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Old 20th May 2021, 00:44   #11251
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Note from Support: Post fixed. Please DO NOT type...like...this... Thank you.


Recent owner of a black vehicle here. Have been scouting the forum for tips and tricks and make a plan for maintenance. Went through this discussion, while very informative I found it very overwhelming for me. Looking to keep it simple for now and looking for guidance from experts here.

Here is what I am planning to do:
  1. Duster to take care of light dust. Don't do this daily, once in 2-3 days to minimize as much possible.
  2. Rinseless/ waterless wash once in 1-2 weeks.
  3. Planning to use sealant after first wash. Turtle Wax ceramic spray, don't plan to polish & clay before sealant use. I am afraid I might hurt more than help if I try to polish and clay.
  4. Use good wax after every wash in step 2 going forward.
Queries I needed help with & am hoping the experts here can guide:
  1. In Team-BHP, I see mostly every one talking about waterless wash. Isn't rinseless wash a better more safer method with slightly more water use?
  2. PROKLEAR label says rinseless/washless. Has anyone used it as a rinseless wash? What dilution do you use? Same as waterless wash?
  3. If intention is to use sealant after wash. Is it better to get PROKLEAR RAW or PROKLEAR RAW with carnuba wax? Am I correct that sealant will bond better without wax already applied. So using PROKLEAR without wax may be better. Will use Sonax or Turtle Wax going forward after wash any way.

Last edited by aah78 : 14th June 2021 at 22:33. Reason: Typos fixed. See note.
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Old 20th May 2021, 08:55   #11252
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Quote:
Originally Posted by KrishnaKoka View Post
Queries I needed help with & am hoping the experts here can guide:
My suggestions :-
  1. They are pretty much the same in terms of cleaning. It just depends which method suits your requirements most.
  2. I personally prefer the waterless wash as its less messy but having said that I ensure that the panels are very well lubricated to ensure proper cleaning
  3. I think the bottle should mention the ratio although when I use Proklear I use 10 ml for 1 litre of water in a manual foamer which is enough for the job
  4. If there is a base protection already like a sealant already then its recommended to use a cleaning product (Proklear RAW/Optimum ONR) without any waxes.
  5. Using a spray wax will be a better choice. You can opt for Turtle Wax Spray wax which is intended for this particular use.
Another few points to remember :-
  1. If your vehicle is fairly new and has no embedded contaminants then claying might not be required. Claying will induce minor swirls so try to avoid it unless you are polishing it afterwards.
  2. You can perform a chemical decontamination (Iron decontamination and waterspot removal) to clean the paint as much as possible before applying a sealant.
  3. Try to stick to the same brand if possible (e.g. If you are using Turtle Wax Ceramic spray coating then use Turtle Wax Wet wax as a maintenance product after alternate wash) - point being it stays longer if you stay within the same brand.
  4. Rinseless/Waterless wash to be used only for light soiled vehicle.
  5. Try to use wax or sealant after a proper wash instead of a waterless wash. If you are concerned about laying a layer of protection after waterless washes then you can use product like Crapro EchO2, which has Si02 and can be even used as a Quick detailer or as a waterless wash itself.

Last edited by aah78 : 14th June 2021 at 22:38. Reason: Quote trimmed. Post fixed for readability; typos, spacing fixed. [LIST] added. Please proof-read before posting. Thanks!
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Old 20th May 2021, 13:45   #11253
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Quote:
Originally Posted by Artyom View Post
My suggestions :-
Thanks for you quick reply. The vehicle is < a month old and hardly driven due to the current lockdown and parked mostly in the basement.
I will do a rinseless wash with PROKLEARRAW (without carnuba wax) and then apply Turtle Wax ceramic spray.
Let it cure for a day or 2. Do another waterless wash and reapply the ceramic spray for better protection.
As suggested will use Turtle Wax ceramic wet wax going forward to maintain after regular waterless washes.
Thanks again for you help.

Last edited by aah78 : 14th June 2021 at 22:40. Reason: Post fixed. Proof read before posting please.
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Old 20th May 2021, 15:46   #11254
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Quote:
Originally Posted by KrishnaKoka View Post
I will do a rinseless wash with PROKLEARRAW (without carnuba wax) and then apply Turtle Wax ceramic spray.
I would suggest if you can get a full wash done that would be great but if that's not possible then, I would like you to add an additional step.
After the 1st waterless wash session once the vehicle is clean use some plain water to rinse the panels again. The reason is that I want the panels to be clear of any soap or solution before you apply the ceramic spray as that will help it to stay longer. The same I would recommend being followed before applying the 2nd coat as well.

Last edited by aah78 : 14th June 2021 at 22:40. Reason: Quote edited.
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Old 20th May 2021, 18:23   #11255
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Artyom View Post
I would suggest if you can get a full wash done that would be great but if that's not possible then, I would like you to add an additional step.
Makes perfect sense. Will follow this approach. Thanks again.

