What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, after 15 years in the trade, I've seen what an Australian summer does to a daily driver, it's not pretty. Between the red dust and the coastal salt, your car is basically under constant attack. This monthly deep clean isn't just about making it look 'schmick' for the Sunday drive, it's about protecting your investment from our harsh conditions. Grab a brew, get your gear sorted, and let's get stuck in.
The Essential Kit
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Pre-Start Sanity Check
What You'll Need
The 8-Step Deep Clean Routine
Wheel and Tyre Decon
Clean wheels first while the car is dry. Spray your iron remover, let it bleed purple, agitate with a brush, and rinse thoroughly. Don't let it dry!
The Big Rinse
Blast off the loose red dust and grit. Focus on wheel arches and underbody if you've been off-road recently. Get the worst of it off now.
Contact Wash (Two Bucket Method)
One bucket for soapy suds, one for rinsing your mitt. Work from the roof down. Honestly, this is the only way to prevent swirl marks on dark paint.
Chemical Decontamination
Spray iron remover on the paintwork. It'll find the hidden metallic fallout from the summer roads. Rinse it off after 2-3 minutes out of the sun.
Clay Bar Treatment
Glide a clay mitt over the lubricated paint. If it sounds like sandpaper, keep going until it's smooth as glass. This makes the wax stick properly.
Drying Phase
Pat the car dry with your large microfibre towel. Blowing out the mirrors and door handles with a leaf blower or air compressor saves those annoying drips.
UV Protection Application
Apply your sealant or wax. After 15 years, I've found that two thin coats are always better than one thick, smeary mess. Protect against that March sun.
Glass and Trim
Clean the glass inside and out. Hit the plastic trims with a UV protectant like Aerospace 303 so they don't turn grey and nasty.
Final Inspection Checklist
What You'll Need
Watch Out
Expert Tip
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