The onset of winter can be
bad news for motorists. Little light, bad weather and worse roads conspire to
make driving tiring, unpleasant, and sometimes even dangerous. This article
will show you how to prepare your vehicle for winter driving and remain safe.
Make sure that the car is warmed up, and has enough fuel, let someone know your
intended movements and listen to traffic news and weather forecasts, and wear
warm clothing.
Snow and Ice Removal Products
1. Intro-Tech Automotive Snow Shades protect your windshield with four
frost-stopping layers. Keep your windshield clear and ice-free during the
coldest of winter seasons. Outer clear coating, silver aluminium foil film and
mesh lining stops snowflakes from collecting. And, a black vinyl inner layer
snuggles your glass to keep it from freezing. Plus, these snow shades are
custom-made to cover every inch. Easy to store, just roll it up into its
convenient carrying case and toss in your trunk or back seat. And, you can enjoy
your snow shades for many chilly seasons to come - Intro-Tech backs them with a
Lifetime Warranty
2.
Ice Remover-strong
enough to rip through thick ice, The Ice Master
removes ice four ways! The patent pending design features repositionable blades
that lock into different positions to suit the job at hand. Clear hard ice,
thick ice, frost, and snow with this ingenious windshield ice scraper. Three
deburred brass blades effectively remove ice from windows and mirrors without
scratching. Hard polycarbonate teeth break thick ice. The Ice Master is made
with gloved hands in mind. Each position can be achieved with a simple push or
pull motion
3.
The Snow
Mover™ is the world's first personal snow plough,
designed to remove deep snow from on and around your vehicle. This multi-tool
combines a plough, ice scraper and shovel - along with a special snow broom,
ergonomically designed to work with the body's natural motion. The result is a
powerful, yet surprisingly easy-to-use snow moving experience. The design includes
a contoured saw-grip handle, which makes for easy manoeuvring when clearing
snow from the roof of the vehicle. The first snow plough with 'whiskers'; these
dense rubber bristles, located under the forward lip of the plough, can be used
to whisk away any snow debris from the surface of the vehicle, including the
window glass. The bristles ride over any protuberances (such as a roof rack) to
prevent a jarring stop when ploughing through deep snow and will not damage the
paint or surface finish of your vehicle
4.
The Ice Master removes ice four ways! The patent
pending design features repositionable blades that lock into different
positions to suit the job at hand. Clear hard ice, thick ice, frost, and snow
with this ingenious windshield ice scraper. Three deburred brass blades
effectively remove ice from windows and mirrors without scratching. Hard
polycarbonate teeth break thick ice. The Ice Master is made with gloved hands
in mind. Each position can be achieved with a simple push or pull motion
5.
WeatherTech® Classic™ Premium - winter car mats, rubber floor
mats made out of natural heavy-duty rubber These all-weather mats have deeply
sculpted channels designed to trap water, road salt, mud and sand. Made of up
to 16 lbs. of pliable natural rubber, these mats won't curl, crack or harden in
sub-zero weather.
They
also have anti-skid ridges to prevent shifting in your vehicle and come with a
protective, non-stick finish to make cleanup quick and easy. They meet FMVSS302
standards; TUV approved and comply with ISO 9001 standards Colours available-
black (with red pinstripe), Tan or Grey
Product Storage
Water-based car care
products should not be stored at temperatures below > 35. OF (wax
45. OF) if they freeze they may become unstable and therefore
unusable, ideal storage temperature range- 50- 7. OF with an average
humidity range. Most car care products have a ‘useful life’ of approximately
2-3 years provided they are stored as above.
Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and
well-ventilated place. Keep away from direct sunlight. Do not allow to freeze.
Do not
store at temperature extremes (below 40 – over 80. OF +) as heat
will destabilise emulsified products (wax, polymer sealants, polishes, etc) and
avoid extreme temperature swings as the chemicals will become unstable, which
will create problems with the performance of the product. Some separate out;
others lose their effectiveness if they are heated past a certain point. Most
car care products (including Polymers) will separate and may become unusable
after being subjected to freezing temperatures
Clear the Snow / Ice
Start by clearing the snow from around the driver’s window and mirror so
the snow does not fall in when you open the door. Start the engine and then
turn on the front and rear glass defrosters, seat cushion heaters and side
vents.
