Best product for the infrequent car washers

[Stripey]

There is no argument that a clean car looks better than a dirty car. Fact! I never clean my cars by hand but, if one day I get round to it (or at least feel like adding to a car wash finish) what would be the best product to use? Bear in mind that ideally I'd like just one product that goes on a normally washed car without any special preparation.

I'm thinking some sort of wax effect that can offer some shine and dirt/water repellant. I've chucked a load of demon shine on cars in the past but it doesnt seem to last that long. Will other products last longer? Demon shine is easy though.....no rubbing, just squirt it on and let it dry.

I'll have some time off over Christmas so that might be my cleaning opportunity! I suddenly felt the urge to embrace a sparkling car when I visited a VW showroom the other day with the Mrs (who's now looking for a 2nd hand Golf) and all the cars looked so good when really shiny.

 

[Stripey]

40+ views on this post and apparently no-one who washes their car with any info to share?! I dont believe that!

Any views welcomed - Xmas is coming so if i'll need any new products, I need to get my requests in soon.

 

[jivemonkey2000]

I would say Gtechniq products are highly rated on here.

More specifically C2v3, it's an easy to apply paint protection product which does a very good job for very little outlay. I applied it to my Mk6 once I learnt of its existence and very impressed: Dirt doesn't stick, looks very slick, and a quick shampoo wash restores it back to pristine condition.

 

[Avanti]

40+ views on this post and apparently no-one who washes their car with any info to share?! I dont believe that!

Any views welcomed - Xmas is coming so if i'll need any new products, I need to get my requests in soon.

TBH I probably saw the thread but once BEST is included, I often don't reply in the thread.
Ok so I don't know what is best, and I don't buy into the durability shite as many products are durable, some wax products are oily sticky, products that do lend themselves to easy washing of the panels are AG HD, 3M showshine, Artemis Wax Seal, MER Hybrid wax, R222 100% AG EGP Carplan Seal and shine, there are others , those are just some I have in my personal collection there are others and not all of them offer a easier cleaning surface, at present I'm using R222 100% on a white car it's not the most durable or cheapest, artemis wax seal, Mer Hybrid and 3M show shine are worth a punt as the budget is not to high (under £20) and they last and will last the winter. What you ultimately end up with is going to be up to you. Perhaps FK1000 (I have FK2685) or collinite 476, but I found the 476 fell far short of the mass hysteria, I have not tried FK1000 and won't do unless somebody gives me some to try.

 

[DW58]

I would say Gtechniq products are highly rated on here.

More specifically C2v3, it's an easy to apply paint protection product which does a very good job for very little outlay. I applied it to my Mk6 once I learnt of its existence and very impressed: Dirt doesn't stick, looks very slick, and a quick shampoo wash restores it back to pristine condition.

I can't endorse these products highly enough, they're truly fantastic.

 

[DW58]

There is no argument that a clean car looks better than a dirty car. Fact! I never clean my cars by hand but, if one day I get round to it (or at least feel like adding to a car wash finish) what would be the best product to use? Bear in mind that ideally I'd like just one product that goes on a normally washed car without any special preparation.

I'm thinking some sort of wax effect that can offer some shine and dirt/water repellant. I've chucked a load of demon shine on cars in the past but it doesnt seem to last that long. Will other products last longer? Demon shine is easy though.....no rubbing, just squirt it on and let it dry.

I'll have some time off over Christmas so that might be my cleaning opportunity! I suddenly felt the urge to embrace a sparkling car when I visited a VW showroom the other day with the Mrs (who's now looking for a 2nd hand Golf) and all the cars looked so good when really shiny.

Sorry Stripey, I somehow missed this thread.

By detailing standards I'm a rank amateur, but I do like a clean car, but also one which needs minimal maintenance.

Something which is often missed is the fact that a clean and properly protected car stays cleaner. Give your car a glossy finish whether by using Wax of better still a good modern sealant, dirt finds it harder to adhere, and what does adhere is easier to wash off.

Another misconception is that treating your car well is expensive. If you use the right products it needn't be. I use almost exclusively G|Techniq products - yes, it's that name again - they don't cost the earth and they do the job as well as any and better than most.

G|Techniq.com

 

[le0n1]

The most important thing when you wash your car is the pre-wash.
Surfex is a very good degreaser and I can highly recormend it.
http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/surfex-hd-all-purpose-cleaner-degreaser.php?cPath=82

Use a preasure washer and rinse before you go on with bucket and mitt wash.
A good qualty mitt like this: http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/bilt-hamber-auto-mitt-premium-lambswool-wash-mitt.php?cPath=21_60_61 and a good soap like this who is my favorite: http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/chemical-guys-glossworkz-gloss-enhancing-shampoo-16oz.php?cPath=57.

When the car is clean you can apply a wax. I like this one a lot because it's longlasting, easy to work with and cheap: http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/collinite-845-liquid-insulator-wax-detailing-kit.php?cPath=66

Remeber to buy some good microfiber to wipe off the wax and a good drying towel to dry the car.

You can find it all on http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/ and http://www.shinearama.co.uk/.

 

[Stripey]

Thanks for the info guys.

I know DW58 likes a certain product but I looked at one website and it said I had to do a bit of preparation to use the c2v3 so wasnt sure if it was too 'hardcore' for me! I may convert to a more regular cleaner if I like the results!

 

[Stripey]

Took the plunge.....ordered Gtechniq g5 coating for glass and g4 glass polish (which I'll also use on my shower screen) and then some sonax xtreme brilliant shine detailer for the paintwork. Oh and a proper drying cloth.

 

[GTD184]

This is what I clean my cars with.....as the transfer implies, this machine is an "animal" and no dirt or grime stands in its way!

Stripey you need never have to clean your car by hand again if you get one of these, ever!

 

[DW58]

Is that a Pressure Washer - not familiar with the Kärcher Animal.

 

[Avanti]

It looks like a steam pressure washer.

 

[Stripey]

I would get a pressure washer again but I cant park my car close enough to my current house to be able to use one!

 

[Wolksvagen]

This is what I clean my cars with.....as the transfer implies, this machine is an "animal" and no dirt or grime stands in its way!

Stripey you need never have to clean your car by hand again if you get one of these, ever!

Does this come in tungsten grey?

 

[GTD184]

Does this come in tungsten grey?

.....I would prefer Limestone Grey......joking aside yes they have replaced the yellow Karcher range with a dark grey colour.

It's a Karcher HDS 745 Eco Commercial 240v electric diesel/kerosene Cold/Hot wash and steam pressure washer. I have a Karcher snow foam twin nozzle lance for prewash soap application from onboard 16 litre detergent tank and steam nozzle for engine bay cleaning.

I have had it from new and can confirm it is a superb piece of kit that comes into it own at this time of the year...especially for wheels and wheel arches and as my Audi A4 Avant is white it makes cleaning easy work