Calling our resident experts!

[NewNiceMrMe]

Everyone seems to be doing this at the moment, so I'm all for jumping on the bandwagon and requesting specific advice from our resident experts.

I'm very pleased with the results I get from the car products I use at the moment but I may as well ask the ever-so-helpful gang of car cleaning experts what they'd use on my car.

I consider myself rather obsessive when it comes to car care and the car gets treated like royalty every week (or more if I'm at home to do so).

So, here is what I use at the moment. You all know they car (if you don't it's in my signature picture and HERE YOU'LL FIND a link to it in the Gallery).

This is what I currently use:

1. Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt

1a. Meguiars Water Magnet (x3!) for drying

1b. Mass of Pak-whatsit ultra plush towel things

2. Weekly shampoo is Meguiars Gold Class

2b. Weekly top up on this is Meguairs Quik Detailer

3. Car has been Megs Stage 1'd

3b. Car has been Megs Stage 2'd

3c. Car has had 2 x applications of Pinnacle Souveran Wax

4. Tyres are done with Megs Gel

4a. Wheels done with a Towel Wash Mitt every week, then every month they're given a coat of Autoglym Super Resin Polish

5. Exhausts and any chrome is done with Megs Metal Polish (blue stuff in tub)

5b. Leather is cleaned using Autoglym Leather Cleaner

5c. Roof is cleaned with Autoglym Fabric Hood Cleaner and then topped off regularly with Fabric Hood Conditioner/Sealant

Occasionally I'll use Autoglym Intensive Tar Remover to get rid of tar or really bad flies, but thats very rare and even when I do I always re-apply Stage 1, 2 and Pinnacle to the area.

Glass is polished every few weeks with Autoglym Fast Glass.

When polishing I always use 100% cotton cloth and buff with the Pak-whatsit cloths that I now seem to have a mountainous collection of.

So the question is simple - anything I could change for that perfectionist type finish? Or, is there something our experts think I should try as a matter of experimenting to see if I think it's better?

For example - a harder coat on top of the Wax?

Shampoo is something I'd particularly interested in hearing comments on. I spend a lot of time on my car so speed of application/washing/maintenance is not an issue. I'll give it any time necessary.

[NeilB]

If you want a Wax that will last you all through the winter and also leave a very nice finish then Collinite is the product to go for. #845 or #476 will do the job just fine.

[runflat]

WOW, that's one lucky car. I can't add to that MrMe but I have learned a lot thanks. Looking forward to any enlightening replies from our erudite peers.

[NeilScarrott]

Adding to what Neil said, I would very much recommend a durable wax. My choice is now Collinite Marque D'Elegance, it lasts and lasts and will protect your car from the elements.

Sweet car btw

[malagus]

i use a pure carnauba wax, from autosmart called 'carnauba gold' fairly inexpensive IIRC, but really good performance, and fairly easy application. I use it as it seals the polish from autosmart, and it was free. That list seems about the best ive ever seen one man amass, so i cant really add to that Mrme.

[NewNiceMrMe]

Collinite would certainly be a contender for a pre-Winter waxing. The different types puzzle me somewhat though.

I'd like to hear from Johnny, OG, Andy and more if they don't mind!

[badgera]

I started on a similar path to yourself, mainly using the megs 3 stage kit. I was happy with the finish but wondered if I was missing something.

So far (after purchasing a PC) I've been trying sealants followed by Wax.

Since your motor has been well looked after the PC and all the stuff about cleaners and polish isn't relavant, I guess your just looking for the best shine you can get with a little extra protection for winter..

The ultimate combination is often personal preference, but so far I've been using Klassw AIO and SG to seal followed by S100 Wax, though Pinnacle probably edges this out especially on darker colours.

Klasse AIO (All in One) is a Cleaner/slight polish/sealant. It's not abrasive but is certainly a good cleaner - (used it around the engine bay to good effect). You can either work it in to maximise the cleaning effect or just Wipe on and wipe off to maximise the sealant effect.

AIO cannot be layered as it just cleans itself off, so Klasse SG (Sealant glaze) can be used over the top. SG needs to cure for about 24 hours between layers. Again this is a wipe on wipe off application, the thinner the better. Use one of your microfibres slightly damp and folded into a pad. Use a small amount of product, wipe over the surface till your done say half a door then wipe off before it dries. The effect is a little subtle at first but 2 or 3 coats gives a nice shine and plenty of protection.

Then use you wax of choice over the top and you'll be amazed at the shine. Best off all you've created layers of protection so through the winter when the wax is thin you should still have shine and protection.

