Exhaustive Guide: Car Detailing Basics

[Dr MUDHAN]

​

Sometimes, I am electrified by some cars when they cross me.
I wonder how those cars are made to shine so much.
It would not be very difficult to make a dark color car sparkling but making a white car …. You need to explore more!
That’s my dream! Of Couse, every one of the car lover’s dream.
Interaction between us would help us more – that’s the reason for this thread.

Please note this thread is an offshoot of my primary thread:
My New Honda City in White - The Albus
Wherein I discussed more about my ownership and accessories. Please do make a visit and I am sure, you will find many interesting information which would be useful & applicable to your interest.
Don’t miss to offer your comments that would be an inspiration for me.

This is not a thread just to share how about we clean our cars or the products we use.
We should share something more. It’s about detailing a car, the correct way to make our car shine! and to provide all possible information to our fellow members.

This comes out of little bit of research and understanding the science.

If you don’t love your car, or, neither you don’t clean the car by yourself nor through professionals, and even getting into an un cleaned car everyday doesn’t matters to you, sorry ,this thread is not for you.

Cars are of different colors, some absorb light and some reflect, may be metallic or non-metallic. Some old generation cars never had clear coat. Managing a white, silver and light colors are different from darker colors.

Most expensive products in the world won't get the job done on their own. It requires some extra human efforts.
It is not the cost or quality of the material makes our cars to glaze. It is the process that makes the shine extraordinary.

There are lot of Dos & Don’ts.

If we give the same ingredients to two different cooks to make the same Dessert, the result would be that one is better than other. It is not only the ingredients matters, more than that the timing, process handled by the cook is more important, agreed?

We may have the same car, same color and may be using the same materials but the results may be different. It is the preparation, weather, time given for curing, quality of water all more counts.

Any deviation from the right approach may not only dissatisfy us but can also ruin the car paint and appearance.

Further, the car detailing products in the automobile market are so huge. Releasing multiple products by manufactures with very minor, cosmetic differences and branding them suitable for different approaches is a good marketing gimmick.
One should be careful to avoid waste of money towards really useless products.

THIS THREAD SHOULD HELP US IN A SIMPLE & PROFESSIONAL WAY THE FOLLOWING:

A

Understanding the jargons & different car care products towards detailing

B.

Exterior Detailing

Make the car to get maximum shinning (all about paint corrections, Polish, Sealants, natural & synthetic detailers)

Cleaning and Protecting alloys & wheel hub caps

Maintaining exterior plastic trims, chromes

Maintaining tires (cleaning, shining & removal of stones and pebbles)

Interior Detailing

Maintaining Plastics, fabrics, leather, rubber mats

Tools & availability

Must haves!

Quick product Reviews, availability in India & abroad

​

Whatever shine we get, it is only through - 3 Ps:

Preparation – Protection – Preservation

First,

Preparation involves washing by good shampoo, wiping it properly without applying over pressure to preserve the wax coat left by the shampoo, claying the surface if need be for an old paint to remove swirls and oxidation.

Second,

Surface cleaning, protecting, and an extra coat of waxing to give protection and extra shinning.

Third Step is the

Preservation where most of us fail - I feel that the polishing will not be effective and long lasting without it. I have seen people washing the car daily or often, thinking themselves that they maintain the car very well without realizing that they are harming the paint and it would result removing of all the wax, leaving the car surface a withered look. So much washing certainly not required. Let us wash the car only when it is really needed.

​

A QUICK GLANCE ABOUT CAR CARE PRODUCTS WITH SOME EXAMPLES

DUSTER - California Duster, Jopasu Duster

MF TOWELS - 3M, Jopasu, Sonax, Meguiar - Supreme Shine Microfiber Towel, Abro

PRESSURE WASHER - Bosch Aquatek , Eureka Forbes, Karcher

STEAM WASHER - Optima

MINI VACUUM CLEANER - Black and Decker

POLISHING MACHINE (Rotary)- Skil Car Polisher 9070, DAS-6 Dual Action Polisher

SHAMPOO – Amway car shampoo, Turtle Zip Wax (Wash & Wax), Formula 1 Wash & Wax, ABRO premium gold

