Underside Cleaning

[Tripps]

Should I be cleaning the underside of my beloved Tiv and if so how?

I'm quite aware of driving recently with grit down on the roads, and its still an absolute state from the big drive out last week on the outside, so the underside is likely appaling.

Come Autumn I'll have it cleaned and waxoiled, but until then I'm worried that the build-up of crud will start causing rust

I've got it going in early Feb so I'll inspect it myself then, but before that I'm looking for a easy way of doing it, or even (better), though unlikely to be told I don't need to bother!

[Pies]

I remember a similar thread like this coming up before and one of the better methods seemed to be to place a garden sprinkler underneath for a few hours



>> Edited by Pies on Sunday 9th January 12:30

[tvrbob]

Just my opinion but 'no'

The underside of your car should be covered with wax and probably a little engine oil. If you clean it with detergent or a pressure washer you'll strip all this waterproofing off leaving your frame open to the elements. You should go under there mid summer when everything is dry, clean it up, remove flaking paint and repaint then wax. Then you'll be protected from the winter road muck.

[tvrbob]

Pies said:

I remember a similar thread like this coming up before and one of the better methods seemed to be to place a gargen sprinkler underneath for a few hours

I take it all back. That souns like a great idea. That way the muck gets removed and the wax/oil stays on.

[bugsy]

Yes it's the salt we want to wash off isn't it

[Tripps]

Thanks guys

Easy and I don't get dirty into the bargain, couldn't ask for more

Will wait for warmer days when the underside will definitly dry out and give it a go...

[Corin Denton]

Rob, what I tend to do is treat the chassis as mentioned above in spring/summer but if I have been on a very salty run such as touring at Chrimbo, I take the car to the jet wash and gently mist over the underside of the car to remove the worst of the crap.
I never allow the jet wash to apply pressure to any surface.