Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[DFB FGXR6]

I often read about or get asked if a new car actually needs to be polished, especially in regards to applying a ceramic coating or sealant. One would think a brand new car, straight from the factory then delivered by a dealer would have flawless paint. It's new, right?

This is a 2022 Porsche 911 GT3, basically brand new with 490 km on the clock. At the very least, these are $369,600 before options and on-roads. A precisely manufactured German thoroughbred. This is how it was delivered to the customer -





50/50 after compounding -



The detailer who did this correction is very talented and experienced, these are his words -
"The dealer prep was horrendous. Worst I have seen to date. Car was full of swirls and holograms. Hologram city."

So, even the most expensive new cars may need to be polished and corrected prior to applying a coating. There is no point locking in factory or dealer induced scratches, holograms, sanding marks or swirls with a long term ceramic coating.

The good news is that it was all removed and brought to the standard it should have been on delivery.



(And yes, I want a GT3 in red please!)

[Junkyard-Dog]

Wow, that is both disappointing that Porsche delivers the vehicle to customers in such poor condition AND impressive work by the detailer. I would absolutely LOVE a Porsche but I think I'd go with silver.

Edit: what exactly is the cause of those scratches? Looks like swirls from sandpaper but I don't really understand the process that caused them. Are these cars colour sanded by hand or something?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Junkyard-Dog

Wow, that is both disappointing that Porsche delivers the vehicle to customers in such poor condition AND impressive work by the detailer. I would absolutely LOVE a Porsche but I think I'd go with silver.

Edit: what exactly is the cause of those scratches? Looks like swirls from sandpaper but I don't really understand the process that caused them. Are these cars colour sanded by hand or something?

From my understanding, there may be some spot sanding of defects on the line, don't quote me on that though. From there, improper washing and poor polishing technique (most likely from a rotary polisher) will induce that level of paint marring. Damage can also be inflicted during shipping or when the protective films are applied prior to shipping.

[Junkyard-Dog]

Thank you for explaining. I really appreciate it.

[fiestaz]

That Porsche makes my eyes water... How could a dealer it go like that... Alot of Hyundai, Toyota etc etc dealers are more careful than that...

[fiestaz]

In Sydney we have been getting a heap of rain. Nothing annoys me more than squeaks and rattles. Well the Focus wipers have started jumping up and down the windscreen making as much noise as possible. I thought, no problem, I can't wash the car right now, but ill give the Windscreen a clean with some Naked Glass and then use Autoglym Glass Polish on it. In the past this has given good results to shut wipers up. Wipers are probably 4 ish years old but have had a fairly sheltered life.

Well after that effort it didn't achieve anything... I guess the blades have had enough. Might spent up on a Bosch set and see how i go.

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

That Porsche makes my eyes water... How could a dealer it go like that... Alot of Hyundai, Toyota etc etc dealers are more careful than that...

I wouldn’t be 100% sure it did leave the dealership like that. I’d be shocked and very disappointed if that were the case. But it’s possible.
The car may have been a demonstrator. This means they often sit on the yard and get washed by juniors making $15/hr.
I’ve also seen 2 week old cars look like that after owners wash them with old faithful sponge they’ve had for 25 years.

I’m also skeptical of some YouTube detailers who constantly bag out dealerships. After all they are just trying to promote their business.

I have worked at 2 dealerships and both had good professional detailing teams more than capable of dealing with such issues. They wouldn’t let a $25,000 car go out like that. And really nice cars generally get a bit of extra attention.

So unless there is proof that it actually left the dealership that way I’d give Porsche the benefit of the doubt. From my experience dealing with Porsche dealerships they are quite astute.

[Junkyard-Dog]

https://youtu.be/irAXgN2n0iQ

This video hurts my soul. @ the 15.45 min mark they are scrubbing a black mercedes with a truck wash brush. This is probably what caused the damage to that black Porsche in DFB's post... some fool with a truck washing brush.

[pwr4ce]

Current Repco offer - maybe some savings to be found on brand name products


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[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Top_Ghia

I wouldn’t be 100% sure it did leave the dealership like that. I’d be shocked and very disappointed if that were the case. But it’s possible.
The car may have been a demonstrator. This means they often sit on the yard and get washed by juniors making $15/hr.
I’ve also seen 2 week old cars look like that after owners wash them with old faithful sponge they’ve had for 25 years.

I’m also skeptical of some YouTube detailers who constantly bag out dealerships. After all they are just trying to promote their business.

I have worked at 2 dealerships and both had good professional detailing teams more than capable of dealing with such issues. They wouldn’t let a $25,000 car go out like that. And really nice cars generally get a bit of extra attention.