SHAMPOO SYNTHETIC - Meguiars NXT WASH,Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo

RINSE LESS, WATERLESS WASH – Optimum No Rinse, Ultima Waterless Wash Plus+ Concentrate

DRYING TOWEL -Meguiars Water Magnet

CLAY - Mothers Clay,Auto Finesse Clay Bar

PRE WAX CLEANER - Auto Finesse Rejuvenate Pre Wax Cleanser, Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion

GLAZE & POLISH – Amway Silicone Glaze, Poorboys White Diamond, Poorboys Black Hole, Wolfgang Finishing Glaze

LIQUID WAX - Collinite 845 , NXT wax 2.0, Dodo Juice Blue Velvet Wax, Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Wax

PASTE WAX – Turtle Hard Shell, Formula 1 - Carnauba Paste Wax

SPRAY WAX - Meguiars Ultimate Quick Wax , Optimum Car Wax, Formula 1 - Spray Wax

ALLOY SEALANT - Auto Finesse Mint Rims Wheel Sealant, Nanolex Ultra Paint & Alloy Sealant

WHEEL RIM CLEANER - Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel & Tire Cleaner

TIRE DRESSING - ArmorAll - Extreme Tire shine Gel, Formula 1 - Black Gold Tire Shine, ABRO-Black Xtreme Wet Tire Shine

INTERIOR DRESSING - 3M Vinyl & Plastic Dressing, Waxpol Vinyl Polish

HEADLIGHT RESTORER- Formula 1 - Headlight Restorer & Sealant, 3M

GLASS SEALANT / CLEANER- Proklear Nano Anti-Glare, Rain X, Formula 1 - Glass Cleaner with Rain Repellant

PAINT SEALANT - Duragloss 105, klasse sealant glaze, Gtechniq C1 Crystal Lacquer, Poorboys EX-P Sealant

ALL IN ONE - Zaino AIO, klasse AIO, Megs Ultimate Polish

​

The reviews here reflects our personal experience and suggestions .You can learn from others' experiences and shorten your own learning period somewhat, but each person is different & so as always, your own experience will be your best teacher. If you find something better, update us.

Regards,
Dr MUDHAN

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

Re: Guide: MAKE YOUR CAR SHINE!

Before, Let us understand the meaning some products we use in this detailing process.

DICTIONARY OF TERMS ( JARGONS ) FOR THE AUTO DETAIL INDUSTRY (PART I)​

ABRASIVE - Natural or synthetic particles (grit or media) found in polishes or compounds which cut
the paint surface to remove imperfections.

ACCELERATED DRY PAINT FINISHES - Refinish work that is placed in an environment with an air makeup system that accelerates the drying time from 4 hours to approximately 45 minutes.

ACID - A substance below 7 on a pH scale. Different types of acid: phosphoric, sulfuric, oxalic,
hydrofluoric. Main use is in wheel cleaners.

ACID RAIN - Rain contaminated with acidic compounds from industrial pollution. May cause damage
to automotive finishes and glass.

ADHESION - How well a product bonds to the surface to which it is applied.


AIR DRY PAINT FINISHES - Refinish work that is allowed to dry in a natural environment without artificial air or heat.

ALKALINE- Alkalis- Substances above 7 on a pH scale classified as basic or caustic. Caustic
compounds are used in cleaning products such as soap.

APPEARANCE RECONDITIONING - The cosmetic restoration of a vehicle to alike new condition.

BASE COAT - The foundation layer in the base coat/ clear coat automotive finishes comprised of a layer of dense pigment applied over primer coat. Also referred to as color coat.

BATH TUBBER - A slang term used to refer to a manufacture who mixes his own chemical products
in a large drum or "bath tubs", usually of low price and poor quality.

BIODEGRADABLE - Capable of being broken down into safe, stable sub compounds by natural forces.

BLUSHING - Paint finish turns milky or cloudy shortly after polishing new paint. Solvents have not
finished evaporation from the paint.

BODY SHOP SAFE - A generic term used to refer to products for the body shops which contain no
silicone or wax components that interfere with the painting system.

