What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, I’ve seen brand new 300 Series Cruisers come into my shop with chassis rust after just one season of beach runs because the owner 'gave it a quick hose'. Don't be that person. This is my personal routine for getting every grain of sand and salt out of the nooks and crannies. It's a bit of a slog, but it'll save you thousands in the long run.
The Gear You'll Need
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Pre-Start Checklist
What You'll Need
The Cleaning Process
The Heavy Rinse
Start from the top and work down. Use heaps of water to shift the loose sand before you even touch it with a mitt. Don't forget the wheel arches.
Underbody Assault
Get that water broom under there. Spend 15-20 minutes just on the guts of the car. Flush inside the chassis rail holes until the water runs crystal clear.
Salt Neutraliser Application
Load your foam cannon with a salt neutraliser. Coat the whole undercarriage, suspension, and wheels. Let it dwell for 5-10 minutes but don't let it dry out.
The Contact Wash
Using the two-bucket method, wash the paint. Sand is basically tiny rocks, so be gentle. If the mitt feels crunchy, chuck it and get a fresh one.
Engine Bay Wipe
Salt spray gets everywhere. Use a damp microfiber to wipe down hoses and plastics. Avoid direct high-pressure water on sensors or the fuse box.
The Interior Grit-Suck
Vacuum like your life depends on it. Sand in the carpet acts like sandpaper on the fibres. I find a stiff brush helps loosen the deep stuff.
Final Inspection Checklist
What You'll Need
A Pro's Word of Advice
Watch Out
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