DIY - Car Care & Detailing thread

i've noticed that at car wash after the wash is done the guys spray something to the wheel wells and under the running board.
Any idea what that is(i think its kerosene or diesel to prevent rusting) .
Is it really necessary after a wash because when i was the car I dont use anything like that

 

Hi,
I am planning to take care of the cleaning part of my fiat punto by my self. earlier the washing guy in my apartment use to clean the car with normal water weekly once. After going through different threads I have prepared the list of things needs for the job. Please feel free to suggest any thing that I missed. Also suggest me good brands for each of these items and where I can buy these products in Bangalore.
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Two medium size bukets

Car wash solution


Wheel wash solutions

Glass clean solutions

Car wax

Duster

Wheel clean brush

Microfiber mitt

Cott


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Please guide me through the steps of cleaning the car. I have gone though different threads and got ideas in bit and pieces. Please help me understanding the complete process.

 

Replies in bold.

 

Thanks Linear for the quick response. Cott(Cotton Cloths for drying) Typo.
Please guide me about the techniques for car cleaning. Mean while I will try to get these items soon.

 

Do not use cotton cloth for cleaning paint surface. They will quickly induce swirls. Use good quality microfiber towels - you can get some 3M outlets or even from the Meg's distributor in Bangalore. bringingbest.in sells a pack of 5 Eurow microfibers for around 700 bucks.

Additionally, for regular cleaning, get Optimum No Rinse from Eco Car Care. You do not need to shampoo wash your car every time.

For regular wash, wash with ONR using two bucket method. Google "two bucket wash" for videos & explanation.

Once a month or so, give your car a nice shampoo wash, again using two bucket method, rinse the car very well, and then apply a layer of wax. While waxing, remember that applying the wax as thin as possible is the key. At the same time you can clean your wheels. For dressing your tyres, use Optimum Opti-bond tyre gel - absolutely nice product.

For interior cleaning use any APC(All purpose cleaner) on the plastics. You'll need a toothbrush to clean if you have any stubborn dirty spots. Rinse well and then protect with Meguiar's Natural Shine.

 

I just washed my car with a pressure washer borrowed from sachit anand and drove about a km I must say the car feels like it's floating it's that smooth.

My simple 200 rs connector just is not up for the task.
I would highly recommend picking up a pressure washer.


from HTC desire S with cynogenmod 7.2

 

Where can i get really big MF cloths ?
The ones available with 3M are tiny and dont do the job for me.

I generally Pat my car dry after a wash but with tiny cloths its difficult since it takes more time and also the water droplets tend to try out fast causing patches.
Any hep would be deeply appreciated

I'm looking at a cloth which has at least 2ft width and probably 1.5-2Ft length

 

3M sells meguiar's Water magnet towel specially designed for drying purpose. Don't know the size though.

Alternatively bringingbest sells Cobra guzzlers - cost a bomb, but I've heard they are the best in business.

I am using Eurow waffle weave drying towels. They are like 1 ft. x 1.5 ft, and have reasonably good absorbing capacity.

 

1X1.5 is something i already have but they dont do the job for me.
Of course I've not used the brand you've suggested. Let me take a look at the cobra guzzler

- - - Merged Post - - -

The last resort would be to just stitch a few clothes together and use it! Cheapest adaptation

 

Some shots from the last detailing session