Couple of questions ; DRLs. Black plastic bits

[Wrex22]

Evening 

Are the led drls supposed to dim when you switch them to side lights and when the indicator is on ?

And what do people use to treat the black plastics ? Also around the windows the thick rubber bits (I've got a 3 door) never seem to comeup really clean or black 

[TurboTrev]

The DRLs dim when I switch my 7R side lights on.  However, on my wife's 7 R-line 1.4TSI which has xenons with drls fitted as a factory extra (so they look the same as GTI and GTD headlights) they don't!

[EricM]

Autoglym vinyl and rubber care is good for the rubber round the windows and windscreen, best to spray it onto a microfibres cloth then rub it on. Darkens the rubber quite a bit.

[fergie7]

Autoglym Vinyl & Rubber Care is pretty good all round, I find Autoglym Bumper & Trim gel is better on the exterior plastics/rubber though as it lasts longer.

I'm currently using Autofinesse Dressle (interior, the honeycomb grill & for the engine bay) and Autofinesse Revive (exterior trim and the rubber around the windows).  Have previously used Aerospace 303 for the interior and engine bay but I'm now running out and it's more expense so will be using Dressle from now.  There is also Carpro PERL which is supposed to be very good.  Pretty much all of these have some degree of UV protection in them as well.

You really need to get the rubber around the windows cleaned up during washing as they seem to attract and hold onto dirt, I find a diluted water based degreaser (like Bilt Hamber Surfex HD) works well when wiped/worked in with a microfibre cloth.  The stuff is magic and you can use it to tackle most of the stubborn grime everywhere on/in the car at varying dilution ratios.

[Booth11]

For regular maimtenance of the black plastics and window rubbers, Aerospace 303 is really good for refreshing black plastics/rubber and is my goto product for these.  It's also excellent for the engine bay.  Apply onto a microfibre and apply to plastic exterior trim or work into the rubber, then buff over with a fresh MF.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/interior/303-aerospace-protectant/prod_366.html

I also treat my window rubber when needed (once a year-ish) with Gtechniq Trim Restorer.  Particularly good for bringing back to black when faded.  Easy to apply with the supplied application pads.

Another similar product which does the same and has good feedback from detailing enthusiasts is CarPro DLUX

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/gtechniq-c4-permanent-trim-restorer/prod_851.html
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/engine-and-exterior/exterior-trim-plastic-care/carpro-dlux-sealant-kit/prod_1103.html

The latter is also brilliant for wheels and wheel arches etc.  Both need to be applied to very clean trim/rubber.  I use Gtechniq Panel Wipe prior to applying to remove any residues on the rubbers.

I've also used AF Dressle and it's ok, but IME Aerospace 303 is better.

[boydeee]

Evening 

Are the led drls supposed to dim when you switch them to side lights and when the indicator is on ?

And what do people use to treat the black plastics ? Also around the windows the thick rubber bits (I've got a 3 door) never seem to comeup really clean or black 

The DRLs should dim when switching to sidelights or dipped beam. I think they legally have to due to them potentially dazzling other's when it is dark

[Wrex22]

Thanks, what are the durability of these products like; AF revive and aerospace 303

[Booth11]

Thanks, what are the durability of these products like; AF revive and aerospace 303

They are not very long lasting (months and months) and need fairly regular top up. 

[Wrex22]

Thanks

With regard to the LED drls mine don't dim on the side lights setting. Is this right?

[itavaltalainen]

They should on factory settings. If they don't probably feddled with.
I kept factory setting for DRL at 100%, sidelights up to 70% from 26% factory and 100% for full beam flash.
Set them to dim to 26% when indicators come on thou.