Winter prep?
10/15/12, 01:00 PM
#1
GTR Member
Thread Starter
Winter prep?
For those of you who drive the car year round, what do you do to get the car ready for the snowy winter months?
Right now my winter prep plan is as follows:
-Swap to winter wheels and tires
-Install lower fascia block offs, possibly remove brake duct hoses.
-Remove front splitter
-Wax vehicle with good, long lasting wax (going to try Collonite 845)
-Treat windshield with Aquapel
Right now my winter prep plan is as follows:
-Swap to winter wheels and tires
-Install lower fascia block offs, possibly remove brake duct hoses.
-Remove front splitter
-Wax vehicle with good, long lasting wax (going to try Collonite 845)
-Treat windshield with Aquapel
10/15/12, 01:50 PM
#4
My car is brand new.. the only thing I did was order a new set of rims and tires for the winter since my stock tires are summer only tires not good for under 40 degrees F. So got some Kumo all-weather.
10/15/12, 06:19 PM
#5
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I just got my AMR wheels and Blizzaks in -- will probably mount them as soon as it gets consistently cold. Will also be doing a full wax as soon as the weather permits, as well as a Rain-X treatment.
10/15/12, 06:23 PM
#6
GTR Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by coachhoach
I just got my AMR wheels and Blizzaks in -- will probably mount them as soon as it gets consistently cold. Will also be doing a full wax as soon as the weather permits, as well as a Rain-X treatment.
10/15/12, 08:22 PM
#8
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Originally Posted by Getportfolio
I heard rain x was bad... Trying to remember why..
That being said, Overboost is giving everyone excellent advice about using the Aquapel product instead.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Overboost.-----Bill
10/15/12, 08:36 PM
#9
Mach 1 Member
10/15/12, 08:37 PM
#10
GTR Member
Thread Starter
I don't remember exactly, but over the years of having windshield chips repaired, many of the auto glass people HATE Rain-X. I believe it's silicone base is tough to get out of pores and over time it will run off the windshield. I don't believe it's the case with Aquapel. I picked up a 6-pack from AutoGeek, gave two to my parents, and did my car and my g/f's car before winter. With a 6 month life, that'll hold up just fine for the season. Also, I've had mine on for about a month and it's held up great in the rain we've seen recently here in MI.
As for wax, I normally use Blackfire Wet Diamond, but this time I'm going to try the Collonite 845. It's an insulator wax that many claim as one of the ultimate winter waxes. I think we're in for a harsh winter after the mild one in 2011, so I'm not taking any chances. Besides, for the cost, if it doesn't work, I can always throw a quick coat of BFWD on it if I clean it up in the garage with some Optimum No Rinse.
Wiper blades - Bosch Icon or the Motorcraft blades. Haven't found anything else worth a ****.
As for wax, I normally use Blackfire Wet Diamond, but this time I'm going to try the Collonite 845. It's an insulator wax that many claim as one of the ultimate winter waxes. I think we're in for a harsh winter after the mild one in 2011, so I'm not taking any chances. Besides, for the cost, if it doesn't work, I can always throw a quick coat of BFWD on it if I clean it up in the garage with some Optimum No Rinse.
Wiper blades - Bosch Icon or the Motorcraft blades. Haven't found anything else worth a ****.
10/15/12, 08:57 PM
#11
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
That's it! Yep, the glass man told me that while he was repairing a few chips on the old goat stang. Thanks.
I also use Bosch blades. Agreed that the others suck.
I also use Bosch blades. Agreed that the others suck.
10/15/12, 09:03 PM
#12
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I'd be interested to hear your review of the #845 though. I'm just starting to invest in some non-OTC car care products, but I'm being cautious and trying not to spend all of my money (especially since I just got those wheels/tires).
10/15/12, 09:08 PM
#13
GTR Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by coachhoach
Is ONR worth it? I've seen a number of people rave about it, but I can't convince myself to try some. Is it feasible to wash a car in a garage that doesn't have a drain in the floor?
I'd be interested to hear your review of the #845 though. I'm just starting to invest in some non-OTC car care products, but I'm being cautious and trying not to spend all of my money (especially since I just got those wheels/tires).
I'd recommend Wet Diamond over 845, for only one wax to own. I need to get the 845 on order here soon.
10/15/12, 09:19 PM
#14
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
I just looked up the collonite 845 and the price is great and it sounds great.
How hard is it to take off by hand? More importantly, what happens if some gets on the flat black areas or black plastic? I've steered clear of pastes and most liquids because of this but we both know that the spray waxes arent doing jack.
How hard is it to take off by hand? More importantly, what happens if some gets on the flat black areas or black plastic? I've steered clear of pastes and most liquids because of this but we both know that the spray waxes arent doing jack.
10/15/12, 09:22 PM
#15
GTR Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Getportfolio
I just looked up the collonite 845 and the price is great and it sounds great.
How hard is it to take off by hand? More importantly, what happens if some gets on the flat black areas or black plastic? I've steered clear of pastes and most liquids because of this but we both know that the spray waxes arent doing jack.
How hard is it to take off by hand? More importantly, what happens if some gets on the flat black areas or black plastic? I've steered clear of pastes and most liquids because of this but we both know that the spray waxes arent doing jack.
10/16/12, 08:00 AM
#16
Legacy TMS Member
For me, it's a good waxing to start with. I've been using Meguiar's Ultimate Liquid Wax, which goes on really nicely and still beads up great after 6 months. I know a lot of guys (Overboost and FromZto5 especially) use some other more professional, niche products that I'd never heard of before, so I may try those in the future but for now, I've been happy with that Meguiar's product, and it's available at any Advance or O'Reilly.
At the same time, I'll do a treatment of all the black plastic trim. For that, I've been using Meguiar's Ultimate Black, which works nicely too.
After that, the winter tires/wheels will go on, probably Thanksgiving weekend and my kick-a** Husky Liners floormats will go in. They're not as well known as WeatherTech, but they're USA-made too, cost about the same, and have a much higher lip to ensure snow/mud don't get on my carpets. Had 'em in my Explorer and have 'em in the Mustang now - they're fantastic.
I may have to try out those good old Motorcraft wipers, as you suggested Overboost. I have been buying the Goodyear ones at Costco because they're $8 each, versus $20 each for the equivalent at regular retail, but they're not very good.
At the same time, I'll do a treatment of all the black plastic trim. For that, I've been using Meguiar's Ultimate Black, which works nicely too.
After that, the winter tires/wheels will go on, probably Thanksgiving weekend and my kick-a** Husky Liners floormats will go in. They're not as well known as WeatherTech, but they're USA-made too, cost about the same, and have a much higher lip to ensure snow/mud don't get on my carpets. Had 'em in my Explorer and have 'em in the Mustang now - they're fantastic.
I may have to try out those good old Motorcraft wipers, as you suggested Overboost. I have been buying the Goodyear ones at Costco because they're $8 each, versus $20 each for the equivalent at regular retail, but they're not very good.