Then, start removing the snow, stand on one side of the car.
Using a long-handled snow plough (Snow Mover™)
push the snow on the roof of the car as far to the other side as you can reach,
leave a 1/2-inch of snow to melt by itself as this will avoid surface
scratches. Once the roof is mostly clear, continue pushing the snow on the rear
window, trunk, windshield and hood. Walk around to the other side of the car
and use the snow plough to clear the piled-up snow off the car. Use the snow
brush to remove any snow that hasn't come off the windshield, hood or
headlights. Use an ice scraper to remove any ice from the windshield and other
glass surfaces.
Clear snow from the roof as
well as from windows, snow piled up on the roof can fall onto the windscreen
obscuring your view and can also be a hazard to other road users (this is also
illegal in some states/ countries and subject to on the spot fines).
Winterize your car
While many people take special
care to prepare their homes for the winter, they often never consider that
their car might also need some special preparations for the cold weather.
When winter approaches there
are some basic things you must do to make sure your vehicle remains reliable
and safe. Whether you live in an extremely cold location or you plan to travel
during the winter, it's important to take proper precautions. You never know,
proper winterization of your car might just save your life one day so it is
important to take proper precautions before it is too late
Winter Visibility
Windscreen washer fluid
should be topped up and treated with a proprietary additive to reduce the
chance of freezing in frosty weather. Don't use ordinary engine antifreeze as
it will damage paintwork.
Iz Einszett Anti-Frost
Washer Fluid will improve your visibility in harsh winter weather by keeping
your windshield clear of ice and frost. This concentrate cleans windshields
without leaving smears or creating glares, and prevents re-icing. For your
safety, use Einszett Anti-Frost Washer Fluid to keep your windshield frost-free
all winter and also removes road grime, salt, and dirt with clean, glare-free
and smear-free results. This product doesn’t use methanol and ammonia.
Use at a stronger dilution
in the winter to prevent freezing at sub zero temperatures. Dilute 1:5 for
protection down to --20. OF, Dilute 1:1 for protection down to -5.
OF, dilute 1:2 for protection down to 11. OF, dilute 1:3 for
protection down to 18. OF, in summer dilute at up to 1:20
Wurth Screen Wash Additive is a cleaner and antifreeze for your windshield. Regular
use prevents the freezing of your windshield and headlight washer systems. This
is vital in cold weather to keep your windshield clear of frost, ice, salt, and
oil. Calcium inhibitors prevent deposits that cloud your visibility. Your
windshield stays clean and clear no matter what the conditions are outside.
Just mix Wurth Screen Washer
Additive with water according to the directions and pour it in your washer
fluid tank. Overspray will not affect your paint, lens covers, or rubber
gaskets. The citrus-scented additive prevents freezing down to -22. °F when
mixed accordingly.
Iz Einszett Eistau De-Icer - quickly de-ices windshield. Special additives prevent re-icing;
it will not harm paint, chrome, rubber or glass. Helps to provide clear
visibility, prevents filming which causes dangerous glare, also suitable for
plastic headlight lenses. Doesn’t contain methanol or silicone
Windscreen washer fluid
should be topped up and treated with a proprietary additive to reduce the
chance of freezing in frosty weather. Don't use ordinary engine antifreeze as
it will damage paintwork.
Window fogging
How
many times you entered your car and got immediate fog and hazy windscreen?
Your safety depends on fog-free vision; wiping
fog from glass with your hands will not remove it. CarPro
Fog Fight is a super hydrophilic coating (less than
20-degree contact angle) so the moisture doesn't bond to the glass, which
eliminates tiny water drop condensation, Durable long lasting anti fog or steam
treatment.
It is also paramount that the glass is
grease free, so a wipe over with eraser prior will certainly help and also make
sure there is no moisture present on the window before application. Use the
cars heater or air con, if needed to ensure this is the case.