So unless there is proof that it actually left the dealership that way I’d give Porsche the benefit of the doubt. From my experience dealing with Porsche dealerships they are quite astute.

My post regarding that Porsche was not to diss the dealership industry, I really hope I have not offended with my words and I apologize if they have.

It was more to illustrate how even new cars can benefit from polishing. I made that post after many encounters with guys adamant that their brand new car was perfect from the factory. As I mentioned earlier, the gentleman who detailed the 911 does a lot of high end cars like that and is well respected..............and not relying on Youtube view counts, just sharing his passion like I do here.

This video by AMMO is a really good insight into how a new car from the likes of Porsche arrives from the factory, straight off the truck -



To summarize, the car had issues caused by the factory and the protective transport wrapping.

Again, I had best of intentions, I know you work in a dealership and I know tarring something with the same brush is never wise.

[pwr4ce]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

My post regarding that Porsche was not to diss the dealership industry, I really hope I have not offended with my words and I apologize if they have.

It was more to illustrate how even new cars can benefit from polishing. I made that post after many encounters with guys adamant that their brand new car was perfect from the factory. As I mentioned earlier, the gentleman who detailed the 911 does a lot of high end cars like that and is well respected..............and not relying on Youtube view counts, just sharing his passion like I do here.

This video by AMMO is a really good insight into how a new car from the likes of Porsche arrives from the factory, straight off the truck -



To summarize, the car had issues caused by the factory and the protective transport wrapping.

Again, I had best of intentions, I know you work in a dealership and I know tarring something with the same brush is never wise.

Our 2018 Everest brand new came with paint swirls and imperfections. It was only that I had it ceramic coated by the dealer that I took a closer look than I normally would have. I got the dealer to redo the paint correction and ceramic coating after finding issues with the paint ( which they were happy to do )


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[anobserver]

Originally Posted by anobserver

An attempt at bead porn of the roof of our 17-year-old daily....

image

With thanks to everyone here for their tips and hints. This is what happens when the wife was out shopping and it rained ...!!!

A coating of Bowdens Own bead machine, and a downpour later....



I think its beading a bit more...?

[CyberWasp]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

Well the Focus wipers have started jumping up and down the windscreen making as much noise as possible.

You could try some Aerospace 303 on the blades if you have some.
It will condition the rubber if they are not too far gone.
Squirt some onto a cloth and run the blades along 2 pinched fingers. The more coats the better.
Better again would be to let them soak in a diluted solution of it, but that is going a bit far.
I have heard that if you do this regularly enough you extend the life of the wiper blades by a significant amount also.

[jgmdat]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

My post regarding that Porsche was not to diss the dealership industry, I really hope I have not offended with my words and I apologize if they have.

It was more to illustrate how even new cars can benefit from polishing. I made that post after many encounters with guys adamant that their brand new car was perfect from the factory. As I mentioned earlier, the gentleman who detailed the 911 does a lot of high end cars like that and is well respected..............and not relying on Youtube view counts, just sharing his passion like I do here.

This video by AMMO is a really good insight into how a new car from the likes of Porsche arrives from the factory, straight off the truck -



To summarize, the car had issues caused by the factory and the protective transport wrapping.

Again, I had best of intentions, I know you work in a dealership and I know tarring something with the same brush is never wise.

I doubt anyone here would question your intentions mate. The guy that coats my cars showed me some swirl photos of a delivered car from the local Benz dealership and they were ordinary at best. Luck of the draw I guess and most people wouldn't even know or care judging by the condition they keep their car in anyway.

[CyberWasp]

Also if anyone is interested I saw the 3.7lt bottles of Meguiars Polymer Wash and Wax for like $15.00 in Costco today.



Don't know if it is any good, nor did I buy it, (I am not keen on wash and wax car wash) but it is certainly the cheapest brand name car wash I have seen for the amount you get.

[Top_Ghia]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

My post regarding that Porsche was not to diss the dealership industry, I really hope I have not offended with my words and I apologize if they have.

It was more to illustrate how even new cars can benefit from polishing. I made that post after many encounters with guys adamant that their brand new car was perfect from the factory. As I mentioned earlier, the gentleman who detailed the 911 does a lot of high end cars like that and is well respected..............and not relying on Youtube view counts, just sharing his passion like I do here.

This video by AMMO is a really good insight into how a new car from the likes of Porsche arrives from the factory, straight off the truck -



To summarize, the car had issues caused by the factory and the protective transport wrapping.

Again, I had best of intentions, I know you work in a dealership and I know tarring something with the same brush is never wise.

