Car Care Products

[centurian]

Thanks for all the advice folks, much appreciated.  Especially like the advice about the cleaning mit as opposed to a brush - pretty obvious choice now it's been pointed out but the mit would never have occurred to me if this forum had not mentioned it!

Jimble - your link below has helped a lot - but it suggests to use a sealant before a wax -I though the wax was a sealant?

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=66113.0

 Thanks

[scarr89]

Wax is acts a 'sealant' as it forms a barriers on the outside of your car so it seals the paint work in from the elements. But wax and sealants work in different way.

Wax is basically like rubbing a candle all over your car to get a thin layer all over your car so there is a barrier between your paint and the wind/rain.

Sealant 'bonds' to the paint work and has more to do with the chemical composition of the sealant, which then repels dirt. compared to WAX which is basically just wax, ie not many chemicals.

I think that is correct, best way I can put it for ya 

And YES you can apply both a sealant and a wax, in which case you would apply the sealant then the wax to give your self uber protecion. However really only 1 is required when coming to the last stage protection LSP of your car.

[Jimble]

Yes mate the correct combination would be:*

1) Wash (2 bucket method)
2) Clay (rubbing a clay bar over the paint with a lube to remove contaminates)
3) Wash
4) Dry
5) Polish
6) Seal
7) Wax

Seems a lot but you'd only have to do points 2,5 and 6 every three to six months or so dependent on conditions, and i know you may not be able to do it but spend a little more as better products will last soooooo much longer and so is more cost effective.

* This is my opinion that not everyone will agree with.

[centurian]

Last thing (I think) - claying is totally new to me - I realise a clay lubricant is needed for this process but is it something I could do myself, having no experience of the process?  (Have seen reports that you can damage paintwork if not careful)
 

[Jimble]

I thought the same the first time i tried it! The more agressive the clay is then the more effort will be required when polishing to remove "marring" BUT if you use a very light clay then you won't do any harm, i just use the Meguirs smooth surface kit which you can pick up from Halfords, better kits are available but i found it a good way to start.
Just a light mist of lube or quick detailer with half a bar warmed and flattened in the palm of your hand and gently rubbed over the surface is all it takes, then rub your hand over where you've done and it should feel smooth as glass ready for polishing, if not use a little more pressure untill your happy.

It is really really easy.

Hope this helps mate.

[centurian]

Fair point,

Will be pricing up some products later.  One I had just about decided on as it seesm suitable for both paintwork and alloys is C845 but a review on another website stated it's only really suitable for lighter coloured vehicles - and my car is black...

Almost forgot - interior cleaning - is the method of cleaning determined by whether or not the cloth interior is 'regular cloth' or 'alcantar' and how do you know what type of interoir you have?

[Jimble]

I'm not too sure about cleaning interiors mate, for the most part mine just needs a good vacuum!
Alcantara is like short haired suede and i would imagine needs different care to normal cloth, some clever bods on here though not least this sections mod Guy, i'm sure you'll get an answer.

[tg1]

fk1000p is good for paint, wheels and windows, 17 quid a tub from cyc.

dont worry about if c845 is for lighter cars, doesnt mean it wont work on your black car.