Best cleaning/protecting products for the Leon?

jasonh · May 11, 2015

Had my Leon just over a week now and Ive already washed and "waxed" it twice using AutoGlym Shampoo and Aqua Wax, I probably cleaned my last car twice in 2 years and its amazed me how "@nal" ive become with the cleanliness of my Leon. So much so that im now thinking about investing in some serious gear and getting into the detailing scene, Im very happy with the AutoGlym stuff and the Aqua Wax has really surprised me as i didnt think it would be anything special but its great stuff. What are the best products I can get and what are the best processes to use to keep my Leon shiny?

Cheers

JMAC · May 11, 2015

Take a look at the guides published on Polish Bliss, I've found them really useful and helpful:

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/car-care-advice.html

Understandably they use the guides to promote the products they sell but also give some indication of what type of product will work for your car so you can just search around and see what suits.

I started using Bilt Hamber products earlier this year and have found them to be great in terms of value, ease of application, overall finish and protection offered. I'm also a big fan of Chemical Guys and think their QD sprays are the best I've tried. I used to have a Technic grey Leon and CG Hybrid v7 detailer works especially well on the colour; it really gets the most out of the tone and metallic flakes.

My top tip would be take your time by removing as much dirt and dust off the car before you go near it with a mitt. Rinse from the roof and move the dirt downwards. I use snow foam and apply via a lance as part of my pre wash routine. The same goes for washing. I leave the lower bumpers, sills, etc until last and then do them wit a separate, older mitt.

I suppose a good starter shopping list would be something like:

1. 2 X big buckets
2. 2 X grit guards
3. Good quality lambs wool or similar mitt
4. Drying towel(s)
5. Microfibre towels
6. Wheel brush
7. Wash/shampoo
8. Detailing spray (drying aid/finishing)
9 Wheel cleaner
10. All purpose cleaner (check spec as you can save money using this in various ratio's to clean wheels, engine bay, windows, wheel arches, detailer etc)
11. A polishing compound/scratch remover, always handy for the small scratches that 'magically appear'.
12. Snow foam. A bit of a marmite thing but I always snow foam my car before washing, I think it makes a difference.
13. Tyre shine/dressing

The above should be more than adequate for your weekly washes and once every six months you may to do a full decontamination with clay and fallout remover. Followed by a thorough wash, polish, wheel seal and finally a coat of wax to seal everything. The products used for a 'big wash' appear expensive but you rarely use them so they will last.

It seems pretty expensive but if you just buy a few key items and add as you go along, it's not as bad. You can usually find most things on Amazon and I also tend to buy a lot from cleanyourcar.co.uk which also has a very helpful and friendly forum.

If you're sticking with Autoglym then I've found this place a good place to buy from:

http://www.uksupplydirect.com/c/54/...ish-manufacturer-of-quality-valeting-products

Hope this helps.

jasonh · May 11, 2015

JMAC said:
Take a look at the guides published on Polish Bliss, I've found them really useful and helpful:

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/car-care-advice.html

Understandably they use the guides to promote the products they sell but also give some indication of what type of product will work for your car so you can just search around and see what suits.

I started using Bilt Hamber products earlier this year and have found them to be great in terms of value, ease of application, overall finish and protection offered. I'm also a big fan of Chemical Guys and think their QD sprays are the best I've tried. I used to have a Technic grey Leon and CG Hybrid v7 detailer works especially well on the colour; it really gets the most out of the tone and metallic flakes.

My top tip would be take your time by removing as much dirt and dust off the car before you go near it with a mitt. Rinse from the roof and move the dirt downwards. I use snow foam and apply via a lance as part of my pre wash routine. The same goes for washing. I leave the lower bumpers, sills, etc until last and then do them wit a separate, older mitt.

I suppose a good starter shopping list would be something like:

1. 2 X big buckets
2. 2 X grit guards
3. Good quality lambs wool or similar mitt
4. Drying towel(s)
5. Microfibre towels
6. Wheel brush
7. Wash/shampoo
8. Detailing spray (drying aid/finishing)
9 Wheel cleaner
10. All purpose cleaner (check spec as you can save money using this in various ratio's to clean wheels, engine bay, windows, wheel arches, detailer etc)
11. A polishing compound/scratch remover, always handy for the small scratches that 'magically appear'.
12. Snow foam. A bit of a marmite thing but I always snow foam my car before washing, I think it makes a difference.
13. Tyre shine/dressing

The above should be more than adequate for your weekly washes and once every six months you may to do a full decontamination with clay and fallout remover. Followed by a thorough wash, polish, wheel seal and finally a coat of wax to seal everything. The products used for a 'big wash' appear expensive but you rarely use them so they will last.

