BEST CAR CLEANING PRODUCTS
Discussion
Craikeybaby said:
ashleyman said:
Auto smart Tardis
Is that only available in a large can though?I've had good results from Auto Finesse ObliTARate on my wife's white FIAT 500.
This could be good too: http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/gyeon-q2m-... The rest of the stiff they make is brilliant.
ashleyman said:
If you go on eBay and type in Autosmart Tardis there's a few size options.
This could be good too: http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/gyeon-q2m-... The rest of the stiff they make is brilliant.
I've got some of that, to replace the Auto Finesse stuff which I used up. I have only used this on wheels though, but it seems good.This could be good too: http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/gyeon-q2m-... The rest of the stiff they make is brilliant.
ashleyman said:
I've tried quite a few things over the past year as I'm new to the whole detailing thing. I found Valet Pro snow foam to be great IF mixed properly.
The PH Neutral Snow Foam is a waste of time but the Advanced version is MUCH better. I usually use 200ml sf to 800ml of water. You then twist the dials on the lance so it's thick, but not shaving foam thick, usually sticks on for about 3 or 4 minutes then you rinse. It's fantastic stuff and definitely makes a difference.
I won't go into tons of detail but this is my usual wash routine:
Pre-wash with Valet Pro Advanced Neutral Snow Foam
Wheels get a 1 Bucket wash with Gtechniq G Wash, Wheel Woolies & a Wo-Wo microfibre wheel mitt
2 Bucket wash with Gtechniq G Wash & Wo-Wo lambswool wash mitt
Dry the car with a couple Gtechniq drying towels
Engine bay I use Meguairs Engine Degreaser & Dressing and a microfibre cloth
Glass gets cleaned with the shampoo and wash mitt then followed up with Gtechniq G6 perfect glass and a Wo-Wo Glass Cloth
Interior I use Gtechniq Citrus APC.
Tyre Dressing - Gyeon Q2 Tire or Achem HiShine
The car is coated every 3 months with Gyeon Can Coat on the paint, 2 coats of Gyeon Q2M Rim on the wheels and the chrome exhaust. I've also got 2 coats of Gtechniq G1 on the glass. Interior wise I've got Gyeon Q2 Fabriccoat on the fabric bits and Gyeon Q2 Leathercoat on the leather bits.
When it comes to polishes and polish machines I'm still relatively clueless but I've had excellent results on my car with Menzerna polishes and Chemical Guys Hex-Logic pads used on a Meguiars DA. Mostly to tidy up light marks that were present on delivery/dealer inflicted.
The gloss and reflections from the proper wash, lack of scratches and swirls and the coatings are really nice. I'm no expert at detailing but I'm happy with the quality of paint on my car! Yes, it's a daily driver and yes it takes quite a bit of time and patience to wash it properly but I like having a properly clean well kept car. People may laugh and joke about it but do what makes you happy.
If you hate cleaning wheelsand even it's the only thing you take away from this post - get some Gyeon Q2M Rim. It's insane on alloys. You can jet wash to 95% clean and then for the final 5% use some basic car shampoo. Special wheel cleaners are just not required and the sealant makes tackling the wheels super easy.
Beautifully kept car , looks superb!The PH Neutral Snow Foam is a waste of time but the Advanced version is MUCH better. I usually use 200ml sf to 800ml of water. You then twist the dials on the lance so it's thick, but not shaving foam thick, usually sticks on for about 3 or 4 minutes then you rinse. It's fantastic stuff and definitely makes a difference.
I won't go into tons of detail but this is my usual wash routine:
Pre-wash with Valet Pro Advanced Neutral Snow Foam
Wheels get a 1 Bucket wash with Gtechniq G Wash, Wheel Woolies & a Wo-Wo microfibre wheel mitt
2 Bucket wash with Gtechniq G Wash & Wo-Wo lambswool wash mitt
Dry the car with a couple Gtechniq drying towels
Engine bay I use Meguairs Engine Degreaser & Dressing and a microfibre cloth
Glass gets cleaned with the shampoo and wash mitt then followed up with Gtechniq G6 perfect glass and a Wo-Wo Glass Cloth
Interior I use Gtechniq Citrus APC.
