Quality Cleaning & Protection

[jsg612]

Hi Guys,

I'm not a massive poster on here but contribute occasionally where I can... I've had a read around this section and looking for some specific help I'm sure someone can assist with. Basically I have a new car that's covered 5,000miles that I've only ever washed with a bucket and mitt. What I'd like to do is protect the paintwork whilst it is still new to ensure that it stays this way for a long time and also in a few months time ready for winter.

I was hoping you guys could recommend me a basic car cleaning and protection 'kit list' and any tips on application for the products. I know there are reams and reams of threads on this kind of stuff, but I'm not looking to spend a massive amount on exotic polishes and detailing equipment, just a few select products that are of good quality.

I'm a fan of Auto Glym products and don't mind spending that kind of price range on products that Auto Glym falls into - I just don't really know which to choose and what to do with them.

Basically I'm looking for something to clean the bodywork, a glossy wax coat to protect it and also some kind of wax to seal my wheels and keep them deep gloss. Currently, the extent of my cleaning involves a bottle of Shampoo and some Tyre Shine from said manufacturer which both I'm very impressed with. Like I said earlier, I'm not looking to detail my entire car, but just some good quality protection.

If it makes any difference, my car is anthracite metallic grey and the wheels are metallic silver (painted, not polished).

Thanks for taking the time to read this and I appreciate your advice!

Cheers!

[belleair302]

Here are some must have items....

Two buckets with grit guards

A sheepskin mitt

Dodo Juice Born to be mild shampoo.

A couple of good fluffy drying towels.

A decent hard wax....ie not a cream. Again Dodo Juice, just because of the price

For the interior, some all purpose cleaner for plastics and to clean your tyres.

For the trim (not leather) some Einszett Interior detailer.

Autoglym for the glass

Einszett rubber and vinyl dressing for the tyres

For around £50 you will have all you need to keep a car looking good for a fair few months and many washes.

[jsg612]

belleair302 said:

Here are some must have items....

Two buckets with grit guards

A sheepskin mitt

Dodo Juice Born to be mild shampoo.

A couple of good fluffy drying towels.

A decent hard wax....ie not a cream. Again Dodo Juice, just because of the price

For the interior, some all purpose cleaner for plastics and to clean your tyres.

For the trim (not leather) some Einszett Interior detailer.

Autoglym for the glass

Einszett rubber and vinyl dressing for the tyres

For around £50 you will have all you need to keep a car looking good for a fair few months and many washes.

Wow, perfect thanks... Could the Dodo Juice wax be used for the wheels too?

[domster]

Dodo Juice Supernatural Hybrid wax would work as a wheel sealant, and the Dodo Juice Purple Haze Pro and Blue Velvet Pro waxes would also suffice. But the other paste waxes have a more natural basis and cannot resist braking temps.

[RJB_666]

I can second how good stuff from the dodo is. I use both born to be mild and also sour power for shampoos. Have you thought about claying? Although it's new it will still help. I use bilt and hamber clay, although you do not need a clay lube i use dodo born slippy. As you probably don't want to polish too much dodo's lime prime lite preps the car well for wax. Wax wise i have used banana armour and supernatural hybrid which is fantastic. Easy to use and the beading qualities of it are unreal.

[domster]

Lime Prime may be simpler to use than Lime Prime Lite for those getting into detailing - it is quite unforgiving if left on paint, whereas Lime Prime 'original' is a bit easier to get good results from

Lime Prime Lite does, however, make a good mild cleanser for removing water spots/tar/bugs whilst leaving a durable wax or sealant coating beneath it (largely) unscathed.

[RJB_666]

domster said:

Lime Prime may be simpler to use than Lime Prime Lite for those getting into detailing - it is quite unforgiving if left on paint, whereas Lime Prime 'original' is a bit easier to get good results from

Lime Prime Lite does, however, make a good mild cleanser for removing water spots/tar/bugs whilst leaving a durable wax or sealant coating beneath it (largely) unscathed.

Sorry i thought lime prime lite would have been easier, my bottle of normal lime prime is to be opened next week when i'm off work Happy to hear it's easier to get good results from.