Water Restrictions & Taking Care of Your Vehicle - Everything you need to know

With stage four water restrictions recently in effect in Dubbo, here's everything to be aware of when it comes to taking care of your vehicle.

What does stage four mean in terms of washing your vehicle? 

The restriction states that cleaning your vehicle is permitted with bucket only on lawn between 9am-12pm any day.  

Regardless of the stage of water restrictions, buckets of water and grey water use (from shower/laundry) is encouraged throughout all levels from Dubbo City Council. https://www.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/Drought-Hub/Water-Restrictions/Residential

 "These restrictions are restrictions that Council is placing on the use of its potable water supply. If the restrictions say "Not permitted" for a particular use, this means that Council's potable water supply cannot be used for this purpose. Water from another source, however, could be used for this purpose."

How do you keep your vehicle in good condition with the impact of dust?

First and foremost, do not wipe the dust off the vehicle! There is a high likelihood of paint damage due to the small stone particles being carried around in dust.

Usually, we would recommend a high pressure jet rinse.  However, due to the water restrictions you will need to thoroughly rinse your vehicle with a bucket to get the dust off.  If you do not properly rinse the vehicle, the dust will act like sandpaper on your vehicle and scratch the paint.

When you are finished rinsing, use a 2-bucket wash method in order to avoid cross contamination.  One bucket would contain the shampoo for application, and the other just for water for rinsing.  We suggest the use of grey water to save the most water possible.

What about long term? 

For a long term paint protection option, contact Bronte, our Car Care Consultant.  Our available product, Protectiv Hydro, transforms the vehicle's surfaces into super-hydrophobic coating providing a highly repellent vehicle finish. You will be able to rinse the dust off the paint and not worry about any potential long term damage from the storms.

Here at Dubbo City & Gilgandra Toyota, we are keen to do whatever we can to support the community and all of the drought affected areas.  We are also here to support you in maintaining your vehicle investment. If there's any questions or concerns that you have, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.