Winter Car Prep

[CallorFold]

This coming weekend, if the weather gives me a break, id like to do some pre-winter prep to my car.

1) A good clean
2) Wax/Polish
3) Rainex Glass
4) Exterior Plastics

Normally id just take my car down to the local hand car wash, have a quick £3 wash and be done with it, however this time around id like to do a little more.

Any recommendations for some good products without spending a fortune? Primarily something for the exterior plastics (black), and the wax/polish ideally a wax/polish that can be used to do both bodywork and alloys to save buying separate products.

[schmalex]

Forgive me for being obtuse, but is there any point?

[CallorFold]

It seems a worthwhile task to protect the paintwork again't a likely harsh winter. Salt and grit on the roads etc, more dirt and grime from the wet weather. Rainex is also a brilliant product.

If it's genuinely not worth it then I probably wont bother and will just continue to use my regular £3 wash on a monthly basis, just wondered what people thoughts were

[Fubar1977]

It`s worth getting a coat of wax on it before the weather turns bad but other than that all I do is make sure I`m stocked up on screenwash/deicer and the antifreeze is at the correct concentration.
I am buying a pressure washer for this winter so I can clean the salt/grit off the underside and arches etc.

[TheLordJohn]

CallorFold said:

It seems a worthwhile task to protect the paintwork again't a likely harsh winter. Salt and grit on the roads etc, more dirt and grime from the wet weather. Rainex is also a brilliant product.

If it's genuinely not worth it then I probably wont bother and will just continue to use my regular £3 wash on a monthly basis, just wondered what people thoughts were

It's definitely worth it.
While you're washing, polishing, hoovering etc, take the time to check your lights are all okay, check ALL fluid levels.
Check tyre pressures, too.
You'll feel more confident in the capabilities of your car if you get into the habit of carrying out these very basic checks - and it also allows you to keep an eye on the conndition of the important aspects of your vehicle.

• edit* try and get some Winter kit in your boot, too. And take the time to check the pressure of your spare.

[Prestige Detail]

If your still going to take it down your local hand car wash don't waste your time, the chemicals they use will soon strip off your hard work.

[CallorFold]

This seems to have some decent reviews for an "all-in-one" type product - anyone used before?

Armor All Shield Liquid Car Wax 500ml - £12.95

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Armor-All-Shield-Liquid-Ex...

[lufbramatt]

- give the underside a good clean
- empty a can of Dynax UB over the outer sills, suspension, brake unions and anywhere else that looks worthwhile
- check all the bulbs work and buy a couple spares to keep in the car
- put a shovel and a couple of blankets in the boot

[Jamesemt]

What I've done over the past few weeks to prepare for winter:

Full service including lubing locks and hinges/new wipers
HID headlight upgrade
Brand new battery
Rain X on all windows
-65°C screen wash
Bulk pack of deicer sat in garage
Heated seat kit to be fitted next week
Anti freeze to be changed over next week and tire pressures to be checked

I must add that part of this is due to starting a new job after Christmas and want my car to be as reliable as possible

[steveo3002]

id say too late for any cavity wax treatments etc...you will sealing in the damp now

best done when its maximus heat in the summer

[Dr Doofenshmirtz]

Oil and filter change should be a higher priority than making it look nice.

[mcford]

for mine:

Heated front screen with heated washer jets fitted
Heated seats fitted
Heated mirrors fitted
Another washer bottle fitted in the engine compartment with pipes wrapped around a heater hose.
All season tyres fitted
Car serviced
Car will be cleaned and paintwork waxed

[poing]

I'll buy new ice scraper and put some petrol in it.

To be fair I took to the local hand wash place last week so it's now been washed twice this year. Always amazed when I can suddenly see the outside world without putting the windows down.

[Shurv]

Mine's recently had a service, so a fresh coat of wax, a torch in the glove box, an ice scraper, and fitting the winter rims and tyres. I tend to keep it full of fuel throughout the winter and if making a long trip in poor weather take a blanket and something to eat and drink. A little bit of preparation goes a long way.

[CallorFold]

Dr Doofenshmirtz said:

Oil and filter change should be a higher priority than making it look nice.

Car had a full service and MOT about 2 weeks ago so I'm all good on that front