[anthonyd]

[start free product plug]
I highly recommend Meguiar's products.

I've been using them for over 8 years and they are nothing short of brilliant. When ever I have briefly switched to another product I have been disappointed.
[/end free product plug]

I'd get:
Washing
* Lambswool wash mitt
* Good bucket (min 15L)
* Trigger hose with multi-use head
* Car Wash that doesn't add wax, but it very slick so you glide over the surface (I recommend Gold Class Car Wash or #62)
* Soft bristled alloy wheel brush (too stiff and it will scratch the wheels)
* Tire gel to make them black (not silicone as it seals the rubber, rather than protecting AND adding gloss)
* Non-acid alloy wheel cleaner (I recommend #36 from Meguiar's)
* Mirco-fibre drying towel (these won't scratch the paint when drying and soak up heaps of water)
* Rubber window dryer (use on windows ONLY)
* Ammonia-free window cleaner

Detailing/protecting exterior
* Foam applicator pads (at least two)
* Either 1-step Polish and Wax or get separate steps if you have the time. (I recommend either Meguiar's NXT Tech Wax - 1 step or the Meguiar's Deep Crystal System for 2 step)
* A bunch of micro-fibre (terry cotton) detailing towels (at least 4 towels)
* Plastic/rubber protector (something not silicone based)

Interior
* Cloth and trim cleaner (preferably something citris based as while it cleans it adds a nice smell)
* Leather cleaner/conditioner for steering wheel and gaitors + leather seats
I don't use much else in the interior as I find the dash takes care of itself and simples needs a clean rather than an application of other products.

I think I've covered the basics and I'm sure someone else will add either way.

All up I'd expect you to spend about AUD200 to get the above stuff in decent quality.

 

[Keeval]

Hi have to say Meguiar's is the way to go.. not cheap but well worth it. I first started to use them on my Black Civic Type-R, I've never looked back since. And damn, was that a difficult car to keep clean.

-Keeval-

 

[Tatt]

So Ben, when do I book mine in then!

 

[spokey]

Just thought I'd add my vote for Meguiars. I'd never heard of the stuff, but the guys in the Z register all swear by it too. So I got some and tried it, and I'm very impressed.

Not that I ever wash my cars, though.

 

[Keeval]

Not that I ever wash my cars, though.

Hehe - same here. I think I've used the stuff on my 1-Series once, I generally am in a hurry so I take it down to the local hand-carwash at weekends. The lads down there usually do a damn good job.

-Keeval-

 

[Ikki]

Bucket of soapy stuff, cloth, hose with trigger jet spray, BMW wheel cleaner, microfibre cloth to dry and a very dirty car.

 

[debug77]

Has anyone had the Supaguard treatment? My dealer tried to flog me this for £300. After looking on the web I've found places that do it for £150. It looks nice... Are there any alternate treatments, not necessarily cheaper one, but just so that I know whats about?

 

[Nolz]

I've previously used Armour all for my dash and plastics in my previous cars and never really liked that shiney finish bit was convinced that it did keep the dash looking fresh and new (once the glossyness wore off) so I was very happy to find that they now havea a LOW SHEEN version of that same protectant!

It leaves the dash and interior plastics rejuvinated without looking blindingly glossy.

Other than that one product everything else I use now is Meguiars and am very happy with it. Over here there is a slight premium for it but I do beleive it is well worth it.

I want to make note of the Meguiars gold class leather protectant/cleaner stuff I used it last week and even though the car is only 2 months old in my hands, the treatment did leave the car looking even better!....LOVE IT!

 

[EdwardNR]

Hi all

Thanks for all the advice guys :worship1:

I'm not a fan of spending all of my limited time off work washing the motor, but I do like it to look good so I thought I would get what I thought was a bare minimum.

Had not heard of Meguiars but you all seem to recommend it so I went to the local Halfords and picked up;

- Gold Class Shampoo
- Gold Class Wax/Polish (1 step)
- Lambswool was mit (superb!!)
- Detailing applicator pads (for polish, I think)
- Microfibre cloth (for polish but used it for drying!)
- Wheel cleaner (the purple one!)

