Car Care Kit for a Newbie

I use Eimann Fabrik Hi Intensity as a wheel cleaner (diluted with equal parts of water). It's an alkaline product.

Meguiar's Endurance is great stuff. Just be sure to buff off any excess product before driving off.

Vinylex is a very good product. Some people use it on tires as well as interior dash. I recently switched from Vinylex to 303 Aerospace for my interior dash. 303 has a less shiny finish than Vinylex.

I've never tried the Griots products, so I can't comment on their wash. Haven't tried the Meguiar's Wipe either, but I've heard many positive comments about it. I like the CMA Magic Towels (aka Tacscar's Ultimate Towel). They're a bit pricier than most, but extremely plush with no linting problems.

There are lots of good products out there to choose from. Try some, and then let us know how they work out.

I use Meguiar's Hot Rims wheel cleaner.

Works great, safe to use on all wheels, including polished aluminum (not coating), which is the most sensitive surface.

For brake dust, the best thing is to change you brake pads to get rid of the problem. Repco/PBR/Axxis Deluxe pads are great pads, almost no dust, low noise, great stopping, no fade. And best of al, they don't cost much.

I use the Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe's for Washing the car and The Big Blue Drying Towel for drying. I am also going to use the Ultimate Wipes for Polish Application/Removal.

I just recently bought the P21S Gel for cleaning my wheels and it works pretty well. I may try one EFHI to see which I like better.

In addition, I ordered Vinylex and I really like it. As stated, some people feel it is too shiny, but I love it on the exterior trim and tires. I have yet to try it on my dash.

My next investment will more than likely be more Ultimate Wipes and Zaino.

There are so many different opinions, I figure I will buy limited quantities and test it for myself.

One thing is for sure, I love the Microfiber towels. I only wish I had found them before using my old sponge...

I'm a big fan of the P21S drying towel. A must have IMO.

Also, for those final touches and in between washings Griot's Speed Shine is fantastic. Their white cotton towelettes are excellent as well.

Another good pointer that I took from Rip (and others) is the 2 or 3 wash mitt practice. One for paint, one for rockers/bumbers and the obvious wheel only one.

Wash Mitts?

PM 325xiT said:

Another good pointer that I took from Rip (and others) is the 2 or 3 wash mitt practice. One for paint, one for rockers/bumbers and the obvious wheel only one.

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I forgot about the wash mitts. Are there any that are better than others? Anything specific that I should look for?

Re: Wash Mitts?

Case said:

I forgot about the wash mitts. Are there any that are better than others? Anything specific that I should look for?

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With a white car you should be safe with either synthetic or sheep skin. I also have a chemille mitt that I'm surrently using.

If you go with sheep be sure to not wash it in your washer it will turn into a gummy mess.

GSR13 said:

I use the Meguiar's Ultimate Wipe's for Washing the car and The Big Blue Drying Towel for drying.

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I have to cast another vote for the CMA Big Blue Drying Towel. I've tried the Absorber, P21S Drying Towel, cotton terry, and microfiber terry; but the Big Blue with the waffle weave is by far my favorite drying tool. :thumb:

I also use the 2 wash mitt and 2 bucket method. Works great to keep from redepositing dirt back onto your car. I use cotton chenille mitts now. I've tried different types of mitts over the years (synthetic and sheepskin), but I always come back to white cotton chenille. It's easy care, durable, and gentle to the paint.