Protecting / cleaning a new car

nicjr_2

I take delivery of my new (yes, rapidly depreciating!) car this week. The dealer offered me a variety of treatments such as alloy wheel protection, leather protection and waxing, which totalled around £400. Needless to say, I declined their offer and am now trying to research which products to buy so I can do it myself.

The car's solid white in colour if that makes any difference, and the interior is black leather.

I've read-up about the 2 bucket method and have ordered a set of wool mitts and some buckets with grit-guards.

Any recommendations on leather protection products? What about money saving shampoo/cleaning products for the paintwork?

Kilty_2

Decent car cleaning and moneysaving don't go hand in hand easily - but if you buy quality products the results will definitely save you money in the long run.

I'd recommend a good durable wax for the paintwork like Collinite 476 if you're on a budget - costs about £14 for a tin that'll do the car far more times than you'll actually need to and it's so tough you'll only need to put it on 2-3 times a year.

Shampoo I don't bother much with in terms of buying fancy stuff - Tesco Value Car Shampoo does the job providing you use a proper wash technique

ventureuk

For the paintwork just use this.

http://www.meguiars.co.uk/product/218

It's so easy, spray on and wipe off with a microfibre cloth, creates a mirror glass like finish, leaves no white marks or streaks, is good for four or five washes before it is reapplied and I can do both my cars in half an hour.

Having tried most of the Autoglym, Turtle Wax, Poor Boys etc products this stuff is a true 21st century no effort, brilliant shine, car polish.

Cheapest is on fleabay unless Halford have an offer on.

getmore4less

Look up auto detailing and have it spruced up while still new.

Flying-High_2

Whats the spray new or used cars have? i,e but not scotchguard... Obviously extra coin... Cousin had it done on a used Focus ST... always shining.

Jimx26

I had mine done with Silver Seal, bit of a rip off from a dealer but good stuff and has a 5 yr protection guarantee.

Inactive

I swear by Aldi's own car wash and wax car shampoo.

javajim

Inactive wrote: »

I swear by Aldi's own car wash and wax car shampoo.

I agree, very good results with this.

roddydogs

So exactly what happens to a new car if you dont do anything but wash with a decent car wax/wash? (like me)?

Inactive

roddydogs wrote: »

So exactly what happens to a new car if you dont do anything but wash with a decent car wax/wash? (like me)?

Nothing, it will still shine and it takes no real effort, just keep using your wax/wash on a regular basis.;)

All of this " detailing " stuff is nonsense and a waste of time/money and effort.:)

Strider590

nicjr wrote: »

The dealer offered me a variety of treatments such as alloy wheel protection, leather protection and waxing, which totalled around £400. Needless to say, I declined their offer and am now trying to research which products to buy so I can do it myself.

Nice one

The treatments they offer are purely aimed toward lazy people who can't be bothered to clean their cars and just want something that'll stay clean(ish) for longer.

Clean it once every week or so, use a decent polish, buy some alloy wheel cleaner (for removing brake dust) and use a tyre treatment every month or so.

Best way to clean a car is one panel at a time, sponge in one hand, hose in the other to avoid streaks. Start with the roof and work downwards. Use a different sponge for wheels/tyre's and non-painted trim.

I personally use Mer polish, it's not the best but it does go on wet and polish off dry (which saves enormous amounts of time).