Which came to over £60! I will get a better drying towel when they have some in stock but the Microfibre cloth I have works just fine now anyway - just a bit small!

Gave the car it's first was yesterday but didn't have time to wax. It looks very good but it didn't pass the glass test as above!

Can anyone explain what the 'clay' is and when you apply it? e.g. before or after shampooing?

 

[TommyD]

I have to admit to never having heard of this (clay), and frankly, wouldnt have believed it had i not read this article.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention Ben, very interesting.

I dont get a whole lot of time to do much other than wash my car, but i think i must have a look at these Meguiars products, then spend some more time on the car now that the evenings are lasting longer.

 

[debug77]

For those in the UK, I just found this place that sells Maguires products. Not only that they do starter packs (I get the feeling a few of us want to buy a complete set of their stuff!) which have a 10% discount over the individual prices. Not ordered from them but probably will unless someone points me at anywhere cheaper:

http://www.drivenincar.com/shop/products.php?g1=6c0f0e&g2=27fe4e

(also if anyone finds any good packages for the NXT stuff...)

 

[debug77]

Thanks for that Ben.

I noticed that most sites seem to sell it at RRP and offer free p&p, but that one in particular offered a discount when you buy the kit. I did find one site that offered the individual items cheaper than RRP, but their site was terrible and you had to enter your credit card details over an unencrypted page. No thanks!

Thanks for the link to Meguiars (no idea why I didn't check there before). I think I'll try and find a local dealer and pay them a visit instead.

 

[coreying]

I've previously used Armour all for my dash and plastics in my previous cars and never really liked that shiney finish bit was convinced that it did keep the dash looking fresh and new (once the glossyness wore off) so I was very happy to find that they now havea a LOW SHEEN version of that same protectant!

I just wanted to say that I don't share the same like of Armour All.
My father used it for years and years on numerous cars. Have you ever seen a car which has a 'hazey' film on the inside of the front windscreen ? It just wipes off with your finger, but still. Ask them if they clean the dash with Armour All - chances are they do! The sun vapourises the armourall and leaves this film on the windscreen.

Use on black plastics is also bad - over time it causes them to develope a milky look after the Armour All has washed off

Stick with Meguiars products etc

 

[TommyD]

coreying, Thanks for that bit of info on Armourall. I use it, and have a film on my windscreen, which i couldnt understand where it was coming from - now i know.

 

[pandamulo]

i follow your advise and i bought a complete set of meguiar's product but i have some trouble with 2 of them:
1) Gold Class - Bug & Tar Remover: i applied on wet car, waited 30 sec and then used a dry sponge. After that i normally washed the car but not all bug were removed and it left white patch on the paint. How i have to use it?
2) Classic - Endurance High Gloss, i applied with a thin square sponge but tyres aren't so shine, what can i use to apply it?
thank's

 

[debug77]

pandamulo, I think that's what I use (2) for my wheels and to be honest, I just spray it on and leave it. I did start applying it with with a cotton cloth but it didn't seem to do a thing, so I tried leaving it, and it works well. You may have to wipe the drips off the alloys though.

Has anyone used any Poorboys stuff? I've been using Meguiars over the last year, quite reliably, but am hearing that Poorboys World products are quite well and as my Meguiars are gradually running out I was wondering if it was worth trying them?

 

[pandamulo]

debug77 my product for tyres isn't spary, is gel so we haven't the same one

 

[TommyD]

debug77, Wow mate, you've been through a car or two since i last saw you on this forum. Nice to see you've ordered a 120d again.

Will you be gracing us with your presence again for a while?

 

[debug77]

Lol hey Tommy! Yeah, I think I might stick around for a while Nice to see a few familiar friendly faces!

 

[pandamulo]

i follow your advise and i bought a complete set of meguiar's product but i have some trouble with 2 of them:
1) Gold Class - Bug & Tar Remover: i applied on wet car, waited 30 sec and then used a dry sponge. After that i normally washed the car but not all bug were removed and it left white patch on the paint. How i have to use it?
2) Classic - Endurance High Gloss, i applied with a thin square sponge but tyres aren't so shine, what can i use to apply it?
thank's

nobody can help me?