Initial steps

[kpowell911]

I hear alot about these PC machines on here, but more importantly, before all the polishing and detailing, what do you do first?

Do you hose the car down, Then wash it with a sponge and soapy water? I'm guessing not, Im interested too see what you are all using intially?

What are you using instead of sponges? Lambs wool mits?

What are you using in the water? Meguirs Gold Class?

What are you using to dry your car?

Thanks

 

[Rich]

Once a year before a big machine polish -

Rinse, wash with the two bucket method, shampoo and a lambswool Mitt.

AG Tar Remover as needed, re-wash those areas, rinse.

While still wet clay using a soapy water mixture, rinse or rewash if needed.

Dry with a Microfiber Waffle Weave Drying Towel.

 

[kpowell911]

just ordered a Microfiber Waffle Weave, well 2 of em

Ordered a Meguirs car Shampoo Gold class I believe

Just going to buy some of this tar remover and a Clay. Is Meguiars the best Clay? When you say soapy water mix, are you talking about as a lubricant? Should i not use the supplied lubricant?

How often should I clay my daily driver?

 

[Rich]

Meguiars clay is fine they are all much the same.

I mix up 2 -4 capfulls of car soap and water in a spray bottle and clay using that after pre wetting the panel first with soapy car wash and a mitt. Works better for me, plus you dont have to dry the car first like you do with when using the QD.

My daily driven car still only gets clayed once a year, twice I cared about it

Once clayed and well sealed stuff tends not to stick very easily. All depends on the are your park/live/work, close to railways and heavy industry means it means to be done more frequently.

 

[kpowell911]

so do you not think i need a clay on a car thats only done 1500 miles since a full body respray?

 

[Rich]

Wash the car - Put you hand in a clean plastic sanwich bag, rub it over your paint, if it feels rough and gritty or catches at all - paint needs claying.

 

[kpowell911]

Many thanks

One last question, Appologies for all of the Q's, Is AG tar remover avaliable in the uk?

 

[Rich]

Should be on the shelf in Halfords.