Apply a very light misting to the
interior glass surfaces and mirrors, allow it to haze lightly and with a very
gentle buffing action slowly go over the treated areas. Use lots of light
stroke with no pressure and again with the suede Microfiber towel included in
the kit. Too heavy a napped cloth will damage the layer. Once there is no
residue left, reapply a second coat in the opposite direction to ensure even
coverage. Buff of with many very light strokes but do not scrub. Once product
has been applied avoid touching glass (if you need to clean the glass, re-apply
product)
Note: Application can be finicky, but stick with it, if you can get it to work its well worth while
Vehicle Mechanical Preparation
Avoid the doors freezing shut – use a protection product on the ‘rubber’ seals Gummipflege Stift - it
applies directly from the bottle like a shoe polish, as it has its own foam
applicator or Wurth Gummi-Fit Rubber
Seal Conditioner & Protectant
Engine, Fuel and Cooling system care as recommended by National
Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
• Engine Performance - Get
engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished
power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather makes existing
problems worse. Replace dirty filters-air, fuel, PCV, etc.
• Fuel - Put a bottle of fuel
de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the
fuel line. Note that a gas tank which is kept filled helps keep moisture from
forming.
a) Diesel - Like
most fuels, diesel is a mix of hydrocarbons, and the components have different
freezing points. For Number 2 diesel, as the ambient temperatures drop toward
32 degrees F (0 degrees C), it begins to cloud, due to the paraffin in the fuel
solidifying. As the temperatures drop below 32 F, the molecules combine into
solids, large enough to be stopped by the filter. This is known as the gel
point, and generally occurs about 15 degrees F (-9.5 degrees C) below the cloud
point.
This wax then forms a
coating on the filter which results in a loss of engine power. The same thing
happens on starting an engine when the temperature is below freezing. The
filter becomes almost instantly coated with wax - usually, enough fuel gets
through to allow the engine to idle, but not attain operating RPM. There are
two common ways to overcome this: one is a diesel additive, the other is a fuel
heater
Special low temperature
diesel contains additives that keep it in a more liquid state at lower
temperatures, yet starting a diesel engine in very cold weather may still pose
considerable difficulties.
b) Gas
(Petrol)
Most states require that all
gasoline sold contains 10% ethanol, which is alcohol. Gas Line Anti-freeze is
either Methanol or Isopropyl alcohol. The difference between ethanol and
Isopropyl alcohol is ethanol is made from corn and Isopropyl alcohol is made
chemically. So a 10% blend of ethanol and gasoline contains not one, but two
types of "Dry Gas". Now why pay for something that is already being
pumped into your tank?
Oil - the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has established a
numerical code system for grading motor oils according to their viscosity
characteristics. The first number with the "W" refers to the oil's
cold temperature viscosity or cold-start viscosity rating, while the second
number refers to the oil's high temperature viscosity
Engines typically require
thinner oils such as 5W-30 or 5W-20 to speed lubrication of the overhead cam(s)
and valve-train when the engine is first started.
Change oil with suitable
winter rating and oil filter as specified in your manual -- more often (every
3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of
frequent short trips. In cold weather winter seasons, cars use up more engine
oil, so always check the oil level in your car before and after driving
Cooling System -
test your coolant with a hydrometer, but corrosion inhibitors tend to give out
before the rest of the coolant. A Tigard pre-mix prevents sludge build-up and
keeps the waterways corrosion -free. Antifreeze, also known as engine coolant,
is a liquid substance which circulates through an internal combustion engine
and draws off excessive heat.
The two most common chemicals
used as antifreeze are ethylene and propylene glycol, both of which have lower
freezing points than water (32. °F or O. OC) this allows antifreeze
to flow freely even under cold winter conditions. Antifreeze also has a higher
boiling point than pure water, which makes it ideal for summer use as well.
The cooling system should be
completely flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and
concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 1:1 ratio of
anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)
Purchase an antifreeze
tester, available at automotive parts stores. It's easy to use, and the instructions
are included on the packaging. This will tell you whether you have the correct
strength of antifreeze for the conditions you are likely to encounter.
Glass weatherproofing seals - use 1z einszett
Vinyl Rubber Care & Protectant "Tiefenpfleger” provides a temperature-resistant seal and a low-shine matte finish
Windshield Wipers - Use the right windscreen
fluid; together with proper wipers, an antifreeze solution will keep your
windscreen clean at all times Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh,
purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. If your wipers are
frozen in place, leave them to defrost or use a de-icer, pulling them off can
rip the rubber.
