You want all that soap gone.
Drying is Key
Don't let it air dry in the wind, or you'll get water spots. Use your microfibre towel to pat it dry. I sometimes use a leaf blower to get water out of the rack channels so it doesn't drip later (the missus thinks I'm mad, but it works).
Apply UV Protection
Once it's bone dry, wipe down the snorkel and rack with your protectant. This is the most important part for preventing that 'grey' look. Rub it in well and buff off any excess.
Watch Out
The Red Dust Secret
Keeping it Looking Shmick
Watch Out
Common Questions
Can I go through an automatic car wash with a roof rack?
How do I get bird poop stains off the plastic?
My snorkel is already grey. Can I fix it?
Should I wax my roof rack?
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