Wheel Wells
Periodically remove the wheels (one at a time utilizing a car jack and / or axle stands) to enable cleaning the back of the wheel, callipers and give better access to the wheel wells. Ensure that the vehicle body is secure by placing on axle stands.
?Rinse wheel well thoroughly with water.
?Use a 1:1 solution of P21 Total Auto Wash a d-limonene (citrus) based cleaner and water in a spray bottle, spray the wheel wells and let the solution dwell for 3-5 min
?Agitate and brush the road dirt / grime the wheel well and suspension parts, brake callipers, etc
?Spray the area thoroughly with a high pressure water spray
?Remove any road asphalt with a safe solvent (Stoners Tarminator)
?Repeat if necessary
?Use P21S Polishing Soap on all metal parts (taking care to avoid the brakes)
?Rinse using a high pressure hose / nozzle to remove soap residue
?I recommended wearing rubber gloves, once finished, rinse the wheel wells and dry them with an old terry towel.
?Once they have thoroughly dried spray them with 1z einszett Tiefenpfleger -Vinyl-Rubber Care and Protectant, Adam?s Undercarriage Detailer or Chemical Guys Bare Bones (avoid spraying the brake rotor) which leaves a matt finished look without grease and also provides a protection for the plastic
Undercarriage
After removing dirt, road grime, and etc neutralise the effects of the acidic road salt on the suspension / undercarriage (See also Salt and Road salt)
Methodology
?Thoroughly spray an undiluted citrus cleaner (P2IS Total Auto Wash) and let it soak in; remove by thoroughly rinsing with water. If you have a pressure washer available, fill tank with citrus cleaner and spray undercarriage (do not use excess pressure as water may penetrate crevices and seams where it cannot drain, causing corrosion), let it soak and then remove with plain water
?Spray undercarriage with (POR-15 Marine Clean?) one application will leave no residues, noxious fumes or flammable solvents (Canada-POR15.com)
?Apply two coats (allowing first coat to dry) of a rust inhibitor paint (POR-15 Rust Inhibitor, allow drying between coats.
An extract from one of a series of in-depth ? detailing articles by TOGWT ?