What are your winter prep plans?

rider9195

rider9195

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It seems a little early to be thinking about how you will prep your vehicle for winter, but the snow fell early last year and it doesn't hurt to be early!

What are you're plans to prepare your car for the cold weather, salt and sand covered roads, plus the difficulty in washing all that grime off?

Here is my plan:

Thorough wash, including engine bay.
Wheels will have three coats of Collinite 845 and my tires I am not worried about as I will be changing then soon.
The paint will get an IronX treatment along with a nice claying. Some Wolfgang Paintwork Polish Enhancer with a black pad on my Porter Cable 7424XP will remove the previous LSP's and provide a clean surface for my next step. I will be applying two coats of Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant followed by Collinite 845.

I might add some protection to the glass as well.

After all this work ahead of me, I need to Opti-Coat asap!


So what are your plans for winter prep?
 
Guess I did my winter-prep really early, back at the end of August. :laughing:

Already had snow flakes in the air over the last couple nights up my way, but anyways here is what i did. Truck will be outside 24/7.

- Washed with CG Citrus Wash & Gloss at stripping ratio.
- Clayed with Meguiar's Clay Kit.
- 2 coats of WGDGPS 3.0 w/ my G110v2 on a crimson HT.
- ^^^ All paint, lights, and chrome recieved that.
- WG Exterior Trim Sealant on all trim.
- DG 501 on the wheels.
- Rain-X on all glass.


Was going to use WG Paintwork Polish Enhancer on a white pad, but ran out of time.


This was what I did last winter, and it got me from August-April. :xyxthumbs:

I'm definitley buying some OC for next year also.
 
I am still putting my winter prep plan together. I haven't used 845 on my wheels before, but I think I am going try it out considering a lot of people like it over other wheel specific products. My car is outside year round, and we live by the water in the northeast.
 
Just did it:
- foamed with Bilt Hamber Snow Foam
- Washed with Maxi Suds II
- TRIX on wheels
- Baggie Test (no clay needed)
- P21S Paint Cleaner on PC white CCS pad
- Bilt Hamber Finis for LSP
- Wheels previously Opticoated

*** Plan on putting on more coats on Finis over the next month or so. Also plan on applying it to side and back glass, front glass gets Griots Glass Sealant.
 
Winter prep will begin on vacation next week and I plan on trying something different this year.
-Two coats of DG 111/601 topped with two coats of 845 on all painted surfaces.
-Two coats of 845 on the wheels.
-I'll also use a sealant on the glass (haven't decided which one yet).
 
My car is nearly done
(after cleaning, polishing etc)

Bilt Hamber Finis wax for the paint
Gtech G1 for the glass
Gtech C4 for the external trim -still to do
Optimum tyre shine for external rubber trim
Bilt Hamber Ferrosol (lubricant) for doors, locks, window mechanisms etc - this stuff is amazing
Gtech C6 interior dressing
Underside of car treated to anti corrosion wax
new wiper blades
 
I have two coats of BFWD on everything, about a month ago. I'm planning on another coat after a wash tomorrow. I do question, throwing a wax on top? Should I? If so, should I use the fk1000, a liquid, or souveran, natty blue, or xxx? Decisions.
 
Just got my shipments the last two weeks and plan on the following later this month:
- Clean wheels with Griot's Wheel Cleaner and Daytona wheel brush and Griot's lug nut brush
- Clean wheel wells with Mothers' wheel well brush
- Clay paint and glass with Griot's paint clay
- Three coats of DuraGloss on wheels and paint (501/601, 105/601, 111/601)
- Griot's Glass Sealant
- EagleOne Enviroshine TireShine Gel

I tried the glass sealant last night for the first time. Based on what I read here, I expected it to haze more and be difficult to remove. It hazed only slightly even after 15 minutes and wiped right off. The glass looks really clean and shiny, and is very slippery. I guess I will find out about durability.

I also got to use the wheel brushes for the first time. What a difference! The Griots wheel cleaner also seems to work a lot better for me than the EagleOne Enviroshine All Wheel and Tire Cleaner.
 
Most plans will vary from a complete makeover to doing absolutely nothing because it's geographically dependent... The folks in the North have the most work ahead of them but our warm weather friends in the South may put this off until next weekend....or the weekend after...:laughing:

Winter prep for me will begin with a change of fluids and filters. While under my truck everything will be inspected, fluid levels checked, and steering components greased. Once this is complete then it's on to the exterior...