BUFFER - A piece of equipment used by skilled technicians to apply products to a vehicle. Reduces
the time spent and improves the quality of work performed.

BUFFER MARKS - Circular marks which remain in the paint when wool cutting pads are used.

BURN - Damage to paint surface by a polisher, ie. To unintentionally scar or remove paint from a
vehicle.

BURNISH - Polishing with a tool to make the surface smooth or glossy by friction; increases
distinctness of image by smoothing the paint.

CHEMICALS - A term to categorize a group of products ie. Polishing, chemicals, chemical cleaners,
cleaning chemicals.

CLAYING - Claying safely removes Above Surface Bonded Contaminants, enable your choice of wax or paint sealant to better bond or adhere to the paint, restores a silky, smooth, clean surface, makes polishing easier, more effective and safer.

CLEANER/GLAZE - Combination of a light abrasive cleaner and silicones that allow the user to clean
and to provide shine in one step. Cleans and shines.

CLEANER/WAX - Combination of a light abrasive cleaner, silicones and waxes that allow the user to
clean, shine and provide protection in one step. Cleans, shines and protects.

CLEAR COAT - A thin transparent layer of paint (may be enamel or lacquer based) applied over a
pigmented layer of paint (basecoat) to provide a deep, rich, shiny finish.

COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID - Any liquid having a flash point at or above 140o degrees F.

COMPOUND/COMPOUNDING - An abrasive (liquid or paste) product designed to remove oxidation,
scratches and other imperfections. The first step in the detail process.

COMPOUND SCRATCHES/SWIRLS - Micro scratches in the painted finish due to abrasives in compounds
and buffing cleaners as well as wool cutting pads. May be removed with a cleaner/polish.

CONCENTRATE - A product that requires thinning with an appropriate reducer. Water, solvent, thinner, etc.

CONVENTIONAL PAINT - More traditional ways of finishing automotive surfaces. Generally recognized
as lacquered, acrylic, enamel and acrylic enamel paint finishes.

CO-POLYMER - A chemical compound of two polymers which are compatible and stable when joined.

COSMOLINE - A heavy grade petroleum by-product or paraffin applied to automobile exteriors as a
protective coating during transit. Requires special chemicals and procedures to be removed.

CHECKING, CRACKING, CRAZING - Paint looks like shattered glass. Paint dries out and lose's it's
elasticity. Repeated extreme temperatures cause the paint to expand and contract and pulls the
paint apart.

CUTTING PAD - Most often a natural wool pad with fibers strands that resemble shag carpet. May also
be coarse foam pads.

D.O.T. - Department of Transportation. Government agency-one duty of which is to regulate the
transport of chemicals and chemical products.

DEGRADABLE - Capable of being broken down by natural forces. Resulting products may not
necessarily be safe or stable.

DETAILING - To clean item by item each minor part of a vehicle to the completeness of the work.

DETERGENTS - Cleaning products for auto interiors and exteriors with different chemical formulations
as the active cleaning agent. Differentiated thickness and cleaning ability.

DILUTE - To reduce by thinning with appropriate reducer; water, solvent, thinner, etc.. in accordance
with directions.

DURABILITY - The power of long term resistance to decay or change.

DRESSING - Water base and solvent base liquids designed to provide protection and gloss for rubber,
vinyl, plastic and leather.

DWELL TIME - A time period in which a product is encouraged to remain in an active state during
application. During cleaning, a product may be required to sit or dwell for several minutes before
being rinsed.

E.P.A. - Environmental Protection Agency. Government body which helps regulate the environment.
Has jurisdiction over the manufacturer through the end user of a product.

EMOLLIENT - A substance designed to add moisture or increase softness. Found in hand cleaners
or leather and vinyl conditioners.

EMULSION - Stable mixture of two or more un-mixable liquids held in suspension by small
percentages of substances called emulsifiers.

ENAMEL PAINT - Type of O.E.M. paint used for many years. (acrylic enamel)

EXTRACTOR - A machine used to clean carpet and cloth seats. Applies cleaning solution in fan spray
and removes moisture and dirt with vacuum action.

