Professional Snorkel and Roof Rack Detailing Guide

Never clean accessories when they are hot to the touch. In Australian summer, this means working before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM. Check the temperature of the roof rack; if it's too hot to hold your hand on for 10 seconds, the chemicals will flash (dry) too quickly, causing permanent staining or streaks.

Inspect the snorkel head. If it is a ram-air type, ensure the drain holes are clear. For open-grille designs, briefly cover the intake with a plastic bag or microfiber if you are using high-pressure water nearby. While snorkels are designed to handle rain, a direct 2500 PSI blast into the intake can bypass the water separator and reach the air filter.

Mix your APC according to the contamination level. For standard dust, 1:15 is sufficient. For heavy grease or 'baked-on' red mud from the Kimberley or Pilbara, use a 1:5 ratio. Always use demineralised water for mixing if your local tap water is 'hard' to prevent mineral spotting.

Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Deploy your step ladder and check its stability. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection; alkaline APCs and iron removers are corrosive to skin and can cause significant irritation in the windy conditions common on the coast.

Before applying water, use a low-pressure air blower or a very soft dry brush to remove loose red dust from the roof rack channels. Wetting red dust immediately turns it into a staining slurry. Removing the bulk of it dry prevents it from washing into hard-to-reach window seals and door jambs.

Rinse the snorkel and roof rack thoroughly starting from the top down. Focus on the 'T-slots' in the roof rack and the area where the snorkel meets the A-pillar. Use a 40-degree nozzle tip and keep at least 30cm distance to avoid peeling any aftermarket decals or damaging the snorkel's textured finish.

Apply a thick layer of snow foam to the accessories. Let it dwell for 5 minutes (but do not let it dry). The foam encapsulates the remaining abrasive particles and pulls them out of the porous LLDPE plastic of the snorkel and the textured powder coat of the rack.

While the foam is dwelling, use a detailing brush to clean the snorkel grille, the mounting bolts, and the underside of the roof rack rails. These are high-collection points for salt and dust. Pay special attention to the wind deflector (fairing) if fitted, as debris often traps behind it.

Rinse the foam, then spray an iron remover over the roof rack and snorkel body. In Australia, red dust contains high levels of iron. The chemical will turn purple as it reacts. Leave for 2-3 minutes. This step is vital for preventing the 'browning' of black accessories over time.

Apply your diluted APC to a wash mitt and scrub the snorkel and rack. This removes organic matter like smashed bugs and bird droppings. Bird droppings are highly acidic and, combined with 40°C heat, can etch into powder coating within hours. Ensure you clean the internal side of the rack rails.

If the snorkel feels 'gritty' even after washing, use a clay bar with plenty of lubricant. This pulls out embedded minerals and sap. A smooth surface is required for the UV protectant to bond correctly. Do not clay textured powder coating; only use this on smooth snorkel bodies.

Rinse the entire assembly with a high volume of low-pressure water to ensure all chemicals are flushed from the rack's internal channels. Any trapped APC or iron remover can cause white streaking later when it rains.

Dry the accessories using a combination of a blower (to get water out of bolts and channels) and a microfiber towel. Leaving water to air-dry in the Australian sun will result in calcium spots which are incredibly difficult to remove from matte black surfaces.

Wipe down the snorkel and the visible parts of the roof rack with a 70% Isopropyl Alcohol solution. This removes any wax or soap residue, ensuring the surface is 'chemically clean' for the final protection stage.

Apply a high-quality UV protectant (like 303 Aerospace) to the snorkel. Use a microfiber applicator, work in small sections, and buff off any excess immediately. For the roof rack, if it is powder-coated, apply a dedicated ceramic spray sealant to provide a sacrificial layer against salt and UV.

While the accessories are clean, check all mounting bolts for tightness. Off-road vibrations and heat cycles can loosen fittings. Apply a small amount of anti-seize or lanolin spray (like Lanotec) to bolt heads, especially if you live near the coast, to prevent rust.