Getting Your Paint Ready for the Aussie Winter (and why our 'winter' is different)

Give the car a massive wash. Focus on the wheel arches and the bits you usually miss, like inside the fuel door and the door jambs. Use a decent degreaser on the lower thirds of the car to get rid of any old road tar.

Spray your fallout remover on the paint (do it in the shade!). If it turns purple, it's working. Rinse it off thoroughly. This stops those tiny metal particles from rusting under your wax during the wet months.

Run your hand over the paint. If it feels like sandpaper, you need to clay it. Use plenty of lube and glide the clay over the surface until it's smooth as glass. This is the difference between a 'okay' job and a pro finish.

Use a big dedicated drying towel. Don't use an old chamois, they're rubbish and just drag dirt around. Make sure the wing mirrors and badges aren't dripping water, or they'll ruin your sealant application.

Take a quick look for any bird poo etching or heavy scratches. If you've got them, now is the time to hit them with a light polish. No point sealing in the damage.

If you're using a liquid sealant like Seal N Shine or Gyeon CanCoat, work one panel at a time. A little goes a long way. Don't go 'thick is better', it's a nightmare to buff off if you apply too much.

Wait the recommended time (usually 1-2 minutes for modern sealants) and buff off with a fresh microfibre. Flip the towel often. If it feels 'grabby', you've waited too long.

Don't forget the windows. I always put a dedicated rain repellent (like Rain-X or better yet, a glass-specific coating) on the windscreen. In winter, having rain bead off at 80km/h is a safety thing, honestly.

Aussie sun destroys black plastic trim. Use a trim restorer that actually cures. It’ll stop the plastic from going grey and brittle after a few frosty mornings and sunny arvos.

Chuck some of that sealant on your rims too. It makes cleaning off brake dust a breeze when you're washing the car in the cold later on.

Rub a bit of silicone protectant on the rubber door seals. This prevents them from sticking or cracking if you get a proper frost (looking at you, Canberra mates).

If you've got the time, wait an hour and do a second layer. It ensures you didn't miss any spots. I usually do this while having a brew in the garage.

Last step, slap on some tyre dressing. It doesn't just look good; it keeps the sidewalls from cracking in the UV.

Give the dash a wipe with a UV protectant. Even in winter, the Aussie sun coming through the windscreen is a killer for vinyl.

Take the car out into the sun (if it's out) and check for any high spots or streaks. Buff 'em out now before the sealant fully cures.