zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

How are you prepping your car for the upcoming winter conditions?


Luckily mine is easy since my car has been coated with 22ple VX1 Pro. Last weekend I washed it, decontaminated it with Iron X, and applied CarPro ReLoad. I've also applied a new layer of sealant to my exhaust and plan on coating my wheels with DLUX in the very near future.


Remember, just because it is cold outside doesn't mean your car can't be clean!
Winter Washing with Optimum No Rinse (ONR)



Share your winter prep routine!

DunWkg

Nothing special, probably will not clay, will polish with Meguiar's Ultimate Polish or M205 and wax with Ultimate Wax. Last year I pulled all four wheels and coated rims with Brake Dust Barrier, but may not pull them this fall and just coat the face of the rims. Endurance on the tires. Plastic trim will be cleaned with Ultimate Protectant. Rubber gaskets will get Vinyl and Rubber Conditioner (M40). Headlight Protectant after PlastX on the headlights and taillights. Nothing too special for clear bra, bugs and rocks beat it to heck this year.

Clean and protect leather, not sure what I'll use. Natural Shine on dashboard and other interior plastics. Clean carpets and install Weather Techs.

Got a few rock chips I may use Dr. Colorchip.

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

When you say " probably will not clay"... is that because it does not need it, or just because you don't feel like doing it?

If you're going to polish, it is always a good idea to thoroughly decontaminate your paint beforehand... I'm sure you know that.

jfelbab

I'll be filling up the gas tank and setting the NAV destination to Cape Coral, FL.
Average winter temperature there is 79 degrees and winter is their dry season.
FWIW, Cape Coral averages 355 days of sunshine each year.

Best winter prep I've ever done.

LexBob2

A wise (and retired??) plan indeed...

DunWkg

"Probably will not clay."...I need to use one of the new clay replacement products and procedures instead of traditional claying. I do live in an area of environmental contaminates and do need to clay a couple of times a year. I do recommend claying as a highly reflective finish starts with a good smooth base and a buffer does not remove industrial pollution.

DunWkg

uhhh, thanks Jim AKA Snowbird for reminding us poor souls stuck in the midwest of how much winter can...s**k

Don't know who your kidding. You'll do a wax job for some UV protection or you'll pay some kid to do it while you drink a margarita.

Piraiba

iTrader: (3)

Wash with APC plus and Meguiars Gold Class
Iron X
Removed Tar with 3m general adhesive remover
Clayed with ONR (16:1) and Riccardo Yellow
Quick maintenance polish with 85rd and black LC finishing pad ...full correction done 2 years ago still swirl free
IPA wipedown
Wolf's Glass Guard on exterior windows
Wolf's BW on wheels
Opticoat 2.0 on 80% of the car
Opti Coat Pro on some select areas (front bumper and headlights)
CQuartz Finest new bottle with white cap 2-coats on hood and rear bumper/taillights.

Just wanted to play with the coatings a bit to see which one gives the best durability. Expecting Opti Coat to win the game, but we will see.

zmcgovern4

iTrader: (2)

Haha sounds like my car... I've got several products on it as well.

Some people have said that CQuartz Finest will provide the best protection, but OC Pro will outlive it. For me, I'd rather have a coating that will last a couple of years and provide optimal gloss, protection, etc instead of a coating that might last the life of the car. I will polish my car every couple years anyway.

Piraiba

iTrader: (3)

I agree.

I cannot see myself not decontaminating and light polishing my car for more than a 1.5-2 years tops.