Basics in Car Cleaning

[Ali 500]

Ok, have read several of the threads on car cleaning and seems to me that it can get very costly and time involved!

I have decided that my new little 500 needs more love and attention than the usual trip to the car wash and would like to know the basic kit that I should have to maintain its look without being fanatical (give me time that might come!) I have given it a quick wash off this morning after less than a days ownership!

Have bought Autoglym car shampoo, super resin polish and ultra gloss protection, microfibre wash mitt and microfibre drying cloth - have ditched my sponge!

How often should I polish the car and how often use the Ultra Gloss?

Also what should I use to clean my alloys?, lots of choice when I looked in halfords different shaped brushes etc

 

[Lloyd71]

Since you've taken it to a car wash a few times, you could probably do with using the Super Resin Polish on it already to give some minor cut to the clear coat and a few bits of filling.

Once you've used this, a decent wax layer will protect the car for a few months and then you just need a decent wash every week with 2 buckets, car shampoo and a wash mitt.

Extra Gloss Protection is used just for filling in swirls and prepping for a wax layer (IIRC) so you can use it under a layer of wax if you like but it's not necessary when RSP has been used beforehand.

 

[Ali 500]

Since you've taken it to a car wash a few times, you could probably do with using the Super Resin Polish on it already to give some minor cut to the clear coat and a few bits of filling.

Lloyd, my car is one day old, hasn't been to car wash (old car was) and want to get into good habits

Once you've used this, a decent wax layer will protect the car for a few months and then you just need a decent wash every week with 2 buckets, car shampoo and a wash mitt. Got the two buckets and wash mitt

Extra Gloss Protection is used just for filling in swirls and prepping for a wax layer (IIRC) so you can use it under a layer of wax if you like but it's not necessary when RSP has been used beforehand.

Have I bought extra gloss in error? do I need to take back and change for a wax? if yes what should I be buying?

also
what should I use to clean my alloys?, lots of choice when I looked in halfords different shaped brushes etc

 

[Andy Monty]

Have I bought extra gloss in error? do I need to take back and change for a wax? if yes what should I be buying?

also
what should I use to clean my alloys?, lots of choice when I looked in halfords different shaped brushes etc

no its fine Extra gloss is classed as a Synthetic sealant (a chemical "wax")
"wax" in its pure form is a natural product

polish the car with super resin polish (avoid getting it on any black textured trim

buff it off


apply Extra gloss (use a foam pad or baby sponge) its like water spread it out thinly all over the paintwork then leave for 1 hour or more (longer you leave it the easier it is to remove) then buff off with a clean preferably micro fibre cloth

 

[Tris Harris]

https://www.fiatforum.com/car-care/188996-basic-guide-how-clean-your-car.html

 

[Lloyd71]

Have I bought extra gloss in error? do I need to take back and change for a wax? if yes what should I be buying?

also
what should I use to clean my alloys?, lots of choice when I looked in halfords different shaped brushes etc

Ah, OK you should be OK with EGP as a last stage product, I didn't know that! Also, I got confused about the car wash thing, sorry! Use SRP on it once and you should be OK to hand wash with the 2 bucket method for at least a few months.

 

[ethancade]

make sure you buy a brand new wash mit and give the car a really good rinse before cleaning to cut down the risk of scratching the paint. I always wash my mit out after every use. Wax will definitely help it continue to look good. I have a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS and I took off the rims and waxed the inside and outside of the rim when I first cleaned it, Its really helped keep some road grime off as well as make it easier to clean.

 

[StiloBoy]

I recommend Megauirs alloy wheel brush! Its a right big one compared to the typical ones in halfords which are all tiny! Works a treat on Stilo Claw alloys, but if you've not got big spokes then it might be too big.

 

[duncs04]

Ok, have read several of the threads on car cleaning and seems to me that it can get very costly and time involved!

I have decided that my new little 500 needs more love and attention than the usual trip to the car wash and would like to know the basic kit that I should have to maintain its look without being fanatical (give me time that might come!) I have given it a quick wash off this morning after less than a days ownership!

Have bought Autoglym car shampoo, super resin polish and ultra gloss protection, microfibre wash mitt and microfibre drying cloth - have ditched my sponge!

How often should I polish the car and how often use the Ultra Gloss?

Also what should I use to clean my alloys?, lots of choice when I looked in

halfords different shaped brushes etc

If ur car is only a few days old n u havnt put your new through a car wash yet surley u shouldnt need to use super resin polish? Polish is an abbrasive n its used as a pain corrector, granted this isnt a very harsh one but if i where u i think id just clay the car to get rid of all the crap from when its been sitting at the docks waiting to be shipped, then wax n seal it n ur car should look pretty good! U dont always have to use a polish!

 

[Lloyd71]

If ur car is only a few days old n u havnt put your new through a car wash yet surley u shouldnt need to use super resin polish? Polish is an abbrasive n its used as a pain corrector, granted this isnt a very harsh one but if i where u i think id just clay the car to get rid of all the crap from when its been sitting at the docks waiting to be shipped, then wax n seal it n ur car should look pretty good! U dont always have to use a polish!

You do if the dealers have been anywhere near it!

 

[Tris Harris]

meguiars plast x