Keeping Your Snorkel and Roof Rack Looking Mint

Never, and I mean never, wash your car when the panels are hot. If you've been parked in the sun, put the car in the shade for an hour. If you spray APC on a 50-degree snorkel, it'll flash dry and leave white marks that are a nightmare to remove.

If you've got recovery boards, shovels, or awnings attached, take them off. You won't be able to clean the mounting points properly with them in the way. It's an extra 10 minutes that saves an hour of frustration.

If you're using a restorer like Solution Finish on the snorkel, tape off the paintwork around the base. That stuff stains paint like you wouldn't believe.

Give the whole roof and the snorkel a heavy rinse with water. You want to knock off all the loose grit before you start touching it with a brush.

Quickly check the snorkel intake. Make sure there isn't a massive bird's nest in there (happens more than you'd think) and that the drain valves aren't blocked.

Spray your diluted APC over the entire snorkel and the roof rack. Let it sit for about 3 minutes, but don't let it dry. This starts breaking down the oils and that sticky gum tree sap.

Use your detailing brush to get into the grate of the snorkel. You'll see brown water start pouring out, that's the red dust. Work in circular motions.

Apply more APC and use a microfibre mitt. Most snorkels have a textured finish that loves to hold onto dirt. You might need a bit of elbow grease here.

This is where most people fail. Roof racks have T-channels that collect everything. Use a thin brush to sweep out the dirt along the entire length of the rack.

Get your long-reach brush and work it under the rack. There's usually a build-up of leaves and spider webs here. (Watch out for redbacks, they love a good roof rack).

Spray the metal parts of the rack with iron remover. If you see purple streaks, it's working. This is crucial for preventing those tiny rust spots you see on powder-coated aluminium.

Rinse from the top down. Make sure you're getting plenty of water into the rack channels to flush out all the chemicals.

Use your leaf blower or compressed air to blow water out of the snorkel intake and the rack's mounting bolts. Standing water is the enemy.

Once dry, wipe the snorkel and rack with an IPA solution. This removes any leftover soaps or oils so your protection will actually stick.

If the snorkel is looking grey, apply Solution Finish with a foam applicator. Work it in well. It’s a dye, not just a dressing, so it’ll last months.

Apply a spray sealant to the metal parts of the rack. This makes it much easier to wash next time as the dirt won't stick as hard.

Apply a UV-resistant dressing like 303 Aerospace Protectant or a trim coating. This is your sunscreen for the plastic.

Ensure the water dump valves at the bottom of the snorkel air box are clear. Pour a little water in the head to make sure it drains out the bottom correctly.

Chuck your boards and awnings back on. I usually put a tiny bit of anti-seize on the bolts before I put them back in.