Spare Wheel - check the pressure and
condition of your spare tyre periodically, if your vehicle has the spare
underneath, check its mounting hardware and spray periodically with AMSOIL
Heavy Duty Metal Protector.
Also check the cars jack and
wheel nut remover and have a drop cloth and a pair of cloves available. If you
have after-market wheels be sure you have suitable wheel nuts available for the
spare wheel... No surprises
Rain-X
Latitude wipers work any better than my clunky original equipment
blades. Well, yes they do. First of all, they don’t freeze up and warp out of
shape. We’ve had temperatures down to minus-25 Celsius in Ottawa lately, and
the Rain-X wipers have held their shape. They also don’t chatter at speed,
although I have heard from some colleagues that similar designs do. These seem
fine as they also don’t get packed with snow and ice, and should, therefore,
obviate the need for purchasing winter blades.
Anti-fogging - windscreen; Glass Science
Fog Clear Gel prevents interior fogging of the windshield, windows, and
mirrors. One clear coat creates a moisture absorbent barrier that prevents the
formation of condensation. Maintain optimum visibility in humid, rainy, or cold
weather conditions, Fog Clear keeps working to maintain optimum visibility.
Stock up on windshield washer solvent-you'll be surprised how much you use
Avoid locks etc freezing shut –
ensure locks, latches, folding door mirrors, etc are dry by using a heat
gun / hair dryer and then apply a water displacement product (WD-40)
• Heater/Defroster -
Test heater, rear screen defrosters and hoses the heater and defroster must be
in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility. Carry an
ice-scraper.
Batteries are probably the biggest single cause
for non- starting, especially in colder weather. Batteries are less efficient
the colder they get so the start of cold weather usually shows up any
inefficiencies with the battery.
One of the checks that can
easily be carried out is the voltage output; this can be done with an AC/DC
Voltage Tester
With car running put voltage
tester over the battery +/- terminals, if alternator is ok you should see a
reading between 13.5 and 14.5 volts any less and the alternator may be faulty.
Other testing will require the use of specialist professional equipment.
Routine
care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean
all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check
fluid level monthly. Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes
on some newer vehicles. Check your manual. Have your battery and its charging
system checked (‘jump’ leads may be useful for you, or to help someone else)
The reason for the increased
demand for electrical power in a car is explained by the growing number of
electrical and electronic safety and convenience systems now being fitted. They
help to make passenger cars safer, more economic and more comfortable –
however, they increase the consumption in electrical energy. In a modern
mid-range car, the power consumption reaches more than 3,500 watts. In the
Nineties, the value for a lower to mid-range passenger car amounted to only 950
watts.
CCA - stands for Cold
Cranking Amps, this figure is very important on a cold winters morning and
refers to the big flow of power needed to turn over your engine.
Ah - stands for Amps per hour. This means that
the battery when fully charged delivers a starter current of X amps per hour,
which means there are X amps available to start the engine.
Bosch
AGM High-Tec is available in two models, which will provide an overall
market coverage of 90 percent – based on cars that are already fitted with AGM
batteries as original equipment. The battery type S6002/019 BOSCH AGM HIGH TEC
Battery is absolutely maintenance-free, 100% leak-proof in any position and
extremely vibration-proof. With a 6 Years Guarantee, 70-amp hour capacity and
delivers a starter current of 760 amps; the 95 amp.hr battery delivers 850 amps
at engine start.
Absorbed
Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries
·
Safer:
much lower production of hydrogen gas during charging
·
Maintenance-free: no
checking fluid levels or adding water or acid
·
Sealed:
spill proof and can be mounted in virtually any position
·
No
corrosion: battery terminals stay clean
·
Less
internal resistance: provides more CCA than wet batteries
·
Heat
and vibration resistant: a result of its internal construction
·
Slower
self-discharge rate: ideal for vehicles that see little use
·
Longer
service life
• Automatic
battery charger - The Yuasa Smart Shot automatic battery chargers are available in 900 milliamps
and 1.5-amp charge capacities Automatic 12V 900 milliamp and 1.5-amp charge capacities;
fully automatic 3 level charge cycle for effective charging, reaches 14.4-volt
peak, then automatically switches to float, with reverse polarity protection
• Lights -
Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs and carry spares;
periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use
a dry rag.