No offense taken. The criticism may very well be justified.
Who wouldn’t love a new Porsche? I would go insane trying to keep that clean. The bug splatter at 280 km/h would be hectic.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

You could try some Aerospace 303 on the blades if you have some.
It will condition the rubber if they are not too far gone.
Squirt some onto a cloth and run the blades along 2 pinched fingers. The more coats the better.
Better again would be to let them soak in a diluted solution of it, but that is going a bit far.
I have heard that if you do this regularly enough you extend the life of the wiper blades by a significant amount also.

Thats a interesting idea. Unfortunately I do not have any.

I ended up purchasing some new Bosch blades and installed them. Significantly better but are still hopping and squeaking. I think i need to give the windscreen some more attention of some sort.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

Thats a interesting idea. Unfortunately I do not have any.

I ended up purchasing some new Bosch blades and installed them. Significantly better but are still hopping and squeaking. I think i need to give the windscreen some more attention of some sort.

Out of curiosity, have you used a ceramic/Si02 type product on the glass?

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

Thats a interesting idea. Unfortunately I do not have any.

I ended up purchasing some new Bosch blades and installed them. Significantly better but are still hopping and squeaking. I think i need to give the windscreen some more attention of some sort.

Did you get the Bosch Aerotwin's ?

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Out of curiosity, have you used a ceramic/Si02 type product on the glass?

I have not actually. Come to think of it, I have seen on the Bowdens Facebook group the product Afterflow comes recommended for glass and has hydrophobic properties.. I do have some ( i dont really like the product, a lot of work for little result on paintwork, though many love it) but perhaps I should try that on the windscreen.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Did you get the Bosch Aerotwin's ?

Yes i did.

I think i had them back on my Fiesta and found them to be absolutely brilliant. So thought id go again.

The Focus had Triden on it, they were OK but not great i thought out of the box.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

Yes i did.

I think i had them back on my Fiesta and found them to be absolutely brilliant. Hence why i went again,

Yeah they should work fine. Are the hopping both ways or just one way?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

I have not actually. Come to think of it, I have seen on the Bowdens Facebook group the product Afterflow comes recommended for glass and has hydrophobic properties.. I do have some ( i dont really like the product, a lot of work for little result on paintwork, though many love it) but perhaps I should try that on the windscreen.

I have seen some suggestion that certain Si02 products can cause windscreen wiper chatter.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by GasoLane

Yeah they should work fine. Are the hopping both ways or just one way?

Both really. Significantly improved on what was there, so not regretting the purchase, but I think the windscreen needs some more love.

Also a note for everyone. Supercheap had these wipers for $45 each. Found them on Sparesbox with 20% off for $31. Using Supercheaps online chat they price matched and provided me with a coupon to use online for click and collect. So i ended up well infront as Sparesbox also wanted $10 delivery.
Supercheap will do this in store also i believe

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I have seen some suggestion that certain Si02 products can cause windscreen wiper chatter.

I did wonder if i should spray some Three Way on the windscreen to decontaminate it. Not sure if that is a thing however.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

I did wonder if i should spray some Three Way on the windscreen to decontaminate it. Not sure if that is a thing however.

I believe that some people have used a clay bar on their screen, but I've not tried it myself.

[PG2]

I have read from a number of sites that rain X certainly helps with wiper chatter using the bosch aerotwins. Personally, I found this as well. Either being too lazy or too busy lately I haven't been applying rain X and you can tell the difference in terms of not only the chatter but the performance of the wipers.


I've clay barred my windscreen a number of times. My old and worn out eyes tell me that it does make a difference particularly with water marks. It may not make a difference at the end of the day but it doesn't hurt it either.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

I did wonder if i should spray some Three Way on the windscreen to decontaminate it. Not sure if that is a thing however.

I would be hitting the glass with a clay bar or block. You can actually combine the clay bar and use Three Way as the lubricant if you want. A worthwhile thing to do as there is obviously something preventing smooth operation of the wiper rubber.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I would be hitting the glass with a clay bar or block. You can actually combine the clay bar and use Three Way as the lubricant if you want. A worthwhile thing to do as there is obviously something preventing smooth operation of the wiper rubber.

Yes, Clay is also a good idea.

Thanks everyone, will give it a crack tomorrow hopefully.

[bfets]

Having just watched these videos, it has me slightly worried about what condition I'll receive my new Mustang in. I might decide on getting a professional detail, correction and ceramic coat if the car is in bad shape and then just try my best to maintain it from there going forward.
This detailer from Melbourne says that Mustangs in particular can be pretty bad from what he has seen. He talks about this in the second video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1mhbRo3Cmc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSapEegiZM8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpX6usGyW1o