After a complete wash and clay, my 1999 Dodge Dakota will get a quick polish with Menzerna Super Finish PO106 FA. This really does a great job at removing most minor surface defects and the gloss is outstanding.

Once this is completed I'll do 2 coats of Menzerna Power Lock sealant, 12 hours apart, then a final coat of Collinite 845 ....

All the plastic trim will be treated with CQuartz DLux Plastic & Wheel Coating and the windshield will be cleaned and protected using Aquapel.

Throughout the winter I'll wash and maintain using several products that range from a regular wash to a rinseless wash. To maintain the finish after washing and drying I like to go over the finish with a quality spray wax like Optimum Spray Car Wax or Duragloss Aquawax ..
 
CG Citrus Wash & Gloss
Clay
205 with finishing pad (paint is in pretty good shape)
Collinite #915 FTW! :)
 
I've got plenty of coats on my car and if I get another chance to add a layer before it gets too cold, I will but I plan on doing a good wash inside our shop atleast once a month and adding a quick layer of something from my collection. Last winter here in Chicagoland was very mild, so I'm hoping for a repeat performance!
 
BobbyG said:
Most plans will vary from a complete makeover to doing absolutely nothing because it's geographically dependent... The folks in the North have the most work ahead of them but our warm weather friends in the South may put this off until next weekend....or the weekend after...:laughing:

Winter prep for me will begin with a change of fluids and filters. While under my truck everything will be inspected, fluid levels checked, and steering components greased. Once this is complete then it's on to the exterior...

After a complete wash and clay, my 1999 Dodge Dakota will get a quick polish with Menzerna Super Finish PO106 FA. This really does a great job at removing most minor surface defects and the gloss is outstanding.

Once this is completed I'll do 2 coats of Menzerna Power Lock sealant, 12 hours apart, then a final coat of Collinite 845 ....

All the plastic trim will be treated with CQuartz DLux Plastic & Wheel Coating and the windshield will be cleaned and protected using Aquapel.

Throughout the winter I'll wash and maintain using several products that range from a regular wash to a rinseless wash. To maintain the finish after washing and drying I like to go over the finish with a quality spray wax like Optimum Spray Car Wax or Duragloss Aquawax ..
Click to expand...

Reference aqua wax: I bought a bottle in early summer due to its reviews. I have to say its not a poor product, but I was looking for some advantage over my current QD. I understand Aquawax isn't really a QD since its has to be used on a clean vehicle, but I saw no advantage when compared to my old stuff. Any thoughts?

Also wondering about Aquapel. Do they sell it OTC anyplace? Better than rain-x?
 
BuckeyeR/T said:
CG Citrus Wash & Gloss
Clay
205 with finishing pad (paint is in pretty good shape)
Collinite #915 FTW! :)
Click to expand...

+1

I using #915 also....as well as #476 on the wheels. I',m surprised that more ppl arent using the 476 on wheels since it's Colinites most durable wax between the #845 and #915

straight from thier FAQ's

2. What’s the difference between the auto waxes; No. 845 Insulator Wax, No. 476s Super Double Coat and the No. 915 Marque D’ Elegance?
All 3 last step waxes serve the same function: to provide a high gloss carnauba shine and lasting protection. All 3 contain copious amounts of wax-both rare Brazilian carnauba and premium synthetic polymers. However, their degree of durability, ease of use, and warmth of shine vary. Think of it this way;
1. No.476s – most durable protection/weather defense. Most elbow grease required during application.
2. No. 915- 2nd most durable and slightly easier than the 476s to apply/remove. No. 915 lends our warmest shine to dark tones like navy and black due to its highest concentration of rare carnauba.
3. No. 845- easiest of the 3 to apply/remove with slightly less durability than the No. 915
 
After applying GTechniq C1 over a year ago, I don't need any special plans.
 
Gonna decide if the shelf-life of all my stuff will make it until March.
If not probly sell it.
I am part-time biz that might get a storefront in spring.
My little bit of work will probly dry up 'til then.

Both my cars got super-cleaned then DG105/601'd like a mofo.
After a beer and a half-cigar BFCS'd them.
After other half of cigar and another beer, liq souv'd them.
Ready.
 
Yamasixx said:
Reference aqua wax: I bought a bottle in early summer due to its reviews. I have to say its not a poor product, but I was looking for some advantage over my current QD. I understand Aquawax isn't really a QD since its has to be used on a clean vehicle, but I saw no advantage when compared to my old stuff. Any thoughts?

