A number of recent threads have talked about how some of the more fastidious among us take care of their cars. I have mine totally detailed twice year (leather care, interior, exterior - the whole works), once in the spring and once in the fall. Between those events, I do like to hand wash my car. But your recent discussions, and a coincidently timed Griot's mail order catalog, has forced me to question care between detailings.

I am not a person who loves to detail. I want the car to look great, be shiny, and clean in between detailings, but I don't really enjoy the process the way many of you do. Some of the products in Griot's seemed to be tailored for people like me, such as the speed shine, leather care wipes, and spray on wax. I know nothing of Griots. and car care for my other cars were a wash soap in a bucket of water, drying and Turtle wax every third wash. What do you all recommend? Thanks

 

I get a full exterior and interior detail two to three times a year. Otherwise, it's a full-service hand wash in my driveway that takes anywhere from 2-3 hours. Being new, the car's paint doesn't need much pampering anyway.

I have never tried Griots' products, though I do see their catalogs every now and then. If your paint is nicely maintained, all you really need is a mist-and-wipe type detailer solution that can wipe off any water marks or missed spots after a nice wash. I use Meguiars Quik Detailer.

Your method sounds like it should suffice. If you don't like spending THAT much time on the car, you can consider calling a mobil wash/detail truck to come by every month or two for a thorough scrub. This is an obvious point, but the cleaner the car is, the easier it is to clean it next time around.

 

Thank Chris. Like you, a couple, 2-3 hours is very enjoyable. I envy the people who enjoy detailing - I am just not that fastidious. I wonder if anyone has experience with the "speed" wax and shine products. Either way, I keep my car reasonably clean. It is in an old detached garage, but even at work it is parked out of the sun. I do drive it most weather, it is not a museum to me. But it is in for the winter so no salt exposure. So the paint should be in good shape. Thanks again.

 

Just get your car fully wrapped in Expell.
Then no need to detail.
Just use some detail spray, after washing, whenever you feel like it.

 

+1

I'll be wrapping mine with Xpel when it arrives. It's great stuff.

 

Griot's products sound perfect for what you are describing.

This should do the trick:

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ortby=ourPicks

Their Interior Cleaner and Window Cleaner with Leather Care wipes should cover the interior upkeep.

 

This is a wide open topic and I'm not sure where to begin. First off, let me admit to being fussier than most and have no problem spending the entire weekend enjoying my "hobby." That said, I did a two bucket wash, decontaminated the paint, nanoskined (clayed) all the surfaces, applied two coats of caranuba wax by hand and treated the leather with conditioner on my wife's X3 in 3.5 hrs. Easy peezy. Generally a two bucket wash which includes thoroughly cleaning the rims & barrels takes 1.5 hrs and I find that to be therapy.

One of the keys is never ever let the dealer touch your paint. Had the car built and insisted (in writing) that the dealership leave my car "wrapped" when it hit the dealership parking lot. It caused quite the stir but in the end I got what I wanted - factory fresh paint untouched by their in house "swirl masters." So because of that, I've not had to polish or compound the paint and it's virtually swirl free. With proper technique, it really doesn't need to be a long and involved process unless you want it to be - 2 hrs tops. You can use soap and water for the wheels and waterless wash the paint and saved 30 minutes if you prefer.

 

For cleaning the interior surfaces including leather
http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-interior-shampoo.html

Window cleaner
http://www.autogeek.net/mg12001.html dilutes 1-10 and you can use it around the house. But the real key to cleaning glass is not the liquid, but rather the towels you use. I've tried them all but....these are the hands down winner. Leaves everything streak free and no lint whatsoever. My wife stole mine and had to reorder. haha.

KIMBERLY CLARK WYPALL Cloths w/Microban - KIM83630
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kimberly-cla...item4d1932d06f

 

I have used waterless was since the beginning. Taking out the hose, soaping, rinsing, drying, putting back hose and all equipment is a hassle and time consuming. Using waterless takes half the time with as good if not better results IMHO. Use lots of microfiber clothes and little pressure and I have had great swirl free results thus far.

 

Thanks all - the array of products makes me dizzy. Your suggestions taking into account who I am and what I really will do is much appreciated. I have faith in the detailers I use. I probably should ask them this question. But reading comments from some of you on other threads, I knew there was a great well of experience right here!

 

Start small. A simple wash and spray wax will do wonders. Then start adding to the routine as you deem fit. You're already a huge step ahead of many by doing a proper service semi-annually.

For a routine wash, and keeping it around 30-45 minutes, here's what we use:

Wash
- get a good quality soap...P21S Bodywork Shampoo

- 5 gallon bucket...make sure it's new/clean and keep it as designated wash bucket
- All-natural australian lambs wool mitt...this will assure you don't get swirls and scratches
- Wheel cleaner and brush....P21S Gel Wheel cleaner and EZ detail brush...the two are a match made in heaven. You'll never have built up brake dust in your wheel barells again. A little goes a long way and a typical 1000mL bottle will last you at least 6 months
- Dry....Use a plush mf towel that 24x36

Spray Wax - my newest favorite product isn't even a wax. Nano technology has changed our industry. A spray nano coating called Reload will amaze you. Simple to use, amazing protection, excellent gloss, and smells good too

Must-have tool - CR Spotless DI Water filter. After you decide that routine above is something you'll enjoy, invest in the CR...no more water spots and it'll get you around 30 minutes with this routine

As for interior, all leather needs is to be hydrated. Just take the same towel you used to dry the car with, and wipe down the entire interior. If you use DI water, nice aspect will be no streaks.

Hope this helps

 

I've used Adam's quick detail spray between details. I apply it right after I've washed the car or if my car has light dust on it. It's easy to apply and gives the paint a glossy look and feel.

 

I have used 3M foam window cleaner and love it, also, as Mo recommends, a water filtration system is a must for a spot free car.
Any good recommendations on wheel dressing? Still trying to find some that I like.

 

Now you've gone and done it! I looked up the Wypall cloths and that raises a whole new set of questions!


A neighbor swears by the Griot's quilted micro-fiber drying towel and uses their spray-on car wash towels for everything, not just spray-on washing. Others in "my hood" use "sham wow" for everything. One even uses a high tech polymer drying towel that swimmers use to dry off that holds something like 10 times its weight in water.


Since we are now on the topic, does any of this matter as long as you use things that are absorbent, soft, and will not scratch?

 

At the risk of quoting the Three Stooges, "hey Moe," thanks for the advice! I will try the nano-stuff. A DI filter might happen, but living in JerZ, heavy metal is everywhere - I am surprised we don't all set off detectors at the airport as it is! So I am not sure it will make that big of a difference. I have used the P21 soap before and will get some more, and the wheel cleaner, as well. Do you use the nano-stuff on the wheels as well?


And sorry to push my luck on questions for all of you, but I have a 3m clear bra on the hood and front (only partial) of the car. Does the advice on anything change because of that?


Thanks everyone. This has been a real education. Again, I don't mind - indeed I like - taking a couple hours out every other weekend or so and washing the car. My back does not like it, but I do. But I want to leave the "details" to those who are detail oriented, while keeping the car looking great.


I appreciate you all not judging me for not being a perfectionist, at least in this, and for being so helpful. This really is a great web - community! I have said it before and, with my car's second birthday just around the corner, I mean it more every day, this has been one of the best parts of owning a great car! Thanks