*** The Car Cleaning Thread ***
- Thread starter wassap
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I just ask them - if ask why, then I just tell them I use my own cleaning products and don't want to risk any reaction with theirs.
Not been a problem so far
What did you use to protect your lenses afterwards?
I'm all set to attack my Impreza's headlights with 1200 > 1500 > 2000 grit sandpaper followed by some PlastX/RX but am unsure what to use afterwards.
I thought 3M did some UV protective compounds but haven't been able to locate anything. They desperately need doing as they let the car down so much.
50ml Surface Sealant, Easy Clean Coating and Water Repellent for Glass Plastic and Metal https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A3S1RGU
Think it was mentioned few pages back.
Think it was mentioned few pages back.
I ask them not to and make sure they note it on the job sheet. Not been a problem so far. The last guy seemed to understand when he asked why and I said I try very hard to keep my paintwork scratch free.
Washing it recently before taking it in probably helps, too. Last time I had it serviced apparently the technicians were all oggling over it and asked if they could have first dibs when I sell it, like it was some sort of exotica
Soldato
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How come Audi always seem to wash even when I specifically say no do not wash when they ask if I want it valeted. 
My local dealer wash cars with a sponge on the end of a stick which makes me cringe 
How come Audi always seem to wash even when I specifically say no do not wash when they ask if I want it valeted.
Put a note/sign saying "Please do not wash this car" on the dashboard, as well as asking them when booking it in.
Yep, I just ask, but when I pick the car up in the collection bay there's always a sheet of A4 in the window on which someone has written in black marker "DO NOT WASH", so just do this yourself.
How come Audi always seem to wash even when I specifically say no do not wash when they ask if I want it valeted.
Has never happened to me, I guess my local dealership actually care about what I ask for
Soldato
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Anyone know of anything I can use to spruce up the interior of my aging E46. A lot of the black plastic trim is looking dull, scuffed with scratches and generally a scruffy?
Soldato
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Thanks, will have a look.
Actually, if you are talking about the rubberised plastics on things like the central console/transmission tunnel bits (not the dashboard itself), then I spruced up the Mrs' E46 Compact bits by taking them out and spraying them with plastidip. You end up with a finish that's 99% the same feel/look, and assuming your existing bits are black (rather than the beige) then the colour match is spot on too.
You'll need to remove as much of the existing rubber coating as possible if it's already starting to peel in places.
You'll need to remove as much of the existing rubber coating as possible if it's already starting to peel in places.
Soldato
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Halfords do a rubberised plastic spray if that's of any use
Soldato
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Thanks guys for the replies. It's certainly not too bad so didn't think of removing the centre console to respray but I quite like the sound of that (assuming it's not too difficult remove).
What are people's thoughts on protective coatings (gtechniq or cquartz or similar). I'm just wondering if I should get my new car coated after I pick it up (no, I'm not going for dealer "fitted" Supagard"). Obviously I'd be having any paintwork correction done beforehand, so if it's a product best suited to being applied by someone who knows what they are doing then I'll arrange a detailer who can do both at the same time.
To that end, does anyone know a good detailer in either the North Staffordshire or South Cheshire area that they can recommend?
It's really simple, took me about two hours to remove, spray, wait, spray, wait, spray, and refit.
To that end, does anyone know a good detailer in either the North Staffordshire or South Cheshire area that they can recommend?
It's really simple, took me about two hours to remove, spray, wait, spray, wait, spray, and refit.
I've used the gtechniq glass treatment before, and was VERY impressed by the stuff. It worked really well and lasted ages. I'd have no hesitation in using any more of their products.
If you're willing to spend the money getting it done, then go for it. I did look at it, a professional application of the range, but it certainly was far from cheap. Especially if you're using the Crystal Serum too.
These guys are £625 for the full Gtechiq treatment, which they wont do until you've already had a £400+ correction detail : http://www.kdskeltec.co.uk/price-menu/protection-detail-packages/g-techniq
Not sure if I'm flash enough for a £1000+ car wash personally, or if it'll be worth it, to you, on an S3 (I suspect most of their customers who go down this route are probably driving something more exotic). But I have no doubt the car would come back great.
If you're willing to spend the money getting it done, then go for it. I did look at it, a professional application of the range, but it certainly was far from cheap. Especially if you're using the Crystal Serum too.
These guys are £625 for the full Gtechiq treatment, which they wont do until you've already had a £400+ correction detail : http://www.kdskeltec.co.uk/price-menu/protection-detail-packages/g-techniq
Not sure if I'm flash enough for a £1000+ car wash personally, or if it'll be worth it, to you, on an S3 (I suspect most of their customers who go down this route are probably driving something more exotic). But I have no doubt the car would come back great.
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