• Exhaust System -
Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for
leaks. The trunk and floor boards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust
fumes can be deadly.
• Tyres (Tires) - Cold weather
tyres are designed for driving on cold winter roads and in rain or standing
water, whenever the temperature is regularly below 45. oF (7.
oC) tyres lose grip.
Use the most appropriate tyres for the
weather conditions. In practice this means keeping two sets of tyres – 'winter tyres' are made with a different
composite from conventional tyres and improve traction when temps are below 7.0F
and when many roads are snow-covered and 'summer'
tyres for the remainder of the year. Summer tyres should not be used when
there's ice or snow on the road. I’m not a great believer in ‘all season tyres’ though
Tyre thread; you need at least
2/32" of depth to be safe. It's been my experience, especially in winter
weather, that anything less than 4/32" (1/8") be replaced soon. Also,
be sure to check your tire pressure. Believe it or not, they lose a little
pressure when it gets cold, so check the tyres pressure regularly
Worn tyres will be of little
use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing,
and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Let the tyre "cool
down" after driving before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended.
Don't forget your spare, and be sure the lifting jack is in good condition.
A cheaper alternative to snow
chains, they are fabricated from a textile that optimises grip. Towequipe Multi Grip Snow Ice Sock Chains - http://www.towequipe.co.uk/categorylist/snow-chains-sock/
• Brakes -
Inspect your brakes; it’s never a good area to cut corners. Be sure your brakes
have enough meat left to get you through the season. If the brakes are not
performing well, the car may pull to one side or worse yet, may not stop at
all.
On ice, braking distances
can be ten times longer than in normal conditions so keep your speed down and
leave plenty of space from the car in front. Drive in a high gear, no lower
than third to reduce the chances of wheel spin. Use 'cadence braking', which is
braking with a pumping action to avoid the wheels locking and the flashing
brake lights will also warn drivers behind.
•To control a skid, don't press the brake
pedal or the accelerator. For a slight slide, turn the steering in the
direction of the skid and ease off the accelerator until tyre grip is regained.
If the skid is more violent, take your feet right off the pedals and steer
sharply in the direction of the skid. If the rear of the car swings left, steer
to the left to bring the front and rear wheels into line
• WeatherTech™ rubber floor mats or Husky Liners
WeatherBeater™ are available for most popular vehicles
Warm clothing – the car’s interior may be as warm as toast but if you
have to step outside, you could be in trouble if you have not got any warm
clothing with you.
Always pack the
following: warm coat, hat, gloves, sturdy boots, and a space blanket to keep
you warm if you get stuck. Take some food, protein bars, water and a hot drink
if you can. Always carry a fully charged mobile, and some old bits of carpet,
or cat litter, to put under the tyres when stuck and a shovel to clear snow.
Notes:
1. Take along emergency supplies; ice
scraper, gloves, sand and snow shovel in trunk, foil blanket, its construction
maintains body heat in emergency situations plus a good flashlight, battery
jump leads are also indispensable.
2. If you are storing your vehicle for the winter see article
“Vehicle Long-Term Storage”
3. Winter
detailing - the vehicle’s paint system, tyres, glass, plastic and other
exterior surfaces will be at the mercy of the elements, including wind, rain,
sleet, snow, sand, gravel, and road salt. Autumn is your best opportunity to
inspect and prepare your car for the ravages of winter.
4.By providing the exterior paint system with a polymer or
acrylic protective layer to provide a durable protection your car's paint,
tires, leather and rubber trim all need attention, even if you have cared for
them all summer.
Driving in snow and
ice
Here is some advice on how to prepare your
car for winter driving if you have to make a journey.
This is what the Institute of Advanced Motorists recommends.
·
When driving in snow, get your
speed right - not too fast so that you risk losing control, but not so slow
that you risk losing momentum when you need it - and brake, steer and
accelerate as smoothly as possible.
·
Start gently from stationary,
avoiding high revs. If you get yourself into a skid the main thing to remember
is to take your foot off the pedals and steer.
·
Only use the brake if you cannot
steer out of trouble.
