Hello there,

Is there any way to protect the roof rack's black metal from long exposure to the sun? After a while, the black paint is no longer shinny. It also happens to the windshield wipers.

 

Here are a couple of products I use.

Gold Class Trim Detailer from Meguiar's gives the metal a nice satin sheen. Apply and buff off.

You might also try any of the pure wax products. Those without cleaners and abrasives like Meguairs #16 for example.

I avoid any products with abrasives.

 

Your best bet is to use a polymer sealant every 3-4 months. Being black metal, it will absorb a lot of heat - especially during the summer, and wax will melt at or under 165 degrees. Polymers can withstand up to near 400 degrees, and they lock onto the material chemically , whereas wax just physically bonds.

Wax will help, and it's better than nothing, but you'll just have to apply it more frequently than a sealant.
Cheers.

 

Dan, could you give me one example of Polymer Sealant in the market. Thanks.

 

Zaino, Blackfire, Meguiar's #20, Meguiar's NXT, Klasse Sealant Glaze, NuFinish, Liquid Glass, Finish First...etc.

 

Here is another product made just for care of anodized aluminum.

http://www.woody-wax.com/woody_wax_cpr_system.php