Pro Detailing Tricks for the Aussie Autumn

Honestly, don't wait until the weekend to wash off bat or bird droppings. That stuff is pure acid in this heat. I keep a bottle of Bowden's Own Agent Orange and a clean microfiber in the glovebox. I once had a customer with a brand new black LandCruiser leave a bat drop on the bonnet for three days in the sun, it ate straight through the clear coat. Chuck a bit of quick detailer on it, let it dwell for 30 seconds, and wipe it off gently. Your wallet will thank you.

Give the old leather chamois the flick. They're scratch-factories. If you've got a cordless leaf blower, use that to dry the car instead. It's the only way to get water out of the wing mirrors and fuel door where that red dust loves to hide and turn into mud. If you must touch the paint, use a dedicated twisted-loop drying towel like the ones from Gyeon or Meguiar's. Much safer.

If your paint feels like sandpaper, you need to decon. I reckon the new 'clay mitts' are heaps better for most blokes than the old-school clay bars. If you drop a clay bar, it's rubbish, throw it out. If you drop a mitt, just rinse it off. Use plenty of soapy water as lube and you'll have it smooth as glass in ten minutes. I did this on my missus' car last week and she thought I'd spent all day polishing it.

In our 40-degree heat, a traditional Carnauba wax will literally melt off your car in a week. Don't waste your money. Use a ceramic-based spray sealant like Gtechniq C2 or even the Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray (it's actually surprisingly good, don't let the brand snobs tell you otherwise). It handles the UV way better and makes the next wash a breeze because the dirt just slides off.