Detailing

[aussie027]

Good Find Tadz.
The above video illustrates my points.

[aussie027]

I will throw in a detailing tip I learnt a few yrs ago that will save everyone some money on wiper blades.

At some point the suns UV and lots of use will wear them out and they need replacing, that's to be expected.

However, sometimes they are only 3-4 mo old as was the case on my new Lancer, they had NEVER been used at all and when we got a day mid summer here in Perth where it rained , despite my having always cleaned them when washing the windscreens of summer dust they chattered terribly and I could barely use them as I was worried they would damage the wiper motor they were that rough.
Dealer said they are worn out and need replacing.
I was mad and said hell no, that is ridiculous on a new part that had never been used.
I wouldn't buy their OEM blades anyway. When these are worn out I will go to silicone.

THE TIP-- After cleaning the blades with some windex or whatever cleaner you like using some paper towels,etc. Put a few big drops of ordinary dish washing liquid on a paper towel and holding the blade edge between your finger tips run the liquid on the paper up and down the blade so it has a thin film coating on it.(you probably cannot even see it so do not go overboard)

I do this every time I wash them and the windscreen and even if they havent been used in weeks/months in middle of the summer when you use them they should be completely chatter free and smooth operating.
When this no longer works it is definitely time to replace them.
Best free tip I have been given in ages.

[tadz0rz]

speaking of wiper blades, i want to change the wiper arm. I was thinking of chaning it to a blue or chrome wiper blade frame...but apon looking at the wiper on the car, its rivited on...i dont see anyway of getting it off...any ideas?

BTW...My mum buys those green wiper blades for her GREEN fiesta lol

[Mizta B]

Thanks guys they are all valuable tips and will be a big help
Appreciate the sharing of info

[dumb&]

Just get the Bosch wiper blade replacements. Supercheap usually has them on sale every now and then 2x packs for $10. They are usually $20 a pack.

Great wipers.

[billyboy]

Just get the Bosch wiper blade replacements. Supercheap usually has them on sale every now and then 2x packs for $10. They are usually $20 a pack.

Great wipers.

You referring to Aerotwins?
http://www.bosch.com.au/content/language1/html/5534.htm

Cant recommend these enough, never seemed to degrade & remained super smooth since day I bought them on my old car.

[dumb&]

I had microedge which were great.

The aerotwins would be quite a bit more I'd imagine?

[billyboy]

^ yep, if I recall they were $25 a piece, so $50 a set sounds pricey but its money well spent in my experience.

I've head of dealers charging the same money for your cheapo blade set (not including the mounting arm) so be aware!

[crudman]

Here's a question:

How do you wash your car without leaving hairline scratches? I try dabbing the sponge instead of wiping side to side but thats not always successful especially in the lower areas near the wheels (doesn't remove the dirt properly).

Also,
does anyone use wax right after a wash?

[tadz0rz]

Ive never used wax, but i polish my car either every 3 months or whenever its been bad weather such as heaps of dust, excessive heat/rain

[m1n1on]

Here's a question:

How do you wash your car without leaving hairline scratches? I try dabbing the sponge instead of wiping side to side but thats not always successful especially in the lower areas near the wheels (doesn't remove the dirt properly).

Also,
does anyone use wax right after a wash?

Wash, clay and then wax. Wax will leave a smooth scratchless finish, however, it will not actually get rid of the scratches after the wax wears away. To fix small scratches you will have to use a swirl remover, or one of the various type of polishes (they vary from how abrasive they are).

[crudman]

what do you use to remove the hard melted dirt/crud thats stuck? last thing i want to do is seal it in with wax

[m1n1on]

what do you use to remove the hard melted dirt/crud thats stuck? last thing i want to do is seal it in with wax

Not entirely sure what you meant, but you should clean the car properly before waxing. Claying your car can get rid of dirt and oxidation on the paintwork.

[kayman]

Hey all got a question for you .... well whats the best way to wash / polish / wax a black car?

I got Meguiars gold car wash to wash it and going to use a lambswool mit with warm water then hose off and dry.

once its dry I have Autoglym Super Resin Polish going to apply it with Meguiars hand applicator pads the instructions say use a light circular motion finishing in straight lines to give a even coverage. then allow to dry and lightly buff with a cotton cloth (i.e. old singlet??)

after that I have Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection (is this wax?) this says to apply minimum quantity evenly over paintwork surface with a clean cotton cloth. Do not rub or apply pressure, allow film to dry completely (30-60 mins) Buff gently to a brilliant shine using a clean soft cotton cloth.
Do I apply this in a circular motion or straight?

Im just scared to apply in a circular motion as i've told that leaves circular swirl marks and on a black car im scared... I want to make sure I do the first big polish etc right.

Any tips or tricks? and let me know if i have the wrong products or need something else?

Thanks
K

p.s sorry for the long post

[tadz0rz]

^^ Kayman.

As for the application, i know meguirars is a really good brand, and ive never heard any bad things about it. alot of the major car detailing companies make polishes and waxes for specific colour cars. As long as you purchused the right wax and polish for your colour car you should be fine. Just follow the instructions carefully when applyin

when you are you are using the autoglym extra gloss protection, it is applyed in a circular motion untill you get a dryish white look on your car, it will almost feel abrasive but dont worry it wont be. Then you take it off using straight up and down movements to remove the polish for an even finish.

I use the autoglym red bottle for polish. Brings out the blue so much if you do it correctly.

Try to keep the polish off the pannels though, like around your side mirrors and the windscreen washer heads, its not going to damage them but it will leave them with a white ish finish on them. But you can easily remove it with a bit of amorall.

Any questions, happy to help man