Total Beginner - Help Needed
Discussion
Hi Guys,
I have a black 5 door M135i. The paintwork is to my eye ok but not fantastic. I have thought about getting it ceramic coated but that's another day possibly.
Where I need some advice is what products to use for my car. I'm not an expert and so easy to use and cost effective are the main priorities. I have a Karcher, foaming lance and that is it. No buckets, sponges or mitts.
So buckets x 2 I presume?
What sort of mitts?
As for products I'm thinking some sort of snow foam, iron remover and then a shampoo. So 3 max to limit initial outlay and time taken to clean.
Is drying vital for a black car?
TIA.
I have a black 5 door M135i. The paintwork is to my eye ok but not fantastic. I have thought about getting it ceramic coated but that's another day possibly.
Where I need some advice is what products to use for my car. I'm not an expert and so easy to use and cost effective are the main priorities. I have a Karcher, foaming lance and that is it. No buckets, sponges or mitts.
So buckets x 2 I presume?
What sort of mitts?
As for products I'm thinking some sort of snow foam, iron remover and then a shampoo. So 3 max to limit initial outlay and time taken to clean.
Is drying vital for a black car?
TIA.
For a basic set up you'll definitely want two buckets and at least the rinse bucket with a grit guard.
I'd recommend a couple of microfibre wash mitts. Wool mitts are good but require hand washing where as I chuck my microfibre ones in the washing machine.
Microfibre drying towels for drying (obviously haha) but I'd recommend having 2-3 so maybe get a pack. These can also be machine washed once you've used them. You'll definitely want to dry the car once it's washed or else you'll get some serious water marks showing, especially bad on a black car.
As for products, get a good shampoo first and foremost. I wouldn't worry about Iron removers just yet, get the basics nailed and it'll make a real difference.
Personally if you're not yet looking to polish and wax/seal the car get the above bits and pieces, get some tyre shine to finish off the clean look and go from there.
Hope that helps.
I'd recommend a couple of microfibre wash mitts. Wool mitts are good but require hand washing where as I chuck my microfibre ones in the washing machine.
Microfibre drying towels for drying (obviously haha) but I'd recommend having 2-3 so maybe get a pack. These can also be machine washed once you've used them. You'll definitely want to dry the car once it's washed or else you'll get some serious water marks showing, especially bad on a black car.
As for products, get a good shampoo first and foremost. I wouldn't worry about Iron removers just yet, get the basics nailed and it'll make a real difference.
Personally if you're not yet looking to polish and wax/seal the car get the above bits and pieces, get some tyre shine to finish off the clean look and go from there.
Hope that helps.
All good advice from Alex_225.
Wilko do a good line in microfibre clothes at a great price.
In terms of products you can start with a shampoo, polish and wax. Once you get up to speed you may want to use auto clay for removing contamination that won’t shift with a wash mitt.
At the moment I’m using Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner, Autoglym Super Resin polish and either Meguiars Quik Wax Spray or Bilt Hamber Double Speed Wax if I have time. But there are loads of products out there and everyone you ask will have a different view - just try a few & see what works for you.
All the best.
Wilko do a good line in microfibre clothes at a great price.
In terms of products you can start with a shampoo, polish and wax. Once you get up to speed you may want to use auto clay for removing contamination that won’t shift with a wash mitt.
At the moment I’m using Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner, Autoglym Super Resin polish and either Meguiars Quik Wax Spray or Bilt Hamber Double Speed Wax if I have time. But there are loads of products out there and everyone you ask will have a different view - just try a few & see what works for you.
All the best.
Forgot to mention pre-rinse, wheels etc, etc.
Anyway, these guides might be of use:
https://www.autofinesse.co.uk/detailing-and-car-ca...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/995...
https://dodojuice.net/pages/tutorials-a-guide-to-d...
Why don't you post some pics when done?
Anyway, these guides might be of use:
https://www.autofinesse.co.uk/detailing-and-car-ca...
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/995...
https://dodojuice.net/pages/tutorials-a-guide-to-d...
Why don't you post some pics when done?
Westy65 said:
Wilko do a good line in microfibre clothes at a great price.
I definitely second Westy's point here too. You don't need expensive microfibres so the Meguiars ones, despite being good are pricey! I've not used the Wilko ones but I'll check them out when I'm next passing. Alternatively if you know someone with a Costco card, they do big multi packs of clothes that are great value.
Few basic ones.
Wheels and arches first.
When cleaning glass pick either up/down or side to side for the outside and opposite for inside. This way if you leave any smears it will tell you on which side of the glass it is.
Follow dilution ratio's, better to go with 10:1 than think it's not working and hit it at 2:1 and cause chemical damage.
Take your time.
It's your car, pop some headphones in, relax and enjoy washing your car in some me time.
Wheels and arches first.
When cleaning glass pick either up/down or side to side for the outside and opposite for inside. This way if you leave any smears it will tell you on which side of the glass it is.
Follow dilution ratio's, better to go with 10:1 than think it's not working and hit it at 2:1 and cause chemical damage.
Take your time.
It's your car, pop some headphones in, relax and enjoy washing your car in some me time.
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