Tyre Dressing - Gyeon Q2 Tire or Achem HiShine
The car is coated every 3 months with Gyeon Can Coat on the paint, 2 coats of Gyeon Q2M Rim on the wheels and the chrome exhaust. I've also got 2 coats of Gtechniq G1 on the glass. Interior wise I've got Gyeon Q2 Fabriccoat on the fabric bits and Gyeon Q2 Leathercoat on the leather bits.
When it comes to polishes and polish machines I'm still relatively clueless but I've had excellent results on my car with Menzerna polishes and Chemical Guys Hex-Logic pads used on a Meguiars DA. Mostly to tidy up light marks that were present on delivery/dealer inflicted.
The gloss and reflections from the proper wash, lack of scratches and swirls and the coatings are really nice. I'm no expert at detailing but I'm happy with the quality of paint on my car! Yes, it's a daily driver and yes it takes quite a bit of time and patience to wash it properly but I like having a properly clean well kept car. People may laugh and joke about it but do what makes you happy.
If you hate cleaning wheelsand even it's the only thing you take away from this post - get some Gyeon Q2M Rim. It's insane on alloys. You can jet wash to 95% clean and then for the final 5% use some basic car shampoo. Special wheel cleaners are just not required and the sealant makes tackling the wheels super easy.
Edited by ashleyman on Sunday 1st January 23:05
I have an outdoor storage unit full of stuff I have accumulated over the years, massively OCD so very critical of what my process is, it really has been trial and error over the years. Autoglym stuff really is bang average, as someone else mentioned all the polishes are full of fillers which wash out quickly sending you back to Halfords to buy more of the product on regular occasions. The only thing I have read any decent reviews on is the HD wax, even then I use Victoria Concours which is cheaper.
I also cannot recommend enough Gyeon Bathe+ it really is a stunning product for fifteen quid or so. The run off of the water after a wash is fantastic and adds a smooth layer that will sit for at least a few weeks.
I would recommend learning to clay safely, makes such a difference to the bodywork, clay half a panel and run your hand across it fingers tips lightly dragging on it and you can feel what a difference it makes, its velvet vs pebble beach in difference! I started with clay bars but tried out the mitts and they are equally good, and speed up the process massively.
For bodywork polish I use a DA polisher with Menzerna polishes, if you are serious about looking after the paint a DA is so worth the investment - it achieves results so far in advance of hand polishing. The Menzerna polishes are really good, I am sure there are better but its what I am using up at the moment. Great thing about a DA is that you have to work pretty bloody hard to do any damage, just be sensible (and a little brave) and you will achieve a better end result than spending £hundreds on product and doing it by hand.
Also recommend Bilt Hamber Auto Wheel for iron removal on the wheels, again you can really feel the difference and prolongs the life of your alloys.
I also cannot recommend enough Gyeon Bathe+ it really is a stunning product for fifteen quid or so. The run off of the water after a wash is fantastic and adds a smooth layer that will sit for at least a few weeks.
I would recommend learning to clay safely, makes such a difference to the bodywork, clay half a panel and run your hand across it fingers tips lightly dragging on it and you can feel what a difference it makes, its velvet vs pebble beach in difference! I started with clay bars but tried out the mitts and they are equally good, and speed up the process massively.
For bodywork polish I use a DA polisher with Menzerna polishes, if you are serious about looking after the paint a DA is so worth the investment - it achieves results so far in advance of hand polishing. The Menzerna polishes are really good, I am sure there are better but its what I am using up at the moment. Great thing about a DA is that you have to work pretty bloody hard to do any damage, just be sensible (and a little brave) and you will achieve a better end result than spending £hundreds on product and doing it by hand.
Also recommend Bilt Hamber Auto Wheel for iron removal on the wheels, again you can really feel the difference and prolongs the life of your alloys.
Twenty five years ago I was buying cars out of leasing companies and putting them into into franchised dealers. To do that they had to be immaculate so I went on, and then sent five valeters on, an Autoglym course. At that time we could turn out two/three year old cars looking like new. I think Autoglym were then the market leader and Jaguar and Aston featured in their adverts.