·
Double or even triple your normal
stopping distance from the vehicle in front. Drive so that you do not rely on
your brakes to be able to stop - on an icy surface they simply may not do that
for you
Washing your vehicle in winter
·
Touchless car washes use very high alkaline soaps to do the
cleaning, one or two washes and your paint protection (wax or sealant) is gone.
After a couple of this type of wash will cause a hazing due to the harsh
chemicals used.
·
Hand wash places work on volume not quality so they do they dry
with paint safe towels. They will inadvertently leave swirls or worse on your
paint surface
·
Weekly go to the wand wash and use just the first rinse water
and get off all the heavy salt /road grit and d spray the undercarriage Use the
second rinse cycle and allow the paint to air-dry.
·
If you have out a pre-winter detail and have a good sealant and
a sacrificial wax on your car the salt and chemicals can be removed along with
the renewable wax; remember to re-apply the sacrificial wax and your paint
should be well protected.
·
When clearing snow from the vehicles paintwork leave an inch of
snow to melt on its own, otherwise you risk moving snow and grit across the
paint that will cause scratches, much like using sandpaper.
Optimum No Rinse™
Wash & Shine (ONR) is an innovative product that protects automotive paint, while
preserving our most valuable resource, water; enabling you to wash your car
anywhere, anytime even inside your garage. It’s a multi-purpose product that
serves as a shampoo additive, no rinse wash, quick detailer and clay lubricant.
Use as a winter car wash or
in areas that have hosepipe ban, water usage restrictions, or where a water
supply is not readily available (apartments, car shows, etc; cleans and
protects while minimising water usage, 100% environmentally safe and it reduces
water usage to a fraction of a conventional car wash, 1- oz ONR per
2- gallons of water to wash the entire car.
When sprayed on a dirty surface;
surfactants break down the soil by releasing its surface tension or bond with
the surface, encapsulating the soil particles, and the polymers provide surface
lubrication to enable safe (marring free) removal
To remove salt and road grit or to clean really soiled surfaces
I would suggest a pre-rinse to remove the larger dirt particles first before
being washed. Then use the ONR concentrates or the traditional two-bucket wash
method or if you have a pressure washer available to remove the larger dirt /
salt particles. (For further information see the technical
article “Rinseless Car Wash”)
Optimum Opti™
- Clean is a product that is specially
formulated to clean and protect automotive surfaces safely and efficiently
without using water. A combination of polymers and surfactant cleaners safely
removes dirt and grime and leaves a glossy protective finish. Based on the same
surfactant type polymers used in Optimum
(OPT) No Rinse Wash™ & Shine New Formula
(ONR) it is safe for use on all automotive surfaces.
ONR works fine for a car
with light to medium road dirt while Optimum Opti™
- Clean can be used on a car with several
days of built- up road dirt and grime.
The reason is that Opti™ - Clean contains the
same polymers as ONR that encapsulate dirt but at a much higher concentration,
as well as additional polymers not used in ONR. A totally waterless wash that
provides some surface protection and its ideal for a quick clean up or for use
when there is no water available (apartments, condominiums, concours d’élégance
or car shows)
[While both of these products are pH
neutral, Opti™ - Clean contains much higher levels of polymers than No Rinse as well as
some new polymers that we developed for this type of application. The added
polymers are necessary to compensate for using a fraction of the water as
compared to a regular No Rinse wash] David Ghodoussi OPT.
Application- - avoid
cross-contamination by using different micro fibre towels for differing
surfaces i.e. separate towels for glass, paintwork, wheels, and interior
surfaces. Spray liberally on painted surfaces and wipe clean with a plush
microfiber towel.
Fold and use a new section
of the towel as needed. For glass and interior surfaces, apply one or two
sprays and wipe off with a clean plush microfiber towel. For lower panels and
wheels, spray liberally and let it soak for a few seconds and then wipe off.
When there is heavy dirt build up, use Optimum (OPT)
No Rinse Wash™ & Shine New Formula
(ONR).
Directions
for using the concentrate:
·
Dilute Optimum Opti™ - Clean concentrate 1:3 with distilled water.
·
Spray liberally on painted surfaces and wipe clean with a plush
microfiber towel. Fold and use a new section of the towel as needed.
·
Glass and interior surfaces, using a separate micro fibre towel
apply one or two sprays and wipe off with a clean plush microfiber towel.
