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re: Car detailers - what are your suggestions for things that WORK!

Posted on 9/13/23 at 7:32 pm to
Posted by bayoubengals88
LA
Member since Sep 2007
21479 posts
Posted on 9/13/23 at 7:32 pm to
There’s a great subreddit for auto detailing.
Posted by ELLSSUU
Member since Jan 2005
7714 posts
Posted on 9/13/23 at 8:28 pm to
German car brake pads are the worst for brake dust. I have 3 German cars.

I use P&S Brake Duster and sometimes Diablo. In my opinion it’s more about using good and different brushes to make the job easier. I like the Adams bendable brush.

Because of the summer heat I’ve begun doing quick Rinseless washes in the garage. Followed by a Turtle Wax Dry and Shine wipe down. Each of the cars are coated with a different product. Adams Graphene or a combo of Powerlock Plus and Collonite 845. Both have done well for me. I’ve been watching the DIY Products. I might try their 5 year on a car.
This post was edited on 9/13/23 at 8:32 pm
Posted by tes fou
Member since Feb 2014
923 posts
Posted on 9/13/23 at 11:16 pm to
quote:

good wheel cleaner that actually does what it says


acid, pressure washer, may need light scrubbing, need to be sure finish can withstand the acid. You'll only find the acid at professional supply shops.
Posted by meeple
Carcassonne
Member since May 2011
10328 posts
Posted on 9/13/23 at 11:51 pm to
I like to use Sonax, along with a wheel cleaner brush as mentioned above

Posted by SauceBawse
Member since Mar 2022
246 posts
Posted on 9/14/23 at 8:15 am to
Auto geek is a great forum. I use Chemical guys but lately have been using Meguirs Hot rims but still have to get down and brush.
Posted by magicman534
The dirty dell
Member since May 2011
1732 posts
Posted on 9/14/23 at 8:31 am to
McGuires leather cleaner with boars hair brush to clean seats
Chemical guys leather conditioner
303 for dash, plastic inside and out
Windex for windows
Chemical guys clay bar combo
Turtle wax ceramic spray.
Car wash either turtle brand or meguirs…not dawn!
Also chemical guys bug/tar remover added to wash helps clean bugs when hand washing.
This post was edited on 9/14/23 at 8:32 am
Posted by CAD703X
Liberty Island
Member since Jul 2008
87566 posts
Posted on 9/14/23 at 10:29 am to
quote:

Also chemical guys bug/tar remover added to wash helps clean bugs when hand washing.


i forgot i also use wd40 (not sure if i should or not) to get tar off vehicles. my wife bought a brand new car a couple year ago and was driving down the interstate after they had just redone an exit and practically ruined it from all the tar that splashed up on it.

insane.

also, what is best for water stains or oxidized paint? auri?
Posted by bayoubengals88
LA
Member since Sep 2007
21479 posts
Posted on 9/14/23 at 12:54 pm to
quote:

Windex for windows

Sprayway baw
Posted by SG_Geaux
Beautiful St George, LA
Member since Aug 2004
79619 posts
Posted on 9/14/23 at 8:38 pm to
quote:

You will have to agitate any wheel cleaner to get wheels clean.

Posted by Scoob
Near Exxon
Member since Jun 2009
21966 posts
Posted on 9/14/23 at 10:16 pm to
We use some stuff on the wheels that changes color, turns purple when it works on the dust. I think it's Chemical Guys Diablo gel.

My truck is chrome (Chevy truck rims), the miatas are aluminum. I do have to use a soft brush.

We use the Chemical Guys car shampoo on the paint, does a good job. I have the spray bottle that hooks up to the hose. Maquires or Mothers carnauba wax.

Neat little project I did recently, with the Miatas. I have both an NA and an NB; aluminum rims with Mazda plastic centercaps. Mine were faded (the NA is a 90, the NB a 2000). I stripped and lightly sanded, then used some duplicolor Aluminum paint, which is a really close near-match to the rims. About 4 coats each, then 4 coats of matte clearcoat over that. Made sure everything cured in a warm, dehumidified room between coats. It's the slightest bit darker than the rims, but still damn close, and the best they've looked in years. They look brand new now.
Posted by Macfly
BR & DS
Member since Jan 2016
9571 posts
Posted on 9/15/23 at 7:34 am to
To minimize brake dust from the outset, you can swap your brake pads for ceramic ones, which aren't expensive. They're not totally dust free, but they are a great improvement over factory ones. Look at ratings regarding dust for different brands. In a GM car, I've used Powerstop and now have Raybestos ceramics.
Posted by tide06
Member since Oct 2011
17239 posts
Posted on 9/15/23 at 7:39 am to
quote:

We use the Chemical Guys car shampoo on the paint, does a good job.