Time has moved on and new, more specialised products have come along. I have a number of old bangers. All over 18 yrs old. I wash them with Turtle Wax shampoo, unless they are very dirty I don't rinse them, i let them dry, I take them to my local jet wash, just spray all over with a wax jet, go home, leather off, then use initially Autoglym SRP, and after a few coats of that I use a decent carnuba wax.
The last time I waxed any of my three cars was in September 2016, I wash with Turtle Wax every week and the beading of late with all the rain we've been having is brilliant.
Time has moved on and new, more specialised products have come along. I have a number of old bangers. All over 18 yrs old. I wash them with Turtle Wax shampoo, unless they are very dirty I don't rinse them, i let them dry, I take them to my local jet wash, just spray all over with a wax jet, go home, leather off, then use initially Autoglym SRP, and after a few coats of that I use a decent carnuba wax.
The last time I waxed any of my three cars was in September 2016, I wash with Turtle Wax every week and the beading of late with all the rain we've been having is brilliant.
My collection,
Tardis, Great stuff
Meguiars Endurance Tyre Gel, replaces Armour all foam, miles better, smells awesome, like Grapes.
Poorboys White Diamond, good stuff
Collonite Wax
AutoGlym Glass Polish, very good
AUtoGlym Odour netraliser, for smelly interiors, makes the car smell fntastic, not overly perfumed, a very clean smell
Buff Daddy DA Polisher
Cheap wet and dry vac,
Satin Black paint, invaluable for any black parts that need a freshen up
Tardis, Great stuff
Meguiars Endurance Tyre Gel, replaces Armour all foam, miles better, smells awesome, like Grapes.
Poorboys White Diamond, good stuff
Collonite Wax
AutoGlym Glass Polish, very good
AUtoGlym Odour netraliser, for smelly interiors, makes the car smell fntastic, not overly perfumed, a very clean smell
Buff Daddy DA Polisher
Cheap wet and dry vac,
Satin Black paint, invaluable for any black parts that need a freshen up
Hi guys,
I'm new to all this detailing, too.
I recently had my Macan detailed, using Kamikaze Premium products.
The result was superb. The car was an ex demo, with little use, but the dealerships sponge monkeys had done a good job of scarring it for life!
The end result of the detailing was superb. Now, I'd like to keep it that way...
I asked the guy who did it for his advice on what to use, and have just taken delivery of products.
If this wind dies down today, I may even give the car it's first personal wash!
Here's a bit of before/ after history.
I'm new to all this detailing, too.
I recently had my Macan detailed, using Kamikaze Premium products.
The result was superb. The car was an ex demo, with little use, but the dealerships sponge monkeys had done a good job of scarring it for life!
The end result of the detailing was superb. Now, I'd like to keep it that way...
I asked the guy who did it for his advice on what to use, and have just taken delivery of products.
If this wind dies down today, I may even give the car it's first personal wash!
Here's a bit of before/ after history.
hopper1 said:
Hi guys,
I'm new to all this detailing, too.
I recently had my Macan detailed, using Kamikaze Premium products.
The result was superb. The car was an ex demo, with little use, but the dealerships sponge monkeys had done a good job of scarring it for life!
The end result of the detailing was superb. Now, I'd like to keep it that way...
I asked the guy who did it for his advice on what to use, and have just taken delivery of products.
If this wind dies down today, I may even give the car it's first personal wash!
Here's a bit of before/ after history.
Good work! To be honest anyone can just wash a car, take some photos and car looks really shiny but its the photos of the light reflection and the swirling/holograms that get removed that are a true indication of decent detailing and that swirl removal looks top notch - well done sir!I'm new to all this detailing, too.
I recently had my Macan detailed, using Kamikaze Premium products.
The result was superb. The car was an ex demo, with little use, but the dealerships sponge monkeys had done a good job of scarring it for life!
The end result of the detailing was superb. Now, I'd like to keep it that way...