Wheels and lower paint
panels, using a separate micro fibre towel, spray liberally and let it soak for
a few seconds and then wipe off. When there is heavy dirt build up, use Optimum (OPT) No Rinse Wash™ & Shine New Formula (ONR).
Paint Protection / Detailing
·
Apply a paint protection sealant (G|techniq C1 Crystal Lacquer, Zaino or
Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish) and then an sacrificial LSP for extreme
conditions (Collinite's Super Doublecoat Auto Wax (476s)
and / or Insulation Wax (845) or Finish Kare FK1000P)-
use a damp applicator, work the wax into the surface to ensure a very thin
layer, allow to dry for approx one hour (do a swipe-test) remove the residue
with a clean micro fibre towel, its durable enough to resist salt, grit and
repeated detergent washings, protection will last approximately 4-6 months
·
Apply Leather Master’s water-based (hydration) protection to the
leather upholstery
·
Clean and vacuum the carpets Install all-weather floor mats; Weathertech
™ Premium all-weather floor mats, made from natural heavy-duty rubber.,
Deeply sculpted channels that trap Water, Road Salt, Mud, and Sand, designed
with anti-skid ridges to prevent shifting, won't curl, crack, or harden in
sub-zero weather, with non stick finish for quick and easy cleanup, TUV
Approved, manufactured to ISO 9000 Standards, 10-Year Warranty
·
Clean, treat, and dress your tyres and apply a wheel surface
sealant coating G|techniq C5 Wheel Armour
·
(Dry) Salt is inert but it is also hydroscopic, so be aware that
once you add water (meting the snow / ice) to salt it becomes alkaline pH 9.0
(corrosive) take care to dry the affected area thoroughly after the salt has
been removed and neutralize it with a mild acid
·
After removing road salt, dirt, road grime, and etc with a
pressure washer (Karcher Model K5.93M) neutralise the effects of
the alkaline sprayed brine solution on the suspension, wheel wells and the
undercarriage. Use an alkaline (pH 9+) car wash concentrate or ValuGuard
Acid Neutralizer diluted 1:8 wash with solution, or spray Eastwoods
Road Salt Neutralizer to deep-cleans painted surfaces to remove alkaline deposits (like
salt brine solutions) Rinse thoroughly and then dry paint surface
·
Spray the inner wheel wells with Chemical Guys ‘Bare
Bones’ spray it on sub frame, springs, wheel wells, fender wells, etc.
and it provides valuable protection from road dirt, road salt, etc.
Storage (Product)
Water-based car care
products should not be stored at temperatures below 35 - 40oF, if they freeze
they may become unstable and therefore unusable, ideal storage temperature
range- 50- 75oF with an average humidity range. Most car care products have a
‘useful life’ of approximately 2-3 years provided they are stored as above.
Do not store at temperature
extremes (below 40 – over 80.0F +) as heat will destabilise
emulsified products (wax, polymer sealants, polishes, etc) and avoid extreme
temperature swings as the chemicals will become unstable, which will create
problems with the performance of the product. Some separate out; others lose
their effectiveness if they are heated past a certain point. Most car care
products (including Polymers) will separate and may become unusable after being
subjected to freezing temperatures
The chemical composition of
waxes rarely ever changes regardless of what form it is in, whether it is
melted to a semi-liquid or remains as a semi-solid. Temperature has little to
no effect as far as inhibiting the shelf life of wax, a cool temperatures and
constant humidity will slow the evaporation of solvents from the wax, thus
keeping the wax softer and easier to use over a longer period of time.
Removing (Carpets / Mats) Road Salt Stains
Use a stiff brush to
dislodge any loose road salt and then vacuum, spray the area with a carpet
cleaner and let it soak in, rinse with plenty of water and repeat until most of
the stain has been lifted.