My motor is a daily driver and sits outside, but the dirt just falls off and it beads excellently. It's been a good few weeks since I topped the wax up, but it certainly isn't losing anything.

I guess poorboys EX-P or Megs #21 are good options for sealants, but so far I'm happy with the AIO and SG.

[OGWT]

By no means an expert resident or not, but you might try a polymer( Zaino) or an acrylic sealant(Klasse or Acrylic Jett http://www.jeffswerkstatt.com/ and then a wax (Pinnicle Souveran or Collinite) If your preparing the vehicle for winter this may help-

Winter Vehicle Preparation:

The vehicle’s paint system, tyres, glass, plastic and other exterior surfaces will be at the mercy of the elements, including wind, rain, sleet, snow, sand, gravel, and road salt. Autumn is your best opportunity to inspect and prepare your car for the ravages of winter, by providing the exterior paint system with a polymer or acrylic protective layer to provide a durable protection.

Your car's paint, tires, leather and rubber trim all need attention, even if you have cared for them all summer. The steps to take;

a)Apply a paint protection sealant (Zaino, Carlack / Klasse) for extreme conditions (Collinite 845 Insulator Wax or 476S Super Doublecoat http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/collinit.htm)

b)Apply dressing to the interior surfaces (especially leather upholstery) Clean and vacuum the carpets (consider a winter mat’s (WeatherTech) for protection of carpet)

c)Clean, treat, and dress your tyres and apply a wheel surface sealant. Spray the inner wheel wells with (Groit’s Satin Black Spray Paint) this will provide a slick layer of protection, which will allow the snow that gets caught up inside there to just fall right off.

d)your wipers to winter grade, and make sure your get the transmission’s oil changed to a winter grade oil.

e)Have your battery and its charging system checked

f)Fill windscreen cleaning reservoir with a quality windshield anti-freeze washer fluid.

If you are storing your vehicle for the winter (See Vehicle Long-Term Storage, Section 17)

JonM

[NeilB]

[ QUOTE ]

Collinite would certainly be a contender for a pre-Winter waxing. The different types puzzle me somewhat though.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll gladly help then

845

This is the liquid wax, well it's not really a liquid as it's more like toothpaste before you shake it. This was designed for use by electric power companies for protection against high voltage power failure, fires and explosions. It is known to be a bit of a bugger to apply evenly by hand, so having a PC would make life easier.

476

This is a paste wax like the one you currently use, but it seems to be a little bit tougher then 845 (about a month or so longer lasting) But what you gain in hardness you will loose in shine, to get the best of both worlds you could apply both and layer them, but it seems a bit too much work for me.

When it comes to removing it in the spring then something like AIO will be needed as it's detergent proof so you wont remove it by washing.

[Brazo]

^^Good post Neil

Them collinite waxes almost make sealants worthless!!!!!

PS don't quote me on the above ;-)

[WHIZZER]

MrMe, All i would add would be a sealent of some sort #21 or ex-p (poorboys) before your chosen wax , this will help with durability. ( collinite is a great wax for this as well but you could try #16 which also last pretty well)

But you look like your doing a good job with what you have got

[Andy_PC]

Looks darned good to me matey! I'd second the Collinite suggestions personally and also pop a sealant into the mix - maybe Meguiars 21 as the car already looks superb and I'd want a sealant in there for added durability if this winter's as cr@p as they're predicting!

As for shampoo, simply avoid the "and wax" types - anything else is fine TBH. I've probably sampled more than 20 and can find not a huge difference between most of them.

HTH

[NewNiceMrMe]

Ok guys, thanks for that. Much appreciated.

So it sounds like a sealant of some form is the thing to do before I next wax the car then.

[badgera]

[ QUOTE ]

Ok guys, thanks for that. Much appreciated.

So it sounds like a sealant of some form is the thing to do before I next wax the car then.

[/ QUOTE ]

You'll probably have to strip the wax off before adding the sealant to make sure it bonds well...

[NewNiceMrMe]

Yes, sorry, I should have said that I'd do a full Wash, Stage 1, Stage 2, Sealant and then Wax.

[badgera]

Good Man!!

[johnss8]

MrMe if you like the Suoveran wax then Wolfgang deep gloss sealant seems to work well and gets good wright ups.

I've put Collinite 845 as the final finish on mine and the water just beads and runs straight off and it was very easy to apply by hand no fuss at all just did what it said 1 panel at a time, adds an extra bit of shine as well.