Team-BHP - A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Guys, need one help. While cleaning my car, I have noticed many white spots in some areas, especially in the trunk lid and rear door sides. I could even feel the spots. Below is a picture of the same. Any suggestions on what these spots could be and how it can be removed? I tried cleaning it with a shampoo and wet cloth , but of no use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreerknair (Post 3043488)

My car has developed these spots as well, but only on the bottom part of the rear doors - just in front of the rear wheels. From what I understand, these are microscopic dents on the clear coat. These are caused by dust and dirt, especially when driving in the rain at high speeds; the aerodynamics of the car are to blame.

A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide-image529298433.jpg

I checked with 3m car care and they said that they could rectify it, with their paint sealant treatment (for old cars). Rubbing compound would correct this, and the sealant would protect the paint.

Quote:

Originally Posted by carrerastrax (Post 3043551)

These are caused by dust and dirt, especially when driving in the rain at high speeds; the aerodynamics of the car are to blame.

I checked with 3m car care and they said that they could rectify it, with their paint sealant treatment (for old cars). Rubbing compound would correct this, and the sealant would protect the paint.

In my case it is hard to believe that these are dents caused by dust, because most of these spots are on the trunk lid.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreerknair (Post 3043597)

In my case it is hard to believe that these are dents caused by dust, because most of these spots are on the trunk lid.

Oh ok. Yours must be a different case then. I don't have these on the boot lid. Can you post a wide angle photo as well?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreerknair (Post 3043488)

If you feel them above the paint, then you need a clay bar to remove these!

You can try OTC clay bar kits like meguiars!

The Gary Dean Method of Waterless washing. How not to induce marring into the paint. Although this may look overkill, but it does seem to work. Your opinions please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kY_S...ature=youtu.be

Also can someone please recommend me a a wax or polish for forged aluminium parts? please:
@d_himan you recommended the mothers one. How long does the protection last?

These were 4 years old car seat covers , cleaned occassionally using soap water, and amway leather cleaner in last few years , but Honestly was never pleased with the cleaning, so tried a different option this time.

Removed all these 'FIT ON" seat covers, took them in my balcony and then smudged them indivdually with a MF cloth dipped in CiF Foam diluted in warm water (yes that the same kitchen cleaner you know).

Could not believe the abrasives present in cif removed all the stains, sweats and dark marks completely, after that washed it carefully in flowing tap water ..dried it for 6 hours in shade.

result - like new.:thumbs up

Then used a leather polish from Formula 1..yes got the new, soft, clean seatcovers . I am 99% satisfied with my own work clap:

Shared 1 snap to show the cleaning effectiveness ..this is just aftr cif cleaning part with 1 rub. I cleaned with CIF 2/3 times each

** I am not recommending it to anybody , just shared my good experience **

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manas5 (Post 3047312)

I finally received Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit ( 2x80gm Clay bars + Quick Detailer spray + Microfiber Towel) from amazon for 18 USD i.e. 980 INR :-)

Manas5 did you ship it directly to India or had it sent to someone in the US who carried it over?

If this price is with shipping to India then you've got an amazing deal mate. Please let us know.

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manas5 (Post 3047312)

I finally received Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit ( 2x80gm Clay bars + Quick Detailer spray + Microfiber Towel) from amazon for 18 USD i.e. 980 INR :-)

Thanks a fantastic deal Manas. Would love to hear how you procured it? Did someone carry it for you or did you get it shipped.

Its way more expensive here. Plus availability of clay is always an issue.

Cleaned my engine bay a few days back. Took me about an hour as I was doing it for the first time myself. Here are the before and afters.

I followed these steps :-

Mist the engine bay with water
Sprayed APC at 1:4 dilution on the various components
Clean with the various brushes reaching into nooks and crannies.
Spray water to remove all the dirt cleaned out by APC
For stubborn grime, spray APC and let it stay for 2 to 3 minutes before working it with the brush. I didnt have to do this as most of it was getting removed easily in 1 go.
Dry the engine bay and remove all accumulated water
Spray Hyper Dresser at 1:4 dilution on the various black parts. You can let the Hyperdresser dry or use a foam pad to spread it evenly. From my pictures you can see some spots have not received the Hyperdresser and thus have stayed whitish than the surrounding areas. So next time I shall use a foam pad to spread it evenly

I've sprayed hyperdresser twice btw and these pictures are from the first pass. After it dries up, it looks even better and satiny type.
Do let me know what steps I can improve upon to have done this work faster and also get better results.