[Ashok]

Here's what I use on my Carbonblack car (a notoriously difficult colour to maintain). Works great for me:

After washing & drying:

(1) Meguairs Quik-Clay (to remove ingrained muck)
(2) Zymol HD-Cleanse (to remove swirl marks & scratches)
(3) 3M Imperial Hand Glaze (to fill swirls & deepen colour)
(4) Meguiars NXT Wax (for a tough & long lasting shine)
(5) Zymol Carnuba Field Glaze (for that final gleeem)

Do this two or three times a year and your car will thank you

 

[Ashok]

The full works (as listed above) takes about 5 hours in addition to the wash time, but you really only need to do this a few times a year. The whole car can be waxed with NXT in about half an hour which is what I do about once a month - keeps it in top condition.

The thing you want to avoid when washing is introducing scratches & swirls on to the paintwork. This happens when grit is trapped against the bodywork as you scrub. Sponges are best avoided - get a good wash mitt - it should have a soft deep pile. Rinse it out thoroughly using clean water as often as possible whilst washing. Also, don't use dish detergent as it strips the wax off the car, use a dedicated car shampoo.

At all costs avoid those automatic car wash machines!!

 

[078]

To wash I use nothing but a good deep pile woolen wash mit. For drying I use a good quality chamois & never in a circular motion. This is done every fortnight or so. Every 4 months it gets a nice Kitten (non cutting) wax polish.

After that, relax for a week.

 

[078]

To wash I use nothing but a good deep pile woolen wash mit. For drying I use a good quality chamois & never in a circular motion. This is done every fortnight or so. Every 4 months it gets a nice Kitten (non cutting) wax polish.

After that, relax for a week.

All sounds solid to me. Any advice on cleaning the alloys

You can get specialised Alloy wheel cleaners. My understanding is that they are quite corrosive for obvious reasons. Personally I use a kitchen type brush with plenty of car wash which is usually the type that gives a gleaming finish as opposed to a wax based finshed.

 

[078]

Sounds like sound advice - I think I'll get one of those brushes for the 141s as they look a bit fiddly

Just make sure you get a brush with plastic bristles. You know, a standard kitchen washing brush. I have seen some that resemble a scourer. Needless to say you stuff up the look of the Alloys.

 

[078]

Ahhh, a scourer on alloys - just the thought of it makes me cringe

I have seen the damage they can do & yes it makes you feel quite ill. :| No it wasn't my car.

 

[078]

To wash I use nothing but a good deep pile woolen wash mit. For drying I use a good quality chamois & never in a circular motion. This is done every fortnight or so. Every 4 months it gets a nice Kitten (non cutting) wax polish.

After that, relax for a week.

Yes sheepswool/lambswool mitt for me too. I suggest you also try a microfibe Waffle weave drying towel, these are very soft, absorbant and much kinder to the paint than chamois. In fact I only use microfibre cloths now.

Submariner

MMMM. I'm interested What brand microfibre waffle drying towel do you use Submariner?

 

[078]

Interesting hosing off technique Submariner. When I think about it it makes perfect sense. However, won't be able to use that here for a while as we have water restrictions due to the drought. Have been washing the car at a car wash (uses recycled water) using a high pressure hose. Definately get's rid of all the grime.

 

[078]

On my way home I purchased a Sabco brand microfibre waffle thing. Will give it a try over the weekend hopefully.

 

[078]

In this 'Cleaning Products for your car' section there is a thread for 'Alloy Wheel cleaners'. Just noticed it. :|

 

[078]

Thanks for the link Submariner. May try & find some of the products here in Australia

 

[Ashok]

The best microfibre towels I've found are made by Zymol - definitely thicker and softer than others I've used (e.g. JML).

They are available from John Drake at

http://www.johnswax.co.uk

Top bloke that John

 

[babybmwadmin]

The best microfibre towels I've found are made by Zymol - definitely thicker and softer than others I've used (e.g. JML).

They are available from John Drake at

http://www.johnswax.co.uk

Top bloke that John

Mmm, me thinks a quick email to John to see if any babybmw discount is available... :chin:

 

[078]

Today I bought a Meguires 100% Lambswool wash mit. Super soft & tight in texture. Cost me A$26. :|

The old one was getting near it's used by date. I'll use that now to clean up under the wheel arches.

 

[Zobster]

I'm planning to get a decent jet washer. that way I won't get any swirls on the paintwork because I'll never actually need to touch the car. Can you get jet washers for the home that wax as well? That would be good.

 

[Zobster]

Are home jet washers generally a bad idea then? Never had one so have no idea.

 

[S9KSY]

Are home jet washers generally a bad idea then? Never had one so have no idea.

In the past few weeks, I think either in AUTOEXPRESS or AUTOCAR magazines, there was an article about jet wash.

They showed some striking tyre walls damage that could be easily inflicted with home jetwash

You can't see damage unless you look carfully. And boy, the damage is quite frightening.

Didn't read that properly as I don't have and do not intend to have a jet wash.

Anyone to elaborate?

JELLOO

 

[babybmwadmin]

It's "common" knowledge that a jet wash can damage the sidewalls of tyres.
Ben

the last thing you want to do is damage the sidewalls of run flats.

The sidewalls are reinforced......the whole point of run flats