FABRIC PROTECTOR - A product applied to fabric or cloth seats and carpets. Repels moisture and food
soils. Allows textiles to be cleaned easier. There are resin and silicon types.

FILM BUILD - The total film build up from the metal substrate to the top coat.

FINISHING PAD - A combed wool pad normally yellow in color. Also, soft foam pad are now available.
Main use is for polishing.

FISH EYE - Complications which occur during repainting. Where as paint is repelled from a spot
because grease, oil, or silicone is present on the paint surface.

FLAMMABLE LIQUID - Any chemical that has a flash point below 140o degrees F.

FLASH OFF - Dwell time for solvent to evaporate from the paint surface.

FLASH POINT - The temperature at which a product when heated, will release a combustible vapor.

FOAM PAD - A round foam disk made of various designs and textures for polishing vehicles.

GLAZE - Product designed to produce a quick high shine. Not as durable as waxes or polymer
sealants.

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

Re: Guide: Make your car shine!

DICTIONARY OF TERMS ( JARGONS ) FOR THE AUTO DETAIL INDUSTRY (PART II)
​

H.M.I.S. - Hazardous Material Identification System. A system of numbers, symbols and letters
which give information about health , flammability, reactivity and personal protection for chemicals
and products.

HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS - Products or chemical components that may pose a health risk to the user
if used improperly or if proper safety equipment is not used. READ MSDS for each product you use.
Warnings are normally written as if hazardous product were at 100% solution.

HAZE - State where a product is dry on the surface and appears dull or milky. A dull film of imbedded
dirt or oxidation on the paint surface.

HI -TECH PAINTS - Includes clear coat and urethane paint finishes. Within this urethane category are
catalyzed paint systems including acrylic urethane, acrylic urethane enamels, polyurethane
enamels and polyurethane acrylic enamels.

HIGH BAKE PAINT FINISHES - O.E.M. paint finishes that are baked at approximately 260-300 degrees
for 30-45 minutes. Curing results from a high bake reaction prior to the installation of any trim or
plastic. This system does not require a catalyst.

INDUSTRIAL FALLOUT - Airborne pollutants from heavy industry or railroads which settle onto
automotive surfaces and become embedded in the finish. Gradually the particles oxidize and
appear as dark specks in the paint. Requires special products and procedures to be removed.

LACQUER THINNER - A solvent combination used to thin lacquer or acrylic paints.

LOW BAKE PAINT FINISHES - O.E.M. paint finishes that are baked at 180 degrees for approximately
20-30 minutes.

MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheet. Standardized sheet which systematically describes a product
and its hazardous chemical components. Distributors are to provide customers with a MSDS sheet
for every product they buy. Distributors should also have a full set of MSDS sheets on their truck.

METALLIC - A type of automotive finish which produces a glittery or metal looking appearance.

METERING SYSTEM - A system which mixes chemicals with water as it uses them, e.g. automatic or
coin operated car washes.

MOTTLING - Paint color appears streaked, with light and dark areas. Cause; heavier film thickness
in some areas than others. Excessive wetting of some areas when painted. Uneven disbursement
of metallic in the paint.

MULTIPLE STEP PROCESS - When three or more polishing steps are required to properly process the
painted surfaces of the vehicle. Example, overspray on paint may require sanding, compounding,
polishing and waxing.

OIL - Viscous liquids of natural plant and animal oils which are mixtures of terpenes and
simple esters or mineral oils which are mixtures of hydrocarbons, used in paint and auto polishes.

ONE STEP - Polishing a vehicle with one product that both cleans and seals at the same time. Some
times used as short cut to speed production of dealers vehicles.

ORANGE PEEL - The numbly rough appearance of paint; looks much like the texture of
an orange skin; surface lacks clarity of reflected image. Caused by paint being applied too dry, resulting in poor
flow out.

ORBITAL BUFFER - A mechanical buffer with a pad that travels ellipses instead of rotating on a fixed
axis. Used when waxing to simulate the movement of the human hand.

ORIGINAL FINISH - The paint finish applied by the manufacturer.

