[Mr_Slowly]

Originally Posted by AJ56

Start with APC, varying the strength and if it takes too long only then switch to a dedicated tar and bug remover. The latter is a much stronger solvent that should only be used when APC fails to clean. Assuming bugs are relatively fresh (under 24 hrs) they should come off with Greenstar without issue.

Any recommendations on the dilution ratio?

[AJ56]

Originally Posted by Mr_Slowly

Any recommendations on the dilution ratio?

Koch Chemie will claim 1:5-1:30 depending on application. Personally max I go upto is 1:3 on paint and 1:5 on leather. Generally if you’ve gone upto these levels and it’s not doing the job, the dilution ratio isn’t the problem, you need a different product.

[Mortis]

Can someone recommend a good car shampoo that solely CLEANS the paint ? If prefer one that has no wax, ceramic or gloss enhancers. Basically like Reset or another stripping shampoo but a level or two less aggressive for weekly use.

The main purpose is to remove all the road and atmospheric grime with a wash (maybe a high foam shampoo would be a plus ?) and then restore protection using an appropriate sealant spray during the drying process.

My purpose is to reduce car washing to a once in a week thorough wash from the current alternate day system with a QD bird poop removal and glass cleaning as required. I live on the sea side and there are a lot of trees around so it does get a bit dirtier than usual but not horribly so which is why I want a shampoo whose main purpose is to clean well (and safely). Anyways the protection from the combo shampoos is unlikely to be as good as the spray sealant I will use as a drying aid.
I don't mind paying for a premium shampoo as long as it has a good dilution ratio that makes it bang for buck.

[Verna1507]

Was aghast to find this dent 2 days ago on the bonnet of my 3 months old car. My best guess is that it has been hit by a door of a goods van while parked on the roadside outside office.

What's the best solution? Should I get the denting painting done under insurance? I have already claimed insurance once, so I'm anyway losing out on the no claims bonus. It's at such a visible place that cannot even ignore it. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by Verna1507

Was aghast to find this dent

Seems to be an arc, so the swinging door might be a good theory. But you really need to post a better pic to get a recommendation.

I'm afraid that I have lots of live-with-it faults on my car, including some on the doors. But the bonnet is an area where we can do that.

[KkVaidya]

Originally Posted by Verna1507

It's at such a visible place that cannot even ignore it. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

If there is no dent, just touch up with original paint by a professional. Unless you are a sticker for perfection.

[Verna1507]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Seems to be an arc, so the swinging door might be a good theory. But you really need to post a better pic to get a recommendation.

I'm afraid that I have lots of live-with-it faults on my car, including some on the doors. But the bonnet is an area where we can do that.

The dent is of the length of an index finger, just above the Hyundai logo. Visible from a kilometre away, so just cannot be ignored.

[Thad E Ginathom]

cannot be ignored.

Oh dear, my typo. Yes indeed, sorry...

I meant to say "the bonnet is an area where we can not do that."

<Blush>

[AJ56]

Originally Posted by Mortis

Can someone recommend a good car shampoo that solely CLEANS the paint ? If prefer one that has no wax, ceramic or gloss enhancers. Basically like Reset or another stripping shampoo but a level or two less aggressive for weekly use.

The main purpose is to remove all the road and atmospheric grime with a wash (maybe a high foam shampoo would be a plus ?) and then restore protection using an appropriate sealant spray during the drying process.

Try Koch Chemie AutoShampoo, slightly more bite than GSF snow foam. Will say that most of the cleaning is from the contact step with mitts, the snow foam primarily helps soften the road film and providers lubrication so the mitt glides over the paint smoothly without digging into it.

You want to rinse very thoroughly before starting the foam step to eliminate any risk of debris dislodging and scratching during the contact step.

Originally Posted by Verna1507

What's the best solution? Should I get the denting painting done under insurance? I have already claimed insurance once, so I'm anyway losing out on the no claims bonus. It's at such a visible place that cannot even ignore it. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

Given the size of the scratch and the fact that there’s probably a minor dent along with it, will suggest a repaint. You will lose the factory finish but here a touch up won’t look good (no harm in trying if you want to confirm for yourself.)

[SuhasSalavathsa]

Originally Posted by deepakdograbhp

https://www.amazon.in/dp/B007O9CXHI/..._aei-FbQG5MMFE

Disclaimer: Haven't personally used the product, but got brilliant reviews from a friend.

Can you please let me know if this Product can be used on a car which has Paint Protection Film installed... Wanted to check and then order it.

[deepakdograbhp]

Originally Posted by SuhasSalavathsa

Can you please let me know if this Product can be used on a car which has Paint Protection Film installed... Wanted to check and then order it.

While I don't think there is any reason why BSD can't be used on PPF, wouldn't using a sealant over PPF be an overkill?

Sorry, didn't mean to disappoint the detailing enthusiast in you, but couldn’t help asking this.

I personally use it as drying aid (diluted 2:1 with 2 parts water and 1 part BSD) and it works well for me.

[DarthGrrGrr]

Hello. How can we get rid of limescale deposit (on bonnet, it's small and thin yet is noticeable) and sellotape glue stain from black car? Don't want to damage the paint and the car has teflon coating. Thank you

[AJ56]

Originally Posted by SuhasSalavathsa

Can you please let me know if this Product can be used on a car which has Paint Protection Film installed... Wanted to check and then order it.

All sealants/coatings that are safe on paint will be safe on PPF (unless specifically mentioned on the label).

Originally Posted by deepakdograbhp

While I don't think there is any reason why BSD can't be used on PPF, wouldn't using a sealant over PPF be an overkill?

They’re separate products that aim to achieve very different things.

PPF is for scratch and chip protection from physical impact, it doesn’t have any hydrophobic properties inherently, the ones that are pre coated by the mfg. are nowhere near as durable as standalone pro coatings applied over them.

BSD is a spray sealant designed to provide water repellency and make cleaning and drying very easy by ensuring contaminants don’t bond directly to the film. It cannot stop scratches or chips just like PPF can’t provide hydrophobic properties.

Originally Posted by DarthGrrGrr

Hello. How can we get rid of limescale deposit (on bonnet, it's small and thin yet is noticeable) and sellotape glue stain from black car? Don't want to damage the paint and the car has teflon coating. Thank you

For mineral deposits- Puris D19
For glue residue- Carpro TRIX

Wear nitrile gloves and a respirator when using.

[DarthGrrGrr]

^^
Thank you

Was wondering whether harpic could be used for dealing with limescale deposit. I'm aware that it's highly corrosive but maybe it could be diluted to get good results. Thoughts on this, has anyone tried it?

[ptaneja]

Guys, need a suggestion on which wax/ceramic spray to use - maybe every month or couple of months.

The issue is that I have used Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray and it gave a decent finish. But now when I plan to buy a new one, I see there are multiple options in spray - some plain turtle wax carnuba spray, some with graphene, some ceramic, some ice seal and shine.

Which one is the best for wet look on silver color ?!