ARTICLE: The Car Care guide (Aesthetics)

[Edsel Rulez!]

I checked out The Professional Car Care guys in Bombay. The address was obtained from a post on team-BHP. However, the building number was wrong, even though it's the same one mentioned on their website! Anyway, I roamed all over SVP Nagar in Andheri West before I realised it's just a business office. No wonder nobody knew where it was.

Once I made contact, however, the proprietor (Rajesh Manchanda) was very prompt, and even sent a person over to pick up my car (1997 Zen) because I have only a learner's licence and am not comfortable in traffic yet. They have an outlet in the parking lot of Inorbit Mall in Malad's Link Road. I opted for the interior cleaning, which cost around Rs 800. Steam shampoo will cost more, but I was told the interiors didn't need it.

They did a good job, and polished/waxed even the vinyl and tyres. I didn't try the turtle wax treatment for the exterior; maybe next time...

[Rudra Sen]

Originally Posted by androdev

Why did you buy a black color car in Bangalore!! Now that you did buy it, do not be obsessed with keeping it in showroom condition :-)

Why not? But I agree that it's a pain.

Note1: Ask them to cover the plastic/rubber surfaces with some masking tape or there will be white residues on the black plastic/rubber parts which will be very hard to remove later.

They can be removed with toothpick.

Note2: The method of daily cleaning of the car will determine the finish of your car. No amount of 3M stuff can help you there.

Total agreement here.

[Rudra Sen]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Also, has anyone actually tried out The Car Care Club referred to in Jaggu's post? (http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/owning...tml#post628904 (ARTICLE: The Car Care guide (Aesthetics)))

Didn't get time last week. But looks like a nice deal. If you get time please check that out and put your comments here.

[mithun]

Originally Posted by hrsraghav

Does it remove existing scratches too? And what do you think about BRASSO.
Its used to shine the metals, and specially copper alloys.

I've tried using BRASSO on chrome parts on my bike. But, the output was not upto the mark.

Stay away from BRASSO. Not of much use when it comes to automobiles.

[hrsraghav]

Originally Posted by mithun

I've tried using BRASSO on chrome parts on my bike. But, the output was not upto the mark.

Stay away from BRASSO. Not of much use when it comes to automobiles.

Hey there is one desi treatment for any metallic parts, for cleaning and partial shining.
Put tamarind (imlee) into water in a plastic container, mix it properly and then apply it on any metallic surface.

[androdev]

Why not? But I agree that it's a pain.

Just trying to cheer him up :-) I have two black cars and my future cars are also likely to be black. Just that they become dusty as soon as they leave the garage!

[ikoneer]

Originally Posted by Rudra Sen

Team-BHP shows you the ideal way to nurture the aesthetic beauty of your car!

Regular washing and cleaning:

Dip that new cloth in boiling water with detergent to get rid of unwanted starch and lint. This will also help it to become softer. Your new cloth is now ready to be used.

WAXING

8. Do not go overboard and put wax on plastic trims. You’ll spend double the amount of time to remove it.
9. Be careful not to choke your windshield washers with wax. Dried up wax looks ugly and sticks out like a sore thumb from those curves and trim joints. Remove dried up wax with wooden toothpicks.

A superb article. Though over and large, i follow most of the methods mentioned, have learnt more tips and techniques from your post. (i have put salient points i liked in the quote)

Good compilation and a very note worthy effort

[Kontoo]

Originally Posted by androdev

I have two black cars and my future cars are also likely to be black. Just that they become dusty as soon as they leave the garage!

I agree. This is the second black car that I have bought now and it is becoming difficult to keep it clean inspite of washing it every single day !

[Mad Max]

You shouldn't wash it every day. The paint surface will become dull. Just dust your car, park it in a garage if possible or get a car cover. Washing it every week is adequate and waxing it every month is good.

Please don't use detergents for washing your car (our Indian car washing often includes a cup of Surf in a bucket of water with an old towel).

As someone suggested, please get one of those feather dusters which you can use it for day-to-day dusting. Don't wipe the surface with a cloth as it will scratch the paint.

[harjeev]

I had the same problem but not with a black car.
I have a Tata Safari and the problem is that I park it under a tree(a Gulmohar) and a lot of leaves accumulate on the car and I had to clean the car 2-3 times a day.
Secondly not to mention the bird droppings that are hard to remove when they dry up.

So I installed this







This total solution costs about 14K and since I have installed this the BEAR needs to be cleaned only once in a day and doesn't get dirty till the evening.
Further it can be rolled back when it is not needed and no major alteration is needed to get it fixed.
The guy also said that the life of the sheet is 5-7 years and 8-10 years for the metal frame.

My main problem was the small leaves that accumulate in the small nook and corners and when they get wet it leads to rusting and is very hard to get rid off and it protects the cars paint from sunlight too.

[Eraser]

My car has got a layer of paint spray due to construction activity in my office and its not going off .. pls advice

[mithun]

Among machine waxing & manual(hand) waxing, which is the longer lasting ?

For example, to get a car waxed the service centers usually charge about 300-400 and the price of Turtle wax is almost in the same range. So is it better to buy the Turtle wax and get it waxed by ourselves ?

[Rudra Sen]

Originally Posted by mithun

So is it better to buy the Turtle wax and get it waxed by ourselves ?

If you have the time and energy. In fact there's nothing better than waxing your own car. You really feel the pain and the gain..

[GTO]

Gave my Benz the magic treatment from Pervez at Mazda Motors. MAN! When I saw it, I couldnt believe that its my car.....the C was gleaming like it did on the day of delivery. Nothing beats the look of a deep and rich black car.

Three of his staff were working on my car concurrently, and for two full days. The wax he uses is some pro-grade British brand. Bonnet had some paint spots (building paint) which have been completely removed by him. Simply fantastic and highly recommended!

[Rudra Sen]

Picture please. If possible, before and after.