OVERSPRAY - Substance such as paint mist that settles out of the air onto automobile surface
appearing as tiny speckles.

OXIDATION - Loss of oils in paint due to weathering from the elements. An oxidized surface appears
to show chalky paint, dullness and feels rough.

PDA - Professional Detailing Association formed for the betterment of the Auto Detailing Industry.

PAD WASHER- A mechanical device used to remove accumulations of compounds and cleaners from
buffing pads. Uses water spray and spur action while the pad is on the buffer.

PAINT FILM THICKNESS - The amount of paint film on the vehicle. Measured in millimeters.

PAINT CLEANER - Product used to remove oxidation and light surface imperfection from the paint
surface.

PAINT SEALER - A product applied to a clean surface to protect the paint. Durability and degree of
gloss will vary.

PH SCALE - A scale used to determine the nature of water soluble chemicals. 0 - 6 acid; 7 - 8 neutral;
9 - 14 Alkaline - Caustic.

PETROLEUM DISTILLATES - Compounds that are derived from crude oil through the refining process.
Petroleum Solvents - Liquids derived from crude oil through the refining process capable of
dissolving other substances.

POLISH/POLISHING - A light abrasive product normally applied by machine polisher designed to
smooth out and eliminate the scratches and swirls left by compounding. May remove minor surface
imperfections and light to medium oxidation. The second step in the detail process.

POLISHER - A piece of equipment used by skilled technicians to apply products to the painted surface
of a vehicle. Typically turn at 1000 to 3000 R.P.M.

POLYMER - A naturally occurring or synthetic substance consisting of a large molecules formed by
smaller molecules of the same substance with a definite arrangement. Used in the production of
durable waxes and polishes.

POLY URETHANE - A catalyst type of paint known for exceptional durability.

PRESSURE WASHER - A mechanical device that steps up city water pressure 50-65 P.S.I. to 500 to
over 1200 P.S.I. A system used to clean surfaces with cleaning solutions under pressure.

PROFESSIONAL - A person fully educated, trained and skilled in all aspects of his profession.

PRE-WASH - First step in preparing a vehicle for detailing.

PROCEDURE/PROCESSING - To put through the steps of a prescribed method of application techniques.

PRIMER - Material applied to the surface to seal, fill scratches and improve adhesion of paint.

P.S.I. - Pounds Per Square Inch; a measure of air and water pressure.

R.P.M. - Revolutions Per Minute; number of complete turns made in one minute.

RAIL DUST - Small metallic particles attributed to railroads which settle onto automotive surfaces
and become embedded in the finish. Gradually, the particles oxidize and appear as dark speckles in the paint.
Requires special products and procedures to be removed. Also, known as industrial fallout.

RESIN - A synthetic or naturally occurring polymer.

RUBBING COMPOUNDS - to remove above surface bonded contaminants but they would also,
Instill scratches into the paint , Remove perfectly good paint. Some fine RC are available for Y2k paint surface.

SEALANT - A protective product that penetrates surface to bond with existing paint finish. Polymer
resins create a protective film much more durable than wax. Subject to the same elements but much
more longevity.

SILICATE - A hard glossy compound usually some form of the dioxide of silicone (Si 02) used in waxes,
polishes and dressings.

SILICONE - Any group of polymerized semi-inorganic compounds comprised of silicone item, oxygen
and possibly organic compounds. Characterized by high resistance to heat and water. Silicone
can create complications during repainting in body shops. Non-silicone products are preferable for
body shop applications.

SOLVENT - A substance, usually liquid that dissolves or can dissolve another substance.

SPUR - A small, hand held tool with a spoked wheel used to clean a buffing pad of accumulation of
wax or polish.

STREAKS - Uneven application of product on a painted surface.

SURFACTANT - A compound which helps lift substances from a surface so they may be removed.
Usually found in cleaners to improve rinsing.

SWIRL MARKS - Same as buffer marks but due generally to application of pressure.

TECHNICIAN - A person skilled and knowledgeable of the duties he/she is to perform.

TEFLON® - Non stick coating to reduce surface friction. Teflon® powder maybe used in polishes,
waxes and sealers as a leveler to ease application and removal of excess material.