Last edited by aah78 : 14th June 2021 at 22:41. Reason: See note.
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Old 21st May 2021, 16:54   #11256
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Makes more sense to me so thought of sharing

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Old 30th May 2021, 12:50   #11257
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Guys any advice on this problem?

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/modif...ml#post5071968 (Review: Coverwell car covers)
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Old 7th June 2021, 11:01   #11258
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

I am a newbie in this specialized exterior treatment activities.

Since I am in apartment, can't use shampoo and rinsing with buckets of water etc. The Granite Grey colour has lost its glory, thanks to the tortures by the car cleaners. Now I am thinking to do away with these cleaner guys and take it up by my own.

This weekend took the car for a shampoo cleaning (probably they use some detergent) and spray wash. By the time I returned to basement parking area it was covered with a thin layer of dust (just 2 kms from the washing center) due to no road conditions of Gundagram/ Goongram!

Then I wiped the entire exterior once again with a wet soft orange colour cotton cloth to remove all dusts. And allowed the engine hood area to cool down. Next applied the Formula 1 carnauba wax- the cream coloured substance using the applicator pad. Allowed to dry up, and the wiped off using a good microfiber towel. But the paint shine is not good this time. Last time I did it about 2 years ago (then I used to clean it using the 3M shampoo first and apply the wax in my earlier apartment). It's Oct 2016 car (Swift).

So I am thinking to buy the "PROKLEAR ® RAW Xtreme CX Carnauba Wax Rinse Less/Waterless Dry Car Wash Additive Concentrate". I understand this is also kind of wax spray.

My queries are:

1. Can I use this proklear Raw CX on the glass areas as well? Since it is kind of wax spray also? Windshields and window glasses? Or glass area to be avoided/ blocked?

2. Shall I use proklear Raw CX on the newly waxed surface or buy the proklear Raw only (without wax type spray)?

3. In long term (after 15 days the effect of current formula 1 wax shine will go), can I use proklear Raw CX and after that a good quality spray wax?
Basically I want to know the sequence-which one first and which one next and the matching products to use.

4. If I use proklear foam type washing liquid, can I use it on the glass areas also? Or glass area to be avoided/ blocked?

I am keeping these items in my cart in Amazon. Just waiting for the help from seniors. I do not want to miss this opportunity to atleast save the car exterior for remaining life.
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Old 7th June 2021, 23:50   #11259
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

I am looking to buy these. Will be using them mainly on my personal cars or home purpose.

* Pics as reference only.


1. Steamer for car cleaning (interior or any other part).
A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide-71fzpw9gxrl._ac_sl1500_.jpg


2. Carpet/Seat wet extractor.
A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide-41d4pfxtpbl.jpg

Looking for suggests on brands available in India, what to look for while buying.
Any suggested models.
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Old 8th June 2021, 11:28   #11260
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Hi,

Iam planning to get the CarPro ECH2O Waterless Wash, for brown color civic(10 years old).

Please let me know should i use any other product before and after using this.

Thanks,
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Old 8th June 2021, 13:17   #11261
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Quote:
Originally Posted by RijuC View Post
So I am thinking to buy the "PROKLEAR ® RAW Xtreme CX Carnauba Wax Rinse Less/Waterless Dry Car Wash Additive Concentrate". I understand this is also kind of wax spray.

My queries are:

1. Can I use this proklear Raw CX on the glass areas as well? Since it is kind of wax spray also? Windshields and window glasses? Or glass area to be avoided/ blocked?

2. Shall I use proklear Raw CX on the newly waxed surface or buy the proklear Raw only (without wax type spray)?

3. In long term (after 15 days the effect of current formula 1 wax shine will go), can I use proklear Raw CX and after that a good quality spray wax?
Basically I want to know the sequence-which one first and which one next and the matching products to use.

4. If I use proklear foam type washing liquid, can I use it on the glass areas also? Or glass area to be avoided/ blocked?

I am keeping these items in my cart in Amazon. Just waiting for the help from seniors. I do not want to miss this opportunity to atleast save the car exterior for remaining life.
I would recommend you clearly define your requiements first as to what you want from you car-care routine?
a. Do you want exceptional gloss and shine that lasts for 15-20 days at lower price band and then you re-work (e.g. F1 paste wax)
b. Do you want long-term durability and paint protection and are willing to compromise a bit on the gloss (sealants)
c. Do you want a compromise in between like decent gloss for 2-3 months? (higher-priced waxes)

Proklear RAW CX has very little wax component and is mostly a cleaner, so the protection/shine part will barely last 2-5 days depending on where you park.

