Got a new car, how to take care of detailing?

[JulesMaximus]

Arite. Done with the beater car where I did the $4 wash at the gas station every few weeks.

I have some auto fanatic friends who will tell me to get a high pressure 1500 psi wash or and those foam soap sprays. Like all that is nice, but how can I get by for like a low budget? Asking them is like if someone asked me to build a new computer. I just can't buy super cheap components. So anyway, I figure I'll ask here.

Any good cheap kits out there to clean my car and to keep it clean?

I was looking at http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Compl...0972740&sr=1-9

Car wash soap, a bucket, and a hose works for me. Why the hell would anyone use a 1500psi sprayer to wash a car? Completely unnecessary IMO.

When you get to detailing it I like Meguiars products. I try to wax my car at least twice a year. Four times would be better but really, who has the time?

 

[SparkyJJO]

Use an electric leaf blower if you want to avoid any oily exhaust residue gunk stuff from a gas powered one. It isn't like you're going to be walking across the yard with it so I would think an electric one would be better and a lot less maintenance if you're just drying a stationary car.

 

[alkemyst]

Use an electric leaf blower if you want to avoid any oily exhaust residue gunk stuff from a gas powered one. It isn't like you're going to be walking across the yard with it so I would think an electric one would be better and a lot less maintenance if you're just drying a stationary car.

except most electrics don't blow enough.

 

[alkemyst]

The Mr. Nozzle fireman's nozzle is probably the best I have used...I have tried Bonaire, Griots, etc...esp if you have marginal water pressure.

 

[7window]

Why would you use gas blower electric is enough

 

[alkemyst]

actually most electrics are not really enough. Many gas blowers also aren't enough.

 

[Howard]

except most electrics don't blow enough.

Enough for what?

 

[7window]

Enough for what?

The electric was enough for my car.

 

[thescreensavers]

actually most electrics are not really enough. Many gas blowers also aren't enough.

I use an electric one its works just fine.

 

[alkemyst]

I don't think you guys are really getting the water out of the areas with electric blowers.

Feel free to post up on a detailing forum if you don't believe me.

 

[NutBucket]

Leaf blowers are for kids. The pros use an air compressor.

 

[alkemyst]

Leaf blowers are for kids. The pros use a Metro Air Blaster.

FTFY, if you really use an air compressor; what kind of 'attachment' is your blower?

 

[alkemyst]

OP also that kit on Amazon is a pretty decent starter pack. I like Meg's...I use some other products though as well, but their waxes/polishes and tire care are my go to's.

For interior upholstery/carpets: Detailers Paradise/DP

For plastic protection and cleaning: 303 cleaner and 303 protectant

For Leather: Tanner's Preserve, Lexol, and Leatherique for major overhauls and long term maintenance.

I'd join Autopia.com and meguiarsonline.com

Autogeek.net is a great site for products.

If you plan on keeping up with your car, 128oz concentrates and products are a great value. This is a list of my orders from them over the last 4 years:

I put in italics items I wouldn't buy again.