THROW OFF - Product which is thrown from the surface or tool due to centrifugal force. For buffing,
this appears as tiny speckles of product on other surfaces.

TOP COAT - The top layer of paint which is the color coat on conventional paint finishes and the clear
coat on base coat/clear coat paint finishes.

TRANSIT COATING - A protective coating applied to auto exteriors prior to transportation to prevent
damage to the painted surfaces. Requires special removal procedures.

TWO STEP - A term to describe the process of cleaning or polishing the paint surface followed by a
separate finishing application of a durable coating of wax or sealer.

ULTRA VIOLET RAY - A component of ordinary light which cannot be seen by the human eye.
Deteriorates automobile surfaces by causing fading, cracking, peeling and discoloration. Some
products contain ingredients that guard against UV damage.

URETHANE PAINT - A catalyst activated paint known for exceptional durability.

WASH MITT - A large, soft pouch worn on the hand used to wash automobile surfaces.

WATER BASED - A compound whose primary liquid ingredient is water.

WATER SOLUBLE - Characterized by the ability to mix completely in or with water.

WAX/WAXING - May be in paste or liquid form for application by hand or polisher. Designed not only
to provide protection but also enhance shine. Final step in detail process.

WEATHERING - The change or failure in paint caused by exposure to weather.

WET SANDING - A procedure of simultaneously sanding and rinsing an automotive finish to remove
imperfections. Regarded as complicated and should only be attempted by professionals.

WHEEL MARKS - Circular scratch marks in the paint surface. Also, called buffer marks or swirls.

Y2K PAINT – New generation of car paints, painted by dipping & spraying, the color coat is
applied first then the clear lacquer coat over the top.

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

Re: Guide: Make your car shine!

MUST HAVES FOR A REGULAR CAR MAINTENANCE:​

There are certain things are 'must haves' for anyone who wants to be proud in seeing his well-maintained car.
Whenever we go for cleaning the car, we should always carry the following in the kit.
​

1. MICRO FIBER CLOTH & TOWELS.

Microfiber is a revolutionary polyester/polyamide fabric that is non-abrasive. You can use the towel for dry as well as wet purpose. Dry type can be used for both detailing and absorb water. Dedicated wet type is better for wipe out water after shampooing the car. Please don’t use the olden day cheap thin pink dry towel available in the petrol bunks, it will scratch the paint work.

Microfiber towel attracts dust, grime, oily films and salt residues like a magnet. Its surface structure contains a lakh of microfibers per square inch. These micro-hooks grab, lift and hold dust and grime.
It helps to dust it out the car every day and also in application of detailers, as well as to wipe out water after wash.

Remember MF is having electric charge property and using fabric softener, bleach and heat while washing it will nullify the efficiency. The efficiency will be good only if we soak few minutes & wash with detergent (washing machine powder) and dry naturally.

Some of the good ones in the market - ABRO Microfiber Car Cleaning Cloth, Jopasu - Magic Wipe, Sonax MF towels. X-Static Microfiber Premium Towel Grey, 3M detailing cloth & water magnet


What is Microfiber? - A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Microfiber Towel - Chemical Guys Car Care - YouTube

2. JOPASU DUSTER – Good to swipe out the fine dust, but I always prefer after preliminary dusting out by MF cloth. But it never removes the waxy spots, finger marks which can removed after by another MF cloth by mild pressure.
If car is under the shade and mostly covered, wipe with duster. If car is covered in muck don’t use the duster, go for wash.


3. AMWAY SILICONE GLAZE – I would say this as a ‘wonder liquid ’. It easily cleans tar spots, double side tape / stickers gum, polishes chrome surface, and cleans the oxidation in the initial level and road traffic black carbon emission marks without affecting the paint. Even removes bird dropping stains after cleaning the droppings. It effectively cleans the sweat marks on the seats and foot marks on car door sill / scuff plate area.


