Winter Maintenance
As the weather worsens and the evenings grow shorter, keeping your car’s paintwork in top condition becomes a real challenge. Fortunately, Gtechniq has a range of products designed to make winter car care easier and more effective. With just a few simple steps, you can clean and protect your vehicle effortlessly.
Step 1: Pre-Wash to Remove Loose Dirt and Grime
Begin by thoroughly rinsing your vehicle to remove loose dirt and grime. This helps prevent scratches during the washing process. Gtechniq Citrus Foam, formulated with powerful citrus oils, is perfect for cutting through this grime. It can be applied using any foam lance. For the best results, mix 100ml of Citrus Foam with 900ml of water. Apply it to your car, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse. This step removes most of the surface dirt and prepares your vehicle for a deeper clean.
Step 2: Clean Your Wheels First
Before tackling the paintwork, start by cleaning your wheels. Why? Because they’re often the dirtiest part of the car, and cleaning them last can splash grime onto freshly washed panels. Gtechniq Iron Removing Wheel & Paint Cleaner quickly dissolves brake dust and other contaminants, turning them purple as it breaks down ferrous particles. Once this reaction occurs, the contaminants become water-soluble and are easy to wash away. For optimal results, use a wheel spoke brush or a specialised wheel wash mitt to wash off any remaining dirt.
Step 3: Wash the Paintwork with the Right Shampoo
Now that your wheels are clean, it’s time to focus on the paint. Gtechniq offers two shampoos GWash and Ceramic GWash, both of which deliver exceptional cleaning performance.
- GWash is a thick, high-foaming shampoo that uses premium surfactants to lift dirt from the surface effectively.
- Ceramic GWash not only cleans well but also leaves behind hydrophobic polymers that repel dirt and water. It’s a great option for winter, although it doesn’t foam like regular shampoo because the polymers inhibit foaming.
Top Tip: For added dirt repellency, apply Ceramic GWash directly to your wash mitt before cleaning. This boosts the hydrophobic effect and offers extra protection.
Step 4: Dry and Protect with Ceramic Sealant
Once your car is clean, drying is crucial—especially in winter. Here’s a pro tip: as you dry the paint, spray some Gtechniq Ceramic Sealant onto the wet surface. This “spray as you wipe” technique enhances the beading effect and further protects the paint from dirt and grime.
With your car clean and protected, you can head back inside, make a warm cup of tea, and relax—knowing your vehicle is ready to face the winter elements.
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