Metallic black car care products, advice please

[tazflecks]

I swore I would never have another black car, but how the memory fades!
Last week I bought myself a nearly new metallic black Golf. Its the first decent car I have had for years so no more monthly visits to the local Polish £3.00 car wash. Yesterday I took a trip to Halfords for some car cleaning products. Help....can anyone please tell me the best products to keep this lovely car looking decent. I am not seeking a show car finish, just affordable, easy low maintenance. Thanks.

[PJ S]

Well, if you must use Halfords, then Autoglym EGP, but it needs 24 hours between layers, so that might not appeal.
One online option, among a plethora, is Optimum Optiseal - wipe one, walk away.
Of course, before you get to than point, you will need the obligatory high pressure washer, foam lance, snow foam, two buckets, a good lambswool wash mitt, and a couple of microfiber drying towels. Then there's the wheel brushes, cleaner, and wax/sealant, tyre dressing, and applicators, interior cleaner, glass cleaner, and cloths.

So, not much change from 5 grand there!
In all seriousness, spending a couple of hundred up front for the like of that lot - the bulk on the washer and lance - will keep you on the right track for many years to come.

An alternative to the Optimum is Werkstat - something I've only used the once, and will be getting soon enough for my own arsenal of products.
You'll get good advice and it from www.polishedbliss.co.uk - but don't overlook Ben at www.carnaubawaxshop.co.uk too for advice and other products he caters for.

[diesel piston]

tazflecks said:

Help....can anyone please tell me the best products to keep this lovely car looking decent. I am not seeking a show car finish, just affordable, easy low maintenance.

I just know someone will rubbish the suggestion(usually by people who`ve not even tried it) but give `Proshine/Showroom Shine` a try.
I`ve spent literally a fortune on detailing products for my met. black Jaguar and eventually found that either of those used with a little common sense give a finish as good as anything.

[E21_Ross]

tazflecks said:

I swore I would never have another black car, but how the memory fades!
Last week I bought myself a nearly new metallic black Golf. Its the first decent car I have had for years so no more monthly visits to the local Polish £3.00 car wash. Yesterday I took a trip to Halfords for some car cleaning products. Help....can anyone please tell me the best products to keep this lovely car looking decent. I am not seeking a show car finish, just affordable, easy low maintenance. Thanks.

i've just made a thread about "general cleaning and caring" or something along those lines. has some really, really good products to use. i've been using the autoglym shampoo for years now, and it is good. i'll be moving on to something else when it runs out but i'd recommend it for starting out. super resin polish is a good filler polish too for doing it by hand.

i wouldn't recommend the EGP, it only lasts about 6-8 weeks, in winter maybe even less. use the car lack long life sealant, one application will see of a whole winter and it will still be beading water at the other end. that, along with the collinite wax will last 6 months to a year!

Edited by E21_Ross on Saturday 1st May 17:03