Autoglym Lifeshine

[dubber36]

There isn't any trick to get the car shiny, it's common sense and not being heavy handed.

The "trick" is not in what product, or how it's applied, real depth of shine comes from meticulous preparation of the paint to begin with.

The issue is, and always will be the slap dash way in which most dealers valeters will initially wash the car, more often than not inflicting swirl damage. There is no point at all in applying glazes, products with fillers like AG Super Resin, then topping it off with a durable wax or sealant if the swirls are still there underneath. You WILL see them when the sun hits them at an unforgiving angle.

To get the very best results the only course of action is to machine polish the marks completely out before applying any form of protection. It's not everyone that has the tools, the time and the experience to do this job well, which is why we are advising using a professional detailer if you want a first rate job.

[Mark V GTD]

I would also chuck into the mix that people asking you to go and hunt out a local detailer aren't highlighting that this may well cost you more than the £200 odd  that you've been quoted for the lifeshine. It's fair to say that the majority of professional detailers will do a better job but they'll also charge you for that standard of work.

Of course they will - and rightly so. The point is if you are already commited to spending a few hundred on paint prep you may as well get a specialist to do it. If there is machine polishing involved, then unless you are in the very small minority of private owners who have the equpment and the experience to do this properly and safely, you need a pro detailer.

[johanr77]

Yeah thats all fine guys if you allow them to wash your car and inflict the swirls in the first place. You don't have to let the dealer wash the car, I didn't and there was barely a scratch on the paint when I got the car. I'm not going to spend £500 having full paint protection done including machining the paint if it doesn't need it.

The fact the OP questioned spending £234 on paint protection I'm assuming he isn't looking for alternatives that could cost him twice as much.

[dubber36]

The fact the OP questioned spending £234 on paint protection I'm assuming he isn't looking for alternatives that could cost him twice as much.

Probably not, but the original question has been answered with a resounding NO. Providing the dealer doesn't touch the car beforehand, a Life Shine kit purchased from ebay for less than £10 and applied at home will suffice, if that's his thing.

As with most topics, this one has digressed into what needs doing to get the ultimate finish and protection.

[Mark V GTD]

I should have made it clear that if machine polishing rectification was needed after paint damage I would be looking to the culprits to pay for that rectification.  If, as it has been suggested (and would also be my preffered route), you simply take any paint prepping/cleaning out of the dealers hands and get it done by a detailer you will be paying the around same amount as the AG application costs anyway!