You obviously need to get the cars ceramic coated. Wheels are done too. Takes the pain out of cleaning. It really does.
Car wash
- Thread starter Philc57
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D
Deleted member 65149
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I have been considering it. I probably need to be a little less OCD and not go to the trouble of cleaning behind the spokes on the wheels and inside the wheel arch lips every time.
I still do that. But with a glass finish it's a doddle.
Wish I could wash cars as fast as you mate!! Cars looks spanking too
What kind of cost does ceramic coating doing? Been seriously mulling this over recently, especially with winter incoming.
lastfan
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I had a new car protection with ceramic done in the last month - I did a post about what it entailed - that was £500.
If the car isn't new and it will needs paint correction probably around £800 as a lot more work needed.
Sure there're cheaper around and more expensive - tip seems to be unless you are experienced in it's application, ceramic is best done by a specialist in their workshop to ensure it is done correctly. I certainly wouldn't have 'had a go'
Just cleaned mine today first time, rinse - snow foam - rinse - two bucket wash - rinse + tyres and glass. The ceramic saves a shed load of time, and looks a million dollars.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
I had a new car protection with ceramic done in the last month - I did a post about what it entailed - that was £500.
If the car isn't new and it will needs paint correction probably around £800 as a lot more work needed.
Sure there're cheaper around and more expensive - tip seems to be unless you are experienced in it's application, ceramic is best done by a specialist in their workshop to ensure it is done correctly. I certainly wouldn't have 'had a go'
Just cleaned mine today first time, rinse - snow foam - rinse - two bucket wash - rinse + tyres and glass. The ceramic saves a shed load of time, and looks a million dollars.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
That's really helpful, thanks!
V6GBJ
Active Member
Go for it! My current SL is the first ceramic coated car I've owned and there's a huge difference in cleaning ease compared to my others, past and present. The SL was done when new and still gleams 4 years and 29K miles later.
Get yourself some Wheel woolies, that'll decrease your wheel cleaning time
D
Deleted member 65149
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I have them and would be lost without them. It's my OCD that increases the time it takes!
relentlessgeek
New Member
Great pictures. As an obsessive if untalented amateur detailer, I love beading. I am endlessly mocked at home for trying to pass on my enthusiasm
Alex225
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- CLS63 AMG
In some respects a car wash isn't the worst thing in the world, it gets the car clean, it's cheap and it's usually convenient. That said it's not sympathetic to the paintwork and if you care for swirls and what chemicals go on your car then it's best avoided.
I remember buying a brand new car in 2006 (which I still own) and vowing that I would wash it myself so initially stocked up on Meguiars products, a mitt etc. It spiralled from there and all sorts of other products followed.
Obviously products have moved on a lot with various coatings and products being easier than ever to apply. I'm still fairly old school in that I like to detail the car myself and use sealants and waxes. Despite having a vast collection of kit you only really need to spend £100 to get a really good selection of products and a handful of extra bits and pieces.
I remember buying a brand new car in 2006 (which I still own) and vowing that I would wash it myself so initially stocked up on Meguiars products, a mitt etc. It spiralled from there and all sorts of other products followed.
Obviously products have moved on a lot with various coatings and products being easier than ever to apply. I'm still fairly old school in that I like to detail the car myself and use sealants and waxes. Despite having a vast collection of kit you only really need to spend £100 to get a really good selection of products and a handful of extra bits and pieces.
UrbanM
Active Member
I avoid car washes - unless its -10C outside and I am desperate.right here goes for an ear bashing
Used car bought from main dealer in June with the starguard cover on paintwork and interior ,
Up until now I've had it washed by our local car wash people at our local supermarket .
I've been told this is a bad idea because of the paint protection
Question am I doing wrong and will it be damaging to the paintwork ?
I've never really been into cleaning cars
D
Deleted member 126251
Guest
I had a new car protection with ceramic done in the last month - I did a post about what it entailed - that was £500.
If the car isn't new and it will needs paint correction probably around £800 as a lot more work needed.
Sure there're cheaper around and more expensive - tip seems to be unless you are experienced in it's application, ceramic is best done by a specialist in their workshop to ensure it is done correctly. I certainly wouldn't have 'had a go'
Just cleaned mine today first time, rinse - snow foam - rinse - two bucket wash - rinse + tyres and glass. The ceramic saves a shed load of time, and looks a million dollars.
Hope that helps, and good luck!
How does it save time if you have to do all those steps. I do exactly the same & I don't struggle to get (the remaining) dirt off with the wash-mitt during the 2 bucket phase so I'm struggling to understand how it is any quicker! I also have a water filter so don't need to dry the car either.
If I could rinse, snow-foam & rinse or wash less often, I'd see that as a timesaver.
Y3CHR
Active Member
I must admit i do find the cars much easier to maintain with the ceramic coatings. Wouldn't say they are effortless but the dirt and grime does seem to fall away much easier.
Some good products (don't have to cost the earth) and a decent pressure washer will keep your car perfectly presentable.
I seen the work that went into mine and admire the patience a detailer has, not something i could see through to the end.
Some good products (don't have to cost the earth) and a decent pressure washer will keep your car perfectly presentable.
I seen the work that went into mine and admire the patience a detailer has, not something i could see through to the end.
Alex225
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- CLS63 AMG
Any well protected surface should repel dirt better than a bare panel. I have always found that cleaning a well protected car is that bit easier than a car that's clearly got no protection applied at all. My CLS63 has a coating but my other cars were either waxed or sealed (or both) and all are similarly dirt repellent.
I'm not sure it necessarily reduces the amount of time it takes to wash the car as you still need to prep, pre-wash and wash it properly.
What would be a real time saver would be a contactless wash whereby you pre-soak the car, pressure wash and let air dry to be left with a clean car. Sadly, bit of wishful thinking on that one! haha
I'm not sure it necessarily reduces the amount of time it takes to wash the car as you still need to prep, pre-wash and wash it properly.
What would be a real time saver would be a contactless wash whereby you pre-soak the car, pressure wash and let air dry to be left with a clean car. Sadly, bit of wishful thinking on that one! haha
