Mets gold class

[Ratski]

So with the purchase of my new gti I get it that I have to spend a bit on the detailing

I have a bottle of megs gold class shampoo and liquid wax left from my old car

The main point I've learnt so far is to ditch the sponge for a lambs wool mitt

However I don't have all day to clean so can anyone add to the following basic clean each week...

1. Pressure wash/hose down
2. Using mitt clean with megs gold class and dry with micro fibre
3. Protect with liquid wax every 3-4 washes

Are there any steps I should add or products that are essential? Haven't got too much cash/time.

I have a large bottle of wonder wheels as well but not sure that's best for my monzas

I should add that autoglym lifeshine was addeD by the previous owner in approx 2011

[dragonfly]

Consider using the 2 bucket method to wash the car (one bucket full of your shampoo solution and the other with clean water). After cleaning each panel wash the mitt in the clean water before going back to the shampoo.  Grit guards are also very useful.  This propose will help reduce scratches on the paintwork.

Invest in a proper fluffy drying cloth.

Liquid wax is fine for a quick going over but consider a paste for better durability and protection.

Wonder wheels is fine for the occassional wash but is very acidic.  Try something like Billberry which is milder and has excellent cleaning properties.  Use a different mitt/sponge for the wheels and consider a wheel wax.

Also worth trying is a diluted shampoo mix as part of your pre-wash to help break down the dirt or snowfoam.

All that leaves is dressing the trim, tyres and glass.

[Ratski]

thanks!

where does autoglym srp come into it,
is this a polish to improve shine BEFORE a wax like gold class should be applied on top or instead of the wax?

[dragonfly]

The newer revised formula version of SRP is apparently better and reduces dust by a big margin.  The polish comes after the wash and before the wax.

The key is follow the instructions and use the right amount of product.  Too much will be a pain to remove and cause even more work.  Also don't use SRP on hot panels or in direct sunlight unless you are very quick in applying and removing.

As with drying - invest in decent foam pads to apply products and fluffy microfibres to buff.

If you get the foundation right then you'll be pleased with the end result.

[Ratski]

cheers
ok last question
halfords have 3 for 2 on autoglym products through the website

is srp really worthwhile investing time and money in as an additional stage?
i can pick up some more shampoo at the same time with the current deal they have on but not sure how worthwhile it will all be

[dragonfly]

If you are on a budget then yes get some SRP. Polish creates the shine and wax enhances the protection.

[Ratski]

Purchased some autoglym srp today, great product

My question is how important is it to apply a wax over the srp, or can I just leave it as is?

[dragonfly]

No you need to wax after a polish.