Coming to your questions:
1. No, any kind of wax-based products will haze up the windshield when you use wipers on rainy-nights. Keep it clean

2. For waxed surfaces, RAW CX will cover up the original shine of the wax, better to use RAW only

3. If you're looking to wax your car, better to first clean it with RAW and follow it with a wax application. F1 paste wax is the basic entry level wax and will barely last for 15 days and offer negligible protection against UV, paint fade, oxidation, etc.
If you're a wax person, better to get any of the decent waxes like Meguiar's or Collinite 845 (my pick). Else you can use a spray wax / sealant like Sonax BSD, Turtle Wax hybrid ceramic spray wax, etc.
For regular maintenance, you can clean your vehicle with RAW and reapply the wax once in 3 months.

4. If you're referring to Proklear SFC/WFC, Yes, they can be safely used on glass. Just make sure you rinse off the SFC properly.

While RAW & RAW CX are great products, they have very specific application. Both can only be used on lightly soiled paint and RAW CX is useful for cars that aren't waxed regularly or when the shine has worn off.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RijuC View Post
Gundagram/ Goongram
Not sure what you were trying to do here, but let's keep TBHP free from these kind of remarks
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Old 8th June 2021, 13:25   #11262
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Quote:
Originally Posted by RijuC View Post
I am a newbie in this specialized exterior treatment activities.

Since I am in apartment, can't use shampoo and rinsing with buckets of water etc. The Granite Grey colour has lost its glory, thanks to the tortures by the car cleaners. Now I am thinking to do away with these cleaner guys and take it up by my own.
If your vehicle`s paint is full of swirl marks by the daily car cleaner fellow`s actions over many years, please do not waste money buying any products. Give it for a rub and polish first, may cost 4-5K and afterwards use a waterless cleaning product like Proklear to maintain it yourself.
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Old 8th June 2021, 16:19   #11263
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Many thanks to anantpoddar for the pointwise suggestions.

This car is little old, about 4.5 years and after the waxing session I could understand the paint shine is almost gone. For the first 2.5 years it used to remain parked in open but not under sun (direct sunlight was for 2-3 hours maximum). Other than daily car cleaner's job, I used to do shampoo once every month and apply the F1 wax. However the car had few deep scratches on the bonnet due to a careless handling (by a friend) and friction with a thela can, and some kids of the society.

Last 2 years it is parked in stilt parking of the society, and under the sun for 8-9 hours in office parking.
Sides have few scratches due to my mistake, rowdey bikes in hills, sadar bazar scooties etc. And few more dents due to a freak accident (an impatient VW vento driver). Overall, I guess surface paint is beyond repair by rub and polish as suggested by kosfactor. I'll definitely visit a detailing store in Gurugram (I'll avoid other names advised by anantpoddar. It's basically from the frustrations while driving in this city- bad roads and impatient drivers on such roads, rowdey bikes).

The present car cleaner's work is also bad. Hence I wanted to do the cleaning activities by myself. This is my plan:

1. Regular waterless cleaning using Proklear Raw/ Raw CX (every 2-3 days). I was confused whether these can be used on the glass (due to wax presence).

2. I do full shampoo and washing every 2 months in nearby washing center. Then use the existing F1 wax can. Once it is finished (it may last another 2-3 waxing), I'll try a spray type wax.

Question here: whether liquid wax spray will last longer or the F1 wax?

3. Whether the sealants will improve/ prevent further damage to the metal surface? Then I'll switch to sealants.

The car has just run 15.5k km in this 4.5 years. I intend to keep it for 10 years+ or till it lasts without major repair. It's been just 1 year I am driving it (anyway it's another long story). It returns tremendous average for a newbie like me.
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Old 8th June 2021, 18:42   #11264
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

I have another set of queries. This is for solution on the go.

During rains, when we drive in highway the windshield gets sprayed, fogged by bigger vehicles, trucks and I can't see anything. Wiper sprays also do not help. The condition worsens while driving at night. Probably due to the presence of grease and fuel residue, oil residue etc. in the water spray/ fog from truck wheels.

Any remedy for this?

1. Which additive for the wiper spray water tank? (Now I use the pouch type additives available from the nearby mechanic shop,

2. Any spray on the glass I can use instantaneously on that wet greasy surface of windshield and wipe off and start drive again?
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Old 8th June 2021, 21:56   #11265
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Re: A superb Car cleaning, polishing & detailing guide

Quote:
Originally Posted by RijuC View Post

Any remedy for this?
If the concern is the grease and oil which has supposedly formed a layer and causes problem during rains or night time then i suggest to clean the windshield thoroughly using a degreaser .Alternate solution is dish washing soap as its effective in getting rid of oil and grease.

Ideally once the windscreen is clean this problem shouldnt arise and the regular windshield solution should work fine.

Another thing you should check is weather the windscreen solution in the tank does it feel oily or not.I am getting a feeling that the solution is somehow contaminated with some oily substance which gets sprayed while using the wiper.
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