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Qty Product Code - Product Name Price
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 LQ-KIT2 - 32 oz. Leatherique Kit 79.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: 79.99
Tax: 5.60
Shipping & Handling: 0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 85.59
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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Qty Product Code - Product Name Price
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 SR-25-GP - 25 QTY Scraperite Blades and 1 Razor Holder 7.99
1 MF-79BL-K - Microfiber All Purpose Wheel Washing Kit 24.99
1 GG-UPW - Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer 134.99
1 CUP-240108 - 3 QTY 1 oz. Measuring Cups 1.00
1 DSM-1000 - Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush 29.99
1 B-25-691 - Contour Tire Brush 6.99
1 WG-DISC - Clay Disc for the Polishin Pal (Disc Only) 9.99
1 GG-1010BL - The Grit Guard Insert - Black 9.99
1 GMP-7601 - Glass Master Pro Glass and Surface Cleaner 19.99
1 autopia - 10% savings -24.59
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: 221.33
Tax: 17.21
Shipping & Handling: 0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 238.54
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty Product Code - Product Name Price
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2 E-623Z - Edge 2000 6'' Blue Duraform Pad 30.00
2 E-624Z - Edge 2000 6'' White Duraform Pad 30.00
1 D-15501 - 128 oz.Meguiars Last Touch Spray Detailer 19.99
1 M-13501 - 128 oz. Meguiars 135 Synthetic Spray Detaile 29.99
1 D-12001 - 128 oz. Meguiars Glass Cleaner Concentrate 25.98
1 MC-79GL - Gold Plush Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt 9.99
3 COBRA-600JR - Cobra Deluxe Jr. 600 Microfiber Towel, 1 23.97
2 X-2000 - Meguiars Water Magnet 19.98
1 FF-100-3 - 3 QTY Cobra Flex Foam Tire Dressing Applica 12.99
1 PRO-308 - Pro Blend Bottle Proportioner 128 oz. 5.99
1 D-11101 - 128 oz. Meguiars Shampoo Plus 17.99
1 G-81-207 - Fire Hose Nozzle 19.99
3 SP-36-3 - 3 QTY Detail Spray Bottles ( 36 ounces ) wit 47.97
6 SM-GB3001V8 - Spraymaster Trigger Sprayer 25.98
1 autopia - 10% savings -32.08
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: 288.73
Tax: 22.46
Shipping & Handling: 0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 311.19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty Product Code - Product Name Price
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1 G-81-207 - Fire Hose Nozzle 19.99
2 EIN-961105 - 1Z Einszett Klima-Cleaner AEROSOL 29.98
6 AG-GP - Gallon Dispensing Pump 21.96
1 CO-850 - Collinite Metal Wax # 850 16oz. 9.99
1 W-893540 - 16 oz. Wurth A/C & Heating System Treatment 19.99
1 autopia - 10% savings -10.19
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: 91.72
Tax: 7.14
Shipping & Handling: 16.95
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 115.81
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Qty Product Code - Product Name Price
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1 DP-391 - 128 oz. DP Carpet Extractor Pre-Treatment 39.99
1 DP-311 - 128 oz. DP Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner 49.99
1 E-BFSRED - Red Bufferstick Wheel Polishing Tool 14.99
1 BR-800-2200-0 - Brinkmann Maxfire Dual Xenon Rechargea 27.99
1 B-54223 - Recessed Wheel Lug Nut Cleaning & Polishing 7.99
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: 140.95
Tax: 0.00
Shipping & Handling: 0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 140.95
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty Code Product Name Price
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2 E-624Z Edge 2000 6'' White Duraform Pad 30.00
2 E-726605 Edge 2000 6 Inch Red LSP DuraFoam Pad 30.00
1 B-15 1" Round Detailing Brush 7.99
6 COBRA-JR Cobra Deluxe Jr. Microfiber Towel 30.00
1 COBRA-500-6 6 Qty Cobra Indigo Microfiber Polishin 29.99
1 detailcity 10% savings -12.79
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: 115.19
Tax: 8.06
Shipping & Handling: 0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 123.25
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty Code Product Name Price
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1 G-12310 Meguiars Plastx Clear Plastic Cleaner 6.99
1 M-1008 Meguiars #10 Polish 9.99
1 MFC-500-6 6 Qty Cobra Yellow All Purpose Microfi 19.99
1 SP-36-3 3 QTY Detail Spray Bottles ( 36 ounces 12.99
1 PC-830 Aqua Soft Carpet Brush 14.99
1 OXO-37481 OXO Crevice Tool 7.99
1 303-30570 128 oz. 303 Aerospace Cleaner 35.00
1 303-30350 32 oz. 303 Aerospace Protectant 19.99
1 303-30650 32 oz. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard 19.99
1 FBK-080 Forever Black Bumper & Trim Dye Kit 11.99
1 MDT-300-12 12 QTY Cobra Microfiber Detailing Clot 29.99
1 STO-92164 Stoner Invisible Glass Pump Spray 5.99
1 B-296 Two Way Mini Detailing Brush 3.99
1 M-2164 64 oz. Meguiars #21 Synthetic Sealant 39.99
1 G-14422 Meguiars Ultimate Quik Detailer 10.99
1 G-81-207 Fire Hose Nozzle 19.99
2 COBRA-WW1627 Cobra Waffle Weave Microfiber Glass To 15.00
1 detailcity 10% savings -28.58
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: 257.27
Tax: 18.01
Shipping & Handling: 0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 275.28
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Qty Code Product Name Price
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1 LC-46-205 Paintwork Clay Pad Applicator 17.99
1 LC-GPS-PRO Professional Glass Polishing System 34.99
1 E-6IN5PK The Edge 6 inch Wave Pad 5 Pack 79.99
1 E-9535 Edge2K Drive DA Adaptor (Porter Cable 17.99
1 LC-43-148DA 6'' D.A. Hook & Loop Flexible Backing 18.99
1 clubmember 10% savings -15.20
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Total: 154.75
Tax: 10.83
Shipping & Handling: 0.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL: 165.58
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If you have excellent water pressure and are 'gentle', the $19.99 fireman nozzle above is nice.

The Clayworks pad for a machine polisher was not worth it, do your claying by hand.

The Detailer's Paradise Carpet Extractor Pre-Treatment requires a HOT WATER extractor. Also it didn't provide much of a difference than Folex (at Home Depot) and DP's normal carpet cleaner.

Red Bufferstick Wheel Polishing Tool, I never used. It was a product I didn't fully trust over doing it by hand.