4. WD40 – Dilutes the tar stubborn spots and protects the rust prone areas, and automotive enthusiasts depend on the product for everything from penetrating stuck lug nuts to removing grease, grime and bugs from bumpers & Removes tree sap.
• Remove dead insects from the front grill with WD-40
• Unstick frozen locks, car doors or aerials with a squirt of WD-40
• Remove stubborn grime and stains from a number plate with WD-40 and a clean cloth
• Give chrome or aluminum finishes an extra shine with a spray of WD-40
• Squeaky or stuck-fast car seat? A squirt of WD-40 on the runner will get it moving again
• Protect the more vulnerable areas of your motor from corrosion with a squirt of WD-40
• An application of WD-40 can help prevent corrosion of spark plug cables
• Buff out surface scuff marks with a spray of WD-40 on a clean cloth
• Drive excess moisture from a flooded engine with a liberal application of WD-40 - but remember not to spray it whilst the engine is running!

5. WATER SPRAY CAN – Make use of old Collin bottle or any car product spray can, if not buy the one used in barber shop or agro shop (pest control spray). Keep water and useful for every day cleaning, just spray on the dirt and marks, leave few seconds to soak and wipe it with MF cloth, of course after dusting out.

6. MUSCLE MAN CLEANER / COLLIN - Contains ammonia and quickly dissolves grease, dirt, grime, and smudges from glass and glass-like surfaces. Though I felt it that it is not long lasting like a dedicated car windshield cleaner or have anti-Fog property; the very purpose of this in the daily kit is to clean all glasses if it necessary, and found effective on chrome surfaces and especially very helpful to clean the finger marks, soiled fabric in the door inside handle, after service.

If need be at least once in a week to do:

8. FINE BRUSH – to clean AC grill & areas that regular duster can’t reach.
7. WASHING BRUSH & SOAP – to clean the dirty foot mats / tyres thoroughly.

​

 

[350Z]

Excellent thread. Now live from T.I.P Zone. Thanks!

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[pras]

Wonderful thread sir. lot of details available. Reading one by one. thanks for the thread.

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

Excellent thread. Now live from T.I.P Zone. Thanks!

Drive Safe,
350Z

Wonderful thread sir. lot of details available. Reading one by one. thanks for the thread.

Thanks 350Z & pras , for the appreciation and support.
We shall discuss next about CAR SHAMPOOs in depth.
Just give me some time, please.
Regards
Dr MUDHAN

 

[smooth rider]

wow hats off to you for the effort that you have put and is going to put in this thread.

 

[Octy_Vin]

Hello Dr sir. I thought you are only a MBBS doctor. But you are doing doctorate in car washing / cleaning. Excellent thread. Seems to be a one stop solution for car care. 5 stars from my side.

 

[Mathew]

Interesting article, neatly presented. Keep Going Dr MUDHAN.

My concern is about alloy wheels. How to clean alloy wheels on a weekly basis? Only dirt, and paste form of dust. One can reach only outer layer, and cannot reach either within the wheel spokes, and little inner side of the alloy wheels.

 

[Figoian]

Great thread Dr., of course, as usual The kind of detailed information you gather and share is invincible. I see this not just as your love to your car, but being sure on what you are doing in anything by going to the most extent of the matter. Keep up the great work for the benefit of all! Glad to be around with you here.

I too have been thinking, thinking and thinking about waxing my car and postponing it due to laziness, honestly. Coincidentally, I have ordered for Formula 1 - Carnauba Wax from Automotivesoul today finally. Will have my hands on it this weekend. Let's see how it works.

 

[lxtreme]

Exellent thread Doc :). Its very interesting. keep up the good work.

Lxtreme

 

[pka11]

Excellent thread and information. It just comes at time when I am searching the same for cleaning and polishing my year old POLO. Thanks for providing such a wide information at one place.

 

[Midknight]

Great and really informative initiative Dr MUDHAN sir. Please keep the thread updated.
What are your views regarding collinite 845? [If you have used that] compared to duragloss?


Regards
Midknight

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Great and informative thread.
I want to know more about using car polishers from Bosch/Skil to apply paint sealants like DG-105 and Carnauba waxes on the car without damaging the paint. The things to do and not to do. Different types of pads and their uses.
Also would be helpful if we can discusse how to remove those minor scratches and swirl marks from the cars.