Finally, clean carpets by
spraying the area with a carpet shampoo rinse and then remove with a carpet
extractor. Actually, any mildly acidic product should neutralize alkaline salt
Removing Road Salt from Paintwork
ValuGard Decontamination
System (B) alkaline
neutralizer (pH 1.0) that is a blend of acids, which deep cleans painted
surfaces to remove alkaline road salt / water solution deposits (pH 9.0) and
safely dissolves salt particles bond with the paint so that they can be rinsed
away. Apply to a clean and freshly rinsed surface. Allow product to dwell for
5-7 minutes, works well with detailer’s clay to remove contaminants. All
necessary safety precautions should be taken whilst using this product. Protect
paint surface with a synthetic polymer sealant Collinite Insulator Wax (845) or Finish Kare FK1000P
Undercarriage
Your vehicle’s
undercarriage; it’s what you don't see that silently wait underneath your
cars. Removing an alkaline sprayed brine
solution to protect your undercarriage is just as important as detailing the
paint. Wheel wells, sub-frame, springs,
fender well and all of the other black and gray parts underneath the body need
cleaning and protection as well. It is possible to do this detail with the
wheels on and just jacking the car up, but the ideal way is with the wheels
off.
Never go underneath a car
supported by the supplied jack - always use axle stands if you wish to work
underneath the car. Always jack the car
up at the manufacturer's recommended jacking points. Ensure the jack is in
stable contact with both the jacking point (see owner's manual) and the ground.
Always work on level ground.
After removing road salt,
dirt, road grime, and etc with a pressure washer (Karcher
Model K5.93M) neutralise the effects of the alkaline sprayed brine solution
on the suspension, wheel wells and the undercarriage, and then spray Eastwoods
Road Salt Neutralizer
Methodology
1.
Thoroughly spray an undiluted citrus cleaner (P2IS
Total Auto Wash) and let it soak in; remove by thoroughly rinsing with water.
If you have a pressure washer available, fill tank with citrus cleaner and
spray undercarriage (do not use excess pressure as water may penetrate crevices
and seams where it cannot drain, causing corrosion), let it soak and then
remove with plain water. Allow to thoroughly dry and then...
2. Spray
undercarriage with ValuGard Decontamination System (B) Alkaline
Neutralizer pH 1.0 that is a blend of acids, which deep cleans painted
surfaces to remove alkaline deposits and safely dissolves the alkaline salt
particles bond with the paint so that they can be rinsed away. Apply to a clean
and freshly rinsed surface. Allow product to dwell for 5-7 minutes. All
necessary safety precautions should be taken whilst using this product
3.
Rinse vehicle thoroughly and then apply Chemical Guys Bare
Bones, spray over the entire area and wipe in well with an old towel,
.one application will leave no residues, noxious fumes or flammable solvents.
Makes plastic and rubber look new again, shines painted surfaces, and keeps
aluminium and anodized parts from corroding.
4.
Protection; apply POR-15 Marine Clean™ and
then two coats of a rust inhibitor paint (POR-15) allow each coat to dry
Current
Information
To
be of real practical use, a subject like automotive detailing requires a great
deal of research, and updating as new products become available. The advent of
materials like detailing clay, micro fibre technologies and finely milled micro
diminishing abrasives, suitable for ceramic nanotechnology paints are examples
of why it’s so important to monitor the industries new products, chemical
technologies and ideas that are constantly being introduced, as are the
techniques for applying them, hence all of the in-depth articles will be
up-dated and revised on a regular basis
Always
be willing to learn; because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what
you don’t know. You should never stop learning, and your quest for information
should be part of your everyday process. It is said that knowledge is power,
with the caveat that it includes access to a reliable information sources. I
would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to
detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to
advance their knowledge.
I
purchase all the products I use, so the endorsement is entirely personal and
commercially unbiased, the product recommendation is based on "Does
exactly what it says on the box" and it suits my detailing goals. The
products mentioned have been personally subjected to extensive laboratory (using
state of the art instruments and methodologies in some of the world's most
prestigious labs) as well as field testing, and I have found that they will
perform the task more than adequately, hence the personal recommendation, using
the methodology and tools cited, which may or may not be the same as those
recommended by the manufacturer.
I
hope these articles are informative. They are based on the current status of
technical development as well as my experience with the products.
By
having some understanding of the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along
with a little science to help you understand how the chemicals we use react,
you can achieve the results you desire.
I
would appreciate it if you would share these articles as it helps other
detailers further their knowledge.
As
always if you have questions, I’ll do my best to answer; bear in mind the only
stupid questions is the one that was unasked. Questions and/ or constructive
comments are always appreciated
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