body and interior Car Wash/Detailing products...what are you using?

[jrhone]

Just curious. What products are you guys using to keep your 02 looking good. I have used mainly Meguirs for all my cars but looking to see what's out there. I like the idea of the new waterless wash and wax products but how good do they work?  I saw a mothers and meguirs product. Also tire shine and if the waterless systems are not good what's good for the best shine and ease of use?  Thanks!!

[KenH]

There are probably many products that work well and will get the job done.  I was mainly a Meguirs guy but transitioned to Adam's Polishes.  Years ago I got some free samples and they seemed to work well.  Besides working well most of the products smell good.  

 

One of the newer products is a wheel cleaner.  This stuff works great.  Spray it on a dry rim, use a brush to get it all over and let it do it's job.  After a minute or two the product will start to turn purple.  After that simply spray down with a hose.  This product isn't going to do miracles on bad rims but will quickly keep nice rims nice. 

 

If my cars are not too too dirty I'll use a waterless wash product.  Sort of a funny name as you still use water.  Two buckets one with waterless wash added and a rinse bucket.  Using a waffle towel wipe in one direction.  Refold the towel and used till all quarters are dirty.  Throw it in the rinse bucket and reload in the waterless bucket.  Repeat till the car is clean.  I've found it works well as long as the car isn't too too dirty.

 

I used a form gun on a dirty car.  Once the car is all foamed up I again use two buckets one shampoo and one rinse.  Once clean a quick final rinse with the hose and then use a master blaster to blow dry the car.  Before you laugh at blow drying the car try it first  You can get all the water out of the cracks and not have drips all over the place.  I wouldn't use this technique on a car with bad paint.  The master blaster could blow off loose paint if you are not careful.  Oh don't let loose of the hose, at me how I know hehe

 

That is what I've been doing and I'm happy with the results.  I'm sure others have their favorite products and techniques.

[tomphot]

I had used a huge number of products over the years - 4 years ago, a friend turned me on to Zaino products.  I haven't turned back.  After the initial process, I do believe the cars don't get as dirty and when I do wash them, the filth almost all comes off with just a spray.

https://www.zainostore.com/

[revolve40]

Griot's speed shine is my go-to.

[TobyB]

Dishes soap is mine.

 

Lemon yellow for regular use,

blue Dawn for a really greasy mess.

Used babydiapers with the perimeter stitching ripped off (it's usually polyester)

 

Oh, and 3M glaze every few years

 

hee

 

t

Edited September 4, 2016 by TobyB

[tedwardcairns]

I use Ammo products for both interior and exterior.. Pretty amazing stuff

ammonyc.com

 

 

Ted

[bobthomas]

On 9/3/2016 at 9:53 PM, tomphot said:

I had used a huge number of products over the years - 4 years ago, a friend turned me on to Zaino products.  I haven't turned back.  After the initial process, I do believe the cars don't get as dirty and when I do wash them, the filth almost all comes off with just a spray.

https://www.zainostore.com/

 

I agree with your points.  I've been using Zaino products for 15 years or so & don't have a need to try anything else.

[jgerock]

I'm not picky with car wash soap. I buy Meguire's in the big container when it goes on sale - or ask for some for Christmas from my sister.   It tends to rain after I wash a car.

[adawil2002]

I use Zymöl products, they work and smell great. For waxing I use HD Cleanse to clean the paint then red correction wax really makes Vern pop. This year I had him professionally detailed, then did the HD/Red treatment, he's never looked better. 

 

My friend who's a pro detailer has told me use whatever you like or what's on sale, it doesn't really matter.

[Ian]

I started with Zymol many years ago, but I hate detailing, and it didn't last long enough, it seemed like I had to wax about every couple of months.  About 10 years ago I switched to Zaino, which is awesome stuff; a great shine and I only needed to wax twice a year.  It even got through salty NE winters with no trouble.  Then last year at a BMW club event we had a demonstration of C.A.R. products.   Holy cow, their stuff is amazing!  I used their Bulletproof Exterior Coating, which is supposed to be good for two years.  So far after 10 months it still looks like I just applied it, and I plan to use it once a year.  The C.A.R. product is easy to use and looks great, so I have found my next "detailing-for-those-who-hate-detailing" product.

Edited September 5, 2016 by Ian

[theNomad]

I've always wanted to take the plunge with Zaino, maybe now that I have the 2002... or maybe a simple waterless system? Recommendations?

 

I keep it in the garage and it doesn't rain much here, won't be driving it in the rain anyhow, not after I took the time to dry the car out from its Portland life...

 

Any tips on how to handle leaking windows while washing? All windows seem to leak and I don't want a puddle forming under the carpet just from washing.

Hence the CA car duster and a waterless option...

[John_in_VA]

27 minutes ago, Ian said:

I started with Zymol many years ago, but I hate detailing, and it didn't last long enough, it seemed like I had to wax about every couple of months.  About 10 years ago I switched to Zaino, which is awesome stuff; a great shine and I only needed to wax twice a year.

 

Discussing detailing products is like discussing oil - everyone has an opinion on what is best. There are many fine products, from the major suppliers to the boutique blenders. Synthetic/nano/sealant products have come a long way, afford incredible durability, and are getting good at producing good depth of shine as well.

Zymöl has some great waxes, but wax isn't meant to be particularly durable - it's a protective, sacrificial layer on your paint.  I don't believe Zaino offers any wax products - they tend to be polymeric sealers.

Select a brand/system/supplier, follow their directions, and you should be able to obtain good results.

[MikeD]

On 9/3/2016 at 9:00 PM, jrhone said:

Just curious. What products are you guys using to keep your 02 looking good. I have used mainly Meguirs for all my cars but looking to see what's out there. I like the idea of the new waterless wash and wax products but how good do they work?  I saw a mothers and meguirs product. Also tire shine and if the waterless systems are not good what's good for the best shine and ease of use?  Thanks!!

Since discovering the Adams product line a few years ago, I have used nothing else.  I love the waterless car wash.  It works very well.  I must admit that my 2002 doesn't get that dirty but when it is time to wash it I only use Adams waterless car wash.  With the rust issues our cars have there is no need to help it along with a hose.  Make sure you use the correct towels when you use the waterless wash.  As John said you will get many differing opinions on this.

[laundromatt]

I could use some tips or pointers on how to clean up the chrome on the car, especially the bumpers.  It's not completely pitted, but it has "spots" that are not necessarily dirt/grime.  I've tried steel wool, brass wool, aluminum foil, and chrome polish, but haven't had much luck.  

 

What do you all do?