Also wondering about Aquapel. Do they sell it OTC anyplace? Better than rain-x?
Click to expand...

Duragloss Aquawax is a spray wax and not a quick detailer and shouldn't be interchanged as each targets different goals.

I found Duragloss Aquawax simple to apply and it buffs to a gorgeous shine. I've also found that it tends to get a bit shiner as the day progresses.

Regarding cost per ounce, here are the price and ounces sold through Autogeek...

Duragloss Aquawax - $8.99 / 22 ounces
Optimum Car Wax Spray - $14.99 / 17 ounces
XMT 360 Spray Wax - $15.99 / 12 ounces

I've never seen Aquapel sold locally but it's light-years better than Rain-X. A single application lasts through a cold snowy New England winter....
 
Yamasixx said:
Reference aqua wax: I bought a bottle in early summer due to its reviews. I have to say its not a poor product, but I was looking for some advantage over my current QD. I understand Aquawax isn't really a QD since its has to be used on a clean vehicle, but I saw no advantage when compared to my old stuff. Any thoughts?

Also wondering about Aquapel. Do they sell it OTC anyplace? Better than rain-x?
Click to expand...

I've used 3 bottles of AW and it really produces the results for me, hence 3 bottles! I will buy a gallon over the winter for sure. Its true that its no quick detailer from the stand point of not using it on a slightly dusty car and I've noticed that when using AW, check it out about a half an hour later....pops!

What was your old stuff BTW?

Sent from my SPH-M930 using AG Online
 
Wash ( duh)
Clay bar
P21S paintwork cleanser
Collinite 476

Aquapel on the windshield.

Not much else.
 
BobbyG said:
Most plans will vary from a complete makeover to doing absolutely nothing because it's geographically dependent... The folks in the North have the most work ahead of them but our warm weather friends in the South may put this off until next weekend....or the weekend after...:laughing:

Winter prep for me will begin with a change of fluids and filters. While under my truck everything will be inspected, fluid levels checked, and steering components greased. Once this is complete then it's on to the exterior...

After a complete wash and clay, my 1999 Dodge Dakota will get a quick polish with Menzerna Super Finish PO106 FA. This really does a great job at removing most minor surface defects and the gloss is outstanding.

Once this is completed I'll do 2 coats of Menzerna Power Lock sealant, 12 hours apart, then a final coat of Collinite 845 ....

All the plastic trim will be treated with CQuartz DLux Plastic & Wheel Coating and the windshield will be cleaned and protected using Aquapel.

Throughout the winter I'll wash and maintain using several products that range from a regular wash to a rinseless wash. To maintain the finish after washing and drying I like to go over the finish with a quality spray wax like Optimum Spray Car Wax or Duragloss Aquawax ..
Click to expand...

Aquapel is great stuff. They claim 6 months but I think they are actually underselling it. I have seen noticeable water beading after as much as 9 months. Diminished sure, but it was still working to some extent. the trick is to make sure the glass is clean and I mean CLEAN. I usually use some sort of compound on it first to make sure everything is scrubbed off. Then a glass cleaner and wipe down with MF. If you make sure the surface is prepared properly it works great.
 
BobbyG said:
Duragloss Aquawax is a spray wax and not a quick detailer and shouldn't be interchanged as each targets different goals.

I found Duragloss Aquawax simple to apply and it buffs to a gorgeous shine. I've also found that it tends to get a bit shiner as the day progresses.

Regarding cost per ounce, here are the price and ounces sold through Autogeek...

Duragloss Aquawax - $8.99 / 22 ounces
Optimum Car Wax Spray - $14.99 / 17 ounces
XMT 360 Spray Wax - $15.99 / 12 ounces

I've never seen Aquapel sold locally but it's light-years better than Rain-X. A single application lasts through a cold snowy New England winter....
Click to expand...

Cool, I'm going to give Aquapel a try. Looks like the local O'Reilly auto store carry it, but one store I went to today was sold out.
I did notice that Aquawax gave me a good shine, but I didn't see any advantage over the local stuff I'm using. Slickness, shine and durability seemed about the same when I tested it side by side. I do like it...good bang for the buck.:props:
Anyways, I like all the ideas on this post. So many things I haven't tried. Looks like I'll be using WG Concours series to prep my DD. I'll probably put some 845 over the top of the Fuzion for some added durability.
 
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