Winter car care
Discussion
I bought my first classic (/modern classic if you like- a 1994 porsche 968S) a few months ago so this will be my first winter maintaining it and I'm wondering about getting it Lanoguard (or equivalent) treated in case of salt/grit corrosion.
I won't be driving the car as much over winter but would like to keep it ticking for short periods whenever the roads aren't treated. I think initial Lanoguard application is around £80 and then requires a yearly top-up, which is probably worth it considering how much of a pain rust can be.
The car's in pretty mint condition and I've not identified any rust patches yet, so I'm thinking more in terms of precaution (but also wondering if these products actually do the job or if it's a bit OTT)
Other question: does anyone use outdoor car covers and can you recommend a seller? I'm in a not-ideal situation where I don't have a garage or car port and my road is notorious for attracting strong winds and debris (straw/hay/dust/grit) from farm vehicles, so I was concerned that a car cover might act as sand-paper if stuff got underneath. However I'm guessing the right material wouldn't scratch like cheap ones might, so am minded to invest in one regardless. At the very least it will discipline me into washing the car after each journey!
Any other tips or tricks welcome! (E.g. dehumidifying crystals for inside- does this really do much?)
I won't be driving the car as much over winter but would like to keep it ticking for short periods whenever the roads aren't treated. I think initial Lanoguard application is around £80 and then requires a yearly top-up, which is probably worth it considering how much of a pain rust can be.
The car's in pretty mint condition and I've not identified any rust patches yet, so I'm thinking more in terms of precaution (but also wondering if these products actually do the job or if it's a bit OTT)
Other question: does anyone use outdoor car covers and can you recommend a seller? I'm in a not-ideal situation where I don't have a garage or car port and my road is notorious for attracting strong winds and debris (straw/hay/dust/grit) from farm vehicles, so I was concerned that a car cover might act as sand-paper if stuff got underneath. However I'm guessing the right material wouldn't scratch like cheap ones might, so am minded to invest in one regardless. At the very least it will discipline me into washing the car after each journey!
Any other tips or tricks welcome! (E.g. dehumidifying crystals for inside- does this really do much?)
Can't really comment on the Lanoguard, local garage/MoT chap recommends it, but I've read that it actually washes off quite quickly and smells upon application. Also best to apply when it's warm so you've maybe missed the boat.
No one really recommends car covers. As you rightly say, grit underneath will destroy your paintwork especially if the wind whips up the cover. In addition they can hold/increase condensation and cause microblisters although it more to fibreglass cars although I did see an Imp that had been under a cover and it was a mess. Best suggestion for a cover would be a Carcoon, pricy and no experience.
Enjoy the 968, can imagine thy're a fun, all year round car.
No one really recommends car covers. As you rightly say, grit underneath will destroy your paintwork especially if the wind whips up the cover. In addition they can hold/increase condensation and cause microblisters although it more to fibreglass cars although I did see an Imp that had been under a cover and it was a mess. Best suggestion for a cover would be a Carcoon, pricy and no experience.
Enjoy the 968, can imagine thy're a fun, all year round car.
Yes apparently the stuff smells like rotten sheep so had better be worth it 
At least we don't tend to get harsh winters in the south so maybe I'm all good for this year, and something to consider middle of next.
If not a carcoon (neighbours would probably shoot me!) I might be able to build a shelter of sorts off the side of the house eventually. Would be good to have something all-year round and also makes me more inclined to work on the car regardless of weather.
Thanks, it's a cracking ride although never had rwd before so had me a couple of heart-in-mouth moments (but all good, lessons have been learned!) Just hoping to keep it on the road as long as possible and prolong that transaxle legacy
At least we don't tend to get harsh winters in the south so maybe I'm all good for this year, and something to consider middle of next. If not a carcoon (neighbours would probably shoot me!) I might be able to build a shelter of sorts off the side of the house eventually. Would be good to have something all-year round and also makes me more inclined to work on the car regardless of weather.
Thanks, it's a cracking ride although never had rwd before so had me a couple of heart-in-mouth moments (but all good, lessons have been learned!) Just hoping to keep it on the road as long as possible and prolong that transaxle legacy
I keep my Fulvia on my drive under a cover. I use a Classic Additions winter cover all year round. I don't have a garage and want the car to be right there so I use it. I limit use when the roads have been salted but if its a nice day I'll go out. The cover has just been replaced after 2.5 years as it had lost its waterproofing and Fabsil didn't improve things. I try and not cover the car when it's dirty but can't always manage it. I'll suffer a bit of paint degradation over the years but I'd rather that than not have the car to hand to use. It's a user not a show car......though is pretty smart.
When I first got the car I had it on axle stands on a tarp and went to town with Dinitrol on the underbody, sills, box sections, door cavities, everywhere. Filthy messy job, but worth it. Cost a lot more than £80. Now, whenever I'm under the car, if I see a bit has chipped or washed off I top it up. Also periodically top it up too. I'm under no illusion that it's a perfect solution to keeping a 50 year old Italian immaculate but it allows me to use the car often, keep it outside and not worry about rust too much.
Thanks all for the recommendations, I'll check those alternative protectants out! It was the Chris Harris podcast that got me onto the subject as they were discussing salt on the roads and how bad it can be for older cars. Better safe than sorry and all that.