Funny story with that, Chemical Guys used to make a car wash shampoo called stripper scent that was supposed to use the perfume strippers are known for using.

I used to use it on my vehicles and would get a ton of positive comments from women talking about how great the soap smelled.

I think they discontinued it when they got really big for PC reasons, but it was a fun inside joke for a few years.
Posted by BilbeauTBaggins
probably stuck in traffic
Member since May 2021
7322 posts
Posted on 9/15/23 at 8:37 am to
Went ahead and tried out both Mr. Pink and Diablo Gel last night before dinner.

Overall, the spray was pretty good. Car was never completely dirty but it foamed well for being a garden hose attachment. Covered completely with about 2 oz of Mr. Pink. Dries up pretty quick. I tried doing wheels in the middle of letting the foam settle and I think next time I'll just do the two separately.

Diablo Gel worked pretty well. Brought out a ton of shine where it was clean. I have some brake dust that would NOT come off with the soft brush I was using, so later this weekend I'll hit it with one of the tougher brushes to get the rest of dirt off.

Dried off with The Rag Company:
The Rag Company - The Gauntlet Drying Towel - 70/30 Blend Korean Microfiber, Designed to Dry Vehicles Faster, More Thoroughly & More Gently Than Others, 900gsm, 20in x 30in, Ice Grey + Grey
It was big enough to clean off a full size sedan after wringing it out a time or two.

I really liked the stuff. I'm going to get a sealant to help with the shine next time.
Posted by CAD703X
Liberty Island
Member since Jul 2008
87566 posts
Posted on 9/15/23 at 10:43 am to
nice.



as to the other poster, my son actually swapped the wheels for me (the basket weaves were donated to me; the car came with bottle cap rims) and he was working for a dealer in town so he soaked the rims in some acid solution before putting the tires on and they looked PERFECT.

of course, 5 years later they dont look nearly as nice; you're right, brake dust build-up on bmws is a thing.
Posted by ole man
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2007
15112 posts
Posted on 9/16/23 at 2:59 am to
Most of what I use is Duragloss products been around for ever
Their car wash concentrate is really good, foams good I dont use a gun, smells like the old cherry Popsicle,
For tires and rims I use Awesome cleaner, to clean, bought at dollar general, this stuff is good on anything.
Alloy rims on my 2007 tundra get never dull, another old products that removes built on brake dust and shines like a bitch, I prefer to get in there and clean my rims by hand takes time but I like it

For my tires Meguiar's Endurance long lasting in my opinion
Any buffing scratches i use 3m products been using forever works for me Meguiar's works I just like 3m
Meguiar's clay when i clay, quick detailing Aqua wax this is as good or better than anything on the market

when i wax, it's Ceramic Graphene paste wax, easy on and off and really is slippery, water beads up forever O'Rileys,

For small nicks I use toothpicks and cotton swabs multiple apps,,, My Tundra is old but it's clean and shiny
Posted by BilbeauTBaggins
probably stuck in traffic
Member since May 2021
7322 posts
Posted on 9/16/23 at 4:47 pm to
Update:

Just washed mine and my wife's cars. Diablo Gel worked well on her wheels and tires. We've never really put too much effort into them, but we took an impact drill it with a brush attached and dust came off easily. Mine looked good from treating on Thursday but helped get some extra gunk out. I'll eventually buy one of those long narrow brushes to get deep behind the wheels in tough to reach spots.

The CG orange scented high gloss sealant. Still waiting to see it later on. Didn't notice immediate results. 8 year old car plus it has over 100k miles so it doesn't shine like it used to. I'm not expecting super crazy results but I am curious on the durability of this coating.

Tire shine was easy with the small brick applicator. Honestly I would probably just use any tire shine liquid and keep purchasing applicators after they wear out.

Overall I'm pleased with all the Chemical Guys products.
Posted by LemmyLives
Texas
Member since Mar 2019
10550 posts
Posted on 9/16/23 at 6:45 pm to
Rain-X. I use it on my rear and front cameras, in addition to their windshield wiper fluid. Also, hit your side mirrors *and* your driver and passenger windows with it. That helps visibility in wet weather. Use the regular Rain-X in the yellow spray bottle. Do *not* use the ceramic garbage in the bronze bottle. It is awful.
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