Paintwork protection

marancat

Hello.... I am recently retired and so money saving is more important to me than ever. I have just changed my old car (mot results suggested this would be wise!!) and want to keep my new (second-hand) car in good condition for as long as possible. The car dealer offered something called 'GuardX' to seal lthe paintwork and 'scotch guard' the interior. But it would cost £169.00 so I declined.
Can anyone advise me about the best way to care for car paintwork and interior? All suggestions gratefully received. Thank you.

anewman

There's a forum called detailing world http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/ where this sort of stuff is discussed, but beware you'll end up spending loads of money . I think you made the right choice as those protection things dealers sell are generally only sold to make them lots of money. They also would probably not have prepared the car paint surface properly and it wouldn't have looked too good.

If you're on a budget, I would probably go for a good wash using a good quality shampoo that does not contain any wax additives (people recommend using a lambswool mit instead of a sponge, but I don't think it matters, do NOT use washing up liquid). Then use some detailing clay with detailing spray (these come in a box together) probably cheapest here http://www.motocare.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=567&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1 you just spray onto the paint and draw the clay across the surface of the paint - you do not need to push or use any force. Then give the car a quick wash again. Mask off the edges of any rubber or plastic components that meet with the paintwork (you can get scotch masking tape specially made for this purpose) - and then use something like Autoglym super resin polish which will help bring up a shine and fill any imperfections. Next step would then be to use something like Autoglym extra gloss protection - cheapest here (liquid hardwax is the trade version) http://www.fasteronline.co.uk/Autoglym-autoglym-liquid-hardwax-p-3271.html?osCsid=6fcc736e06eacb870af4094311e73da3 and do 2 or 3 coats of that. Then lastly use something like Collinite 476s which is probably the most durable car wax available, give it maybe 2 coats of that.

Conor_3

Cannot recommend Autoglym enough. Their car shampoo foams up well but when you put it on the car with a sponge, it's like water and you think you've not put enough in. End result is that it does a damned good job of cleaning and you don't end up with loads of soap scum smears as you do with the normal stuff.

maniac886

anewman wrote: »

There's a forum called detailing world http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/ where this sort of stuff is discussed, but beware you'll end up spending loads of money . .

That comment is so true... I have spend over 100 notes on megs/autoglym stuff and now got myself a Karcher pressure washer and lance. The website is bleeding me dry!:rotfl:

P.S Getting some snow foam next!!

maniac886

Conor wrote: »

Cannot recommend Autoglym enough. Their car shampoo foams up well but when you put it on the car with a sponge, it's like water and you think you've not put enough in. End result is that it does a damned good job of cleaning and you don't end up with loads of soap scum smears as you do with the normal stuff.

When I first used the Autoglym bodywork shampoo i though I had not put enough into the bucket as it was not foaming that much..but once i had given the car a scrub and washed the residue off it had done a damn good job!

P.S OP get yourself a microfibre washmitt. Never use a sponge...you will scratch the car to death!:money:

vikingaero

You can Scotchguard the interior with a can of Scotchguard for about £6 from John Lewis.

wyze

Dont confuse your wax with your polish - they are very different things read this! Get it wrong and you can ruin your paintwork.;)

I totally agree with using a lambswool wash mitt - if you are careful you will avoid those swirl marks on new car paint that look so annoying in the light. I have also used meguiars NXT tech wax and found this to give a better finish than many waxes.

vansboy

I'm a fan of www.meguiars.co.uk products. Easy to use & a first class finish,.
Far better than any dealer add on product.

The Autoglym range does have a strong following, too.

The Detaling World link is a goods place to see some REALLY well presented examples!!

VB

marancat

Gosh - I have a lot to learn! Thank you all so much for the welcome advice. I have noted all the websites you mention and shall check them out. Shall also get the microfibre mitt as suggested - only have an old sponge at present. Thanks again.

AdrianHi

More modern cars have "environmentally friendly" water based paints. Sadly these paints pick up swirl marks and micro scratches so much easier than older cars with oil based paints.
To minimise the introduction of these marks it a "lambs wool wash mitt" or similar synthetic and microfibre drying towels for drying the car off. Sponges and chamois leathers are evil on this kind of paint work.#
To futher help use the "two bucket" washing method. One bucket soapy water, one fresh water for regular rinsing out of the dirty wash mitt, before re-soaping in the soapy water. Also work from the top of the car down using strokes along the length of the car.
Autoglym products are good, especially on silver and pale colour cars and super resin polish contains fillers and has a mild cut to it to help temprarily hide soem swirls marks.
On a dark colour car Duragloss products give a long lasting wet look, are pretty cheap and easy to use. I have some photos of my car before and after a pro-detailer used these products (including clay barring and swirl mark removal) on my dark blue car if it's of interest.

wyze

Bird Guano is a big paintwork killer. REMOVE Immediately. Is it me or do they aim for shiny "just washed" cars