What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, we've all been there, you've just come back from a big trip up the Cape or a dusty weekend in the Victorian High Country and your rig looks like it's been through a blender. Most people focus on the paint, but your snorkel and roof rack take the biggest beating from the Aussie sun and salt. This guide is for the 4x4 owners who want to keep their gear looking black and bold rather than that sad, chalky grey colour. I'll walk you through how I tackle these bits in my own shed, from getting the grit out of the intake to stopping the UV from killing your plastics.
The Reality of Aussie Off-Road Gear
What You'll Need
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Preparation
Park in the shade
Never, ever wash your 4x4 in the midday sun. The chemicals will dry instantly and leave nasty streaks on your black plastics. Wait for the arvo or do it under a carport.
Remove accessories
If you've got recovery boards or shovels mounted, chuck 'em off. You can't clean the gunk hiding underneath them otherwise.
The 'Initial Blast'
Give the snorkel head and the entire rack a thorough rinse with plain water. You want to move as much loose sand and red dust as possible before you touch it with a brush.
The Deep Clean Process
Tackle the Snorkel Head
Most snorkels have a removable grille. If yours does, take it off. Use your detailing brush and APC to scrub inside the 'mouth'. You'd be surprised how much grit sits right where your engine breathes.
Check the Drain Holes
Snorkels have little 'duckbill' valves or drain holes at the bottom to let water out. I learned this the hard way when a mate's airbox filled up because the drain was plugged with mud. Poke a wire or small brush in there to make sure it's clear.
Foam it Up
If you've got a foam cannon, coat the roof rack and snorkel. Let it dwell for 5 minutes. This softens those baked-on bug guts and bird droppings.
Agitate the Channels
Roof racks like the Rhino-Rack Pioneer platforms have channels that love to trap salt and dirt. Use your long-handled brush to scrub inside every single groove. If you've been near the coast, this step is non-negotiable for preventing corrosion.
The 'Under-Rack' Reach
This is the annoying bit. You need to clean the underside of the rack and the roof of the car. I usually use a microfibre cloth wrapped around a flat tool or just my hand to get in that tight gap.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse from the top down. Make sure you're seeing clear water coming out of the rack channels. If it's still coming out brown or red, keep going.
Dry it Properly
Don't let it air dry in the sun or you'll get water spots. Use a leaf blower to blast water out of the snorkel grille and the bolt holes of the rack. (Your partner might think you're mad blowing the car, but it works.)
Decontaminate if needed
If the snorkel feels rough like sandpaper, it's got fallout. I'd probably use a clay mitt with plenty of lubricant to smooth it out before applying any protection.
Watch Out
The Red Dust Secret
Restoring the Black Finish
Watch Out
Long-term Maintenance
Common Questions
Can I use a heat gun to bring back the black plastic on my snorkel?
How often should I clean inside the snorkel?
My roof rack is starting to rust at the joints. What do I do?
Is it okay to go through an automatic car wash with a snorkel and rack?
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