Looks like a decent cover for the Fulvia (very cool little car too) and another good solution for protecting the underbody. As long as it's done thoroughly and checked reasonably regularly I think any of these protectants would add peace of mind and remove some of the worry from winter excursions! Also probably looks good on the car's history (not that I plan on ever selling!)
Looks like a decent cover for the Fulvia (very cool little car too) and another good solution for protecting the underbody. As long as it's done thoroughly and checked reasonably regularly I think any of these protectants would add peace of mind and remove some of the worry from winter excursions! Also probably looks good on the car's history (not that I plan on ever selling!)
If having to park on the road perhaps one of those folding car covers so it doesn't actually touch the car bodywork and can be folded back quickly for easy access, so more likely to use the vehicle than if have to faff around removing a cover that's properly strapped down.
If have offroad parking perhaps a cheap sideless gazebo like Halfords use to shelter cars when doing the bulb/wiper replacements for customers, so it keeps rain and any tree debris/bird poo off but allows plenty of ventilation.
Those are the two cheaper end things I've considered.
As I'm in Cornwall it's rarely cold enough for frost so road salt isn't much of a concern, but there's plenty of rain that seems to cause green algae if vehicles aren't cleaned regularly and seagulls pooping and walking on vehicles to contend with.
If have offroad parking perhaps a cheap sideless gazebo like Halfords use to shelter cars when doing the bulb/wiper replacements for customers, so it keeps rain and any tree debris/bird poo off but allows plenty of ventilation.
Those are the two cheaper end things I've considered.
As I'm in Cornwall it's rarely cold enough for frost so road salt isn't much of a concern, but there's plenty of rain that seems to cause green algae if vehicles aren't cleaned regularly and seagulls pooping and walking on vehicles to contend with.
As above use Bilt Hamber instead of Lanoguard - it works better and lasts longer.
And UB is the hardier of the two types. UC being the clear one. Depends on the look you want.
This was made by Bilt Hamber - so make of that what you will - but the difference in efficacy is striking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiyYw7spqWs
If going with a car cover, buy a tailored breathable one (condensation will still sit on parts of the car) and only put it in on when the car is spotlessly clean.
I have one of these and it is superb (although I use it in a car port).
https://www.specialisedcovers.com/p/outdoor-pro/
And UB is the hardier of the two types. UC being the clear one. Depends on the look you want.
This was made by Bilt Hamber - so make of that what you will - but the difference in efficacy is striking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiyYw7spqWs
If going with a car cover, buy a tailored breathable one (condensation will still sit on parts of the car) and only put it in on when the car is spotlessly clean.
I have one of these and it is superb (although I use it in a car port).
https://www.specialisedcovers.com/p/outdoor-pro/
Edited by Discombobulate on Friday 5th December 11:25
itcaptainslow said:
This is the underside of my Up!, after BiltHamber UC treatment and an underbody wash (I've got an attachment for my pressure washer).
Any dirt just drops off, and as you can see it's a nice clear factory finish. I really rate it.
Out of interest captain, do you just "splash it all over" so to speak, or mask off sensitive areas? Asking because I own a 50 year old Lancia and if I keep it beyond next spring, I ought to consider doing something like this. Otherwise it might dissolve.Any dirt just drops off, and as you can see it's a nice clear factory finish. I really rate it.
I’ve used Lanogaurd on my two 105 Alfas and also the other day on my MX5. Accepted the Bithammer product is probably every bit as good, but the Lano does the job.
The smell goes away after a while, it’s not rotten, it’s just Sheep!. I found it very easy to apply even in cold weather, but I made sure I kept the liquid warm. The hand sprayer which was supplied with the kit worked very well for both Alfa’s, one I did twice. But then packed up partway through the MX5. I had to finish it with a Shultz gun, which was a bit ‘heavy’ for the Lano.
The only practical use in my mind for a cover is to help keep a leaky car dry if it’s outside. Other than that you risk damaging paint.
The smell goes away after a while, it’s not rotten, it’s just Sheep!. I found it very easy to apply even in cold weather, but I made sure I kept the liquid warm. The hand sprayer which was supplied with the kit worked very well for both Alfa’s, one I did twice. But then packed up partway through the MX5. I had to finish it with a Shultz gun, which was a bit ‘heavy’ for the Lano.
The only practical use in my mind for a cover is to help keep a leaky car dry if it’s outside. Other than that you risk damaging paint.
Thanks folks, sounds like BH is the way to go (definitely seems like the real deal going from the Up! photo!). Appreciate PH forums for this as I could so easily have clicked the link on one of the many tempting Lanoguard ads and ended up with a rubbish result. Glad it works for some but BH sounds exactly what I'm looking for here
Think I'll leave the cover for this year & keep it as clean as possible instead, keeping an eye on it for bird crap and winter gunk. The paintwork wasn't perfect when I bought the car and it's here to be driven not looked at, but will bear it in mind for the future (e.g. look for a new house with a garage...that'd be the dream!)
Think I'll leave the cover for this year & keep it as clean as possible instead, keeping an eye on it for bird crap and winter gunk. The paintwork wasn't perfect when I bought the car and it's here to be driven not looked at, but will bear it in mind for the future (e.g. look for a new house with a garage...that'd be the dream!)
Edited by SFIELDS on Sunday 7th December 20:06
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