I asked the guy who did it for his advice on what to use, and have just taken delivery of products.
If this wind dies down today, I may even give the car it's first personal wash!
Here's a bit of before/ after history.
Thanks, but the car was initially professionally done, by Elliot at Detail Your Eyecandy.
It is now my intention to keep it as you see it.
I must say, having washed the car today, it's quite an intense job, and a good shoulder workout!
Had a few teething problems today, with the Karcher, then the AD foam lance, but all good experience for the next time.
Was very impressed with both the AD lance and the AD Foam, itself. Really dense covering, which gave an excellent prewash.
It is now my intention to keep it as you see it.
I must say, having washed the car today, it's quite an intense job, and a good shoulder workout!
Had a few teething problems today, with the Karcher, then the AD foam lance, but all good experience for the next time.
Was very impressed with both the AD lance and the AD Foam, itself. Really dense covering, which gave an excellent prewash.
Great thread. Am an absolute beginner but have always enjoyed cleaning my cars. Finally got something worth paying a bit more attention to. And it's black, which seems to add to the challenge of keeping it looking good.
Here's what I'm thinking so far:
1) Karcher to hose the car down.
2) Two bucket wash with Born To Be Mild DoDo Juice + Wo Wo mitt
3) Micro fibre towel dry the car
4) Clean the glass. Once clean, any recommendations for the rear window without a wiper, to keep the rain off?
5) Protective finish / wax ... still working on this bit. Open to suggestions.
Here's what I'm thinking so far:
1) Karcher to hose the car down.
2) Two bucket wash with Born To Be Mild DoDo Juice + Wo Wo mitt
3) Micro fibre towel dry the car
4) Clean the glass. Once clean, any recommendations for the rear window without a wiper, to keep the rain off?
5) Protective finish / wax ... still working on this bit. Open to suggestions.
Another thumb up for Gyeon Bathe + it's amazing stuff. I follow up with Gyeon wet coat and the results are very impressive but I should add that this was on the back of a full detail and Crystal Serum coating when I picked the car up last Autumn. The beauty of the Gyeon products is that it takes little time or effort, so may not suit diehards but for lazy gits like me it's the business.
NewNameNeeded said:
Great thread. Am an absolute beginner but have always enjoyed cleaning my cars. Finally got something worth paying a bit more attention to. And it's black, which seems to add to the challenge of keeping it looking good.
Here's what I'm thinking so far:
1) Karcher to hose the car down.
2) Two bucket wash with Born To Be Mild DoDo Juice + Wo Wo mitt
3) Micro fibre towel dry the car
4) Clean the glass. Once clean, any recommendations for the rear window without a wiper, to keep the rain off?
5) Protective finish / wax ... still working on this bit. Open to suggestions.
4) Rain-X is fantasticHere's what I'm thinking so far:
1) Karcher to hose the car down.
2) Two bucket wash with Born To Be Mild DoDo Juice + Wo Wo mitt
3) Micro fibre towel dry the car
4) Clean the glass. Once clean, any recommendations for the rear window without a wiper, to keep the rain off?
5) Protective finish / wax ... still working on this bit. Open to suggestions.
5) collinite is superb
james-nr1gn said:
Methods are equally if not more important than products sometimes.
Yup. I like a nicely polished car and keep mine tip top (inc daily driver) but I think there is an awful lot of hype and BS surrounding waxes.I defy anyone to identify what wax a car is "wearing". I've been out there today with a £3 pot of Turtle Wax's finest and the car looks great (although it does get a proper machine polish from time to time). Lots of this stuff (ceramic coatings aside) is overpriced snake oil IMO.
Red 4 said:
james-nr1gn said:
Methods are equally if not more important than products sometimes.
Yup. I like a nicely polished car and keep mine tip top (inc daily driver) but I think there is an awful lot of hype and BS surrounding waxes.I defy anyone to identify what wax a car is "wearing". I've been out there today with a £3 pot of Turtle Wax's finest and the car looks great (although it does get a proper machine polish from time to time). Lots of this stuff (ceramic coatings aside) is overpriced snake oil IMO.
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