Well I used the last time I had a car worth looking after: which is a while ago I might add. I used to use Autoglym super resin polish and then finish it with Extra gloss protection. That combination seemed to work well. Normally, I just used a normal halfords shampoo or similar with a sponge. (I am old school)
I keep hearing about clay, mitts, and stuff and find myself a bit lost.
Maybe people can explain WHY they use the products they do?
Well where to start lol...
I know everyone has a different opinion on their 'ideal' car prep methods, so this is just my take on it all, it is by no means gospel lol! :tongue_smilie:
I use 2 buckets, one for soap and one for rinsing
I have used Simoniz shampoo from Halfords which was good but I now use Dodo Supernatural and it feels a lot smoother.
I have a Meguiars wash mitt as the deep ply is supposed to keep dirt from being dragged over the paintwork, as happens with sponges - main cause of swirls :thumbdown:
Work a panel at a time - top to bottom - and rinse the mitt before more getting more soap, this stops 'old' dirt being put back on the car.
Rinse
Once done I squeegy the windows and chamois the rest dry so that now marks are left.
I use MuckOff (mountain bike cleaner), a wheel brush and small kitchen sponge for the alloys so that it is done thoroughly. I dont know of much that take rubbish like muck and brake dust off as easily.
Once all this is done it would be time to clay the car but seeing as yours will be new you probably wont need to bother for 6 months.
Next up is polishing I use Lime Prime as it isn't aggressive but gives a good shine. Applied with a microfibre cloth and buffed off with another/other side.
Then my car is waxed with Orange Crush - the car is covered and left for an hour before being buffed off with another microfibre. IMO it gives a really deep look and lasts a bit longer too.
As mine is kept in the garage I can then put Red Mist (quick detailer) on which has to be left until 24hrs after waxing, spray on and buff off jobby, it gives an extra level of protection and makes most crud fall off with a pressure wash. it also gives great beading in the rain for that super cool look.
Im sure that others do it in different ways and they will no doubt share with you but the above method works well for me, and give results like this;
Hope all of that helps in some way...