303 Fabric Guard I worried about affecting the upholstery esp. seating surfaces. If I had kids I'd give it a go, but I am pretty clean when I drive and if I am dirty I throw on a seat protector or towel first.

I like the Shampoo Plus car wash...Hyper Wash is more economical, but not as lubricating.

Meguiar's 135 Detailing Spray is much like Ultimate Quick Detailer to me. Last Touch is more lubricating for dirty days and works great with a 1:1 water mix for a clay lube.

All the Cobra Microfiber products are great bang for bucks. The 'yellows' are my disposables.

A lot of the Wave pads I bought I rarely use. The red, white and blue are pretty much all I have needed.

I really like the Clay Magic Red and Blue product line. There was a shop that had comparable products in bulk much cheaper, but they no longer sell it.

I bought my Porter Cable 7424 for $99 with the 7336's 6" counter weight and a hook and look backing plate from CoastalTool. They don't show up on many 'shopping searches'. They are offering the 7424XP for $125 now in the same deal.

http://www.coastaltool.com/a/port/7424xp_polisher.htm

I also like the "Absorber" product for drying. You have to be careful with it though as there is no buffer if you pick up something that can scratch.

 

[Howard]

Leaf blowers are for kids. The pros use an air compressor.

Let's hope someone remembers not to use an oiled one, then.

 

[Kalvin00]

Odd that only one person mentioned ONR in this thread, seeing how great it is.

An $18 bottle of Optimum No Rinse + $10 in microfiber sponge/towels and you are set.

$15 bottle of Optimum Spray Wax to go with it.

Wash and wax your car in an hour.

 

[NutBucket]

I would use ONR for a quick touch up...I can't see using it if the car is filthy.

 

[disappoint]

I would use ONR for a quick touch up...I can't see using it if the car is filthy.

I mix a bit in with the car wash soap for a filthy car. It helps lubricate the sand/dirt off the paint.

 

[QueBert]

I'll probably get laughed at for saying this, but I have great luck with my Mr Clean Autodry. I'll use it + a nice liquid wax that doesn't require buffing and my car comes out looking great. I know they stopped making the Autodry but you can still get the refills online. Imho it did an amazing job considering you don't have to dry anything except a few nooks here and there.

okay y'all flame away

Hummm I wanna try this ONR I see mentioned but it looks like it's only for sale online, shoot any B&M stores sell it? I need to wash my car before Monday if at all possible and would love to try this product out.

 

[Don Karnage]

When i want mine done i just pay someone to do it. If i only had the time to do it myself

 

[Blieb]

No Zaino lovers?
http://zainostore.com/

 

[wirednuts]

I'll probably get laughed at for saying this, but I have great luck with my Mr Clean Autodry. I'll use it + a nice liquid wax that doesn't require buffing and my car comes out looking great. I know they stopped making the Autodry but you can still get the refills online. Imho it did an amazing job considering you don't have to dry anything except a few nooks here and there.

okay y'all flame away

Hummm I wanna try this ONR I see mentioned but it looks like it's only for sale online, shoot any B&M stores sell it? I need to wash my car before Monday if at all possible and would love to try this product out.

auto dry was actually a decent product. nothing groundbreaking, but it just had a good water filter that would trap the particles that would normally dry and stick to your paint. my brother (who is very smart and doesnt like any products) said the autodry worked surprisingly well- just saop, scrub and rinse with the autodry. excellent results.

 

[soccerballtux]

One of the biggest pains in hand-washing is the drying. If you don't do it fast enough or miss areas you get waterspots (unless you have awesome water..)

Get yourself a leaf blower. You'll get 90% of the water off much faster and even get it out of areas you couldn't with a towel (seams and door handles for example). Plus it's 1 less thing touching your car.

Obviously it works better when your car is kept waxed so the water beads off real easy.

warning: may get you funny looks from neighbors

wow that's a genius idea

 

[soccerballtux]

Unless it picks up a rock

that's why they called it a rock blower :sneaky:

 

[QueBert]

auto dry was actually a decent product. nothing groundbreaking, but it just had a good water filter that would trap the particles that would normally dry and stick to your paint. my brother (who is very smart and doesnt like any products) said the autodry worked surprisingly well- just saop, scrub and rinse with the autodry. excellent results.

I liked it too, kind of bummed they discontinued it, doesn't even seem like they gave it enough time to catch on. I loved not having to dry my car. It's weird how I don't mind scrubbing my car at all, but I always hated the drying part lol. And while I have no scientific proof, the special Mr Clean soap seemed to be pretty good. I have some higher end Meguiars, and I thought the Mr Clean soap cleaned comparably. But it was pretty pricey considering how small the bottle was.

 

[SandEagle]

i regret getting a black car. took it through a carwash, supposedly soft cloth, and see some minor scratches. wish they had a touchless laser wash around me