It seems pretty expensive but if you just buy a few key items and add as you go along, it's not as bad. You can usually find most things on Amazon and I also tend to buy a lot from cleanyourcar.co.uk which also has a very helpful and friendly forum.

If you're sticking with Autoglym then I've found this place a good place to buy from:

http://www.uksupplydirect.com/c/54/...ish-manufacturer-of-quality-valeting-products

Hope this helps.

Thank you so much! Massive help mate didnt expect to get such a "detailed" (Pun absolutely intended) break down, i definitely want to explore other products, I only bought the AutoGlym gear because it was the only brand id heard of when i was looking through my local motosave lol cheers mate!

robin cur · May 11, 2015

JMAC said:
Take a look at the guides published on Polish Bliss, I've found them really useful and helpful:

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/car-care-advice.html

Understandably they use the guides to promote the products they sell but also give some indication of what type of product will work for your car so you can just search around and see what suits.

I started using Bilt Hamber products earlier this year and have found them to be great in terms of value, ease of application, overall finish and protection offered. I'm also a big fan of Chemical Guys and think their QD sprays are the best I've tried. I used to have a Technic grey Leon and CG Hybrid v7 detailer works especially well on the colour; it really gets the most out of the tone and metallic flakes.

My top tip would be take your time by removing as much dirt and dust off the car before you go near it with a mitt. Rinse from the roof and move the dirt downwards. I use snow foam and apply via a lance as part of my pre wash routine. The same goes for washing. I leave the lower bumpers, sills, etc until last and then do them wit a separate, older mitt.

I suppose a good starter shopping list would be something like:

1. 2 X big buckets
2. 2 X grit guards
3. Good quality lambs wool or similar mitt
4. Drying towel(s)
5. Microfibre towels
6. Wheel brush
7. Wash/shampoo
8. Detailing spray (drying aid/finishing)
9 Wheel cleaner
10. All purpose cleaner (check spec as you can save money using this in various ratio's to clean wheels, engine bay, windows, wheel arches, detailer etc)
11. A polishing compound/scratch remover, always handy for the small scratches that 'magically appear'.
12. Snow foam. A bit of a marmite thing but I always snow foam my car before washing, I think it makes a difference.
13. Tyre shine/dressing

The above should be more than adequate for your weekly washes and once every six months you may to do a full decontamination with clay and fallout remover. Followed by a thorough wash, polish, wheel seal and finally a coat of wax to seal everything. The products used for a 'big wash' appear expensive but you rarely use them so they will last.

It seems pretty expensive but if you just buy a few key items and add as you go along, it's not as bad. You can usually find most things on Amazon and I also tend to buy a lot from cleanyourcar.co.uk which also has a very helpful and friendly forum.

If you're sticking with Autoglym then I've found this place a good place to buy from:

http://www.uksupplydirect.com/c/54/...ish-manufacturer-of-quality-valeting-products

Hope this helps.

What is snow foam? and what dose it do?.

JMAC · May 11, 2015

Some info and a video here:

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/...DcDgctzkDyzHlmJmBGv6CtPgdRKvpkpnfExoCQ77w_wcB

I use Ultimate Finishes own brand snow foam and lance and it's been faultless so far. I manage to get a really thick, shaving foam like layer on the car that dwells for 10-15 mins before eventually dripping away onto the drive.

jasonh · May 11, 2015

JMAC said:
Some info and a video here:

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/...DcDgctzkDyzHlmJmBGv6CtPgdRKvpkpnfExoCQ77w_wcB

I use Ultimate Finishes own brand snow foam and lance and it's been faultless so far. I manage to get a really thick, shaving foam like layer on the car that dwells for 10-15 mins before eventually dripping away onto the drive.

I think snow foam is definitely something i am going to invest in, even if it works or not it looks like a lot of fun haha

cptSparko · May 11, 2015

Loads of good advice from JMAC. I'll echo the bit about removing all grit/dust before touching it with a mitt. Pressure washer should be on the shopping list, especially if you want snow foam.

Drying is just as important as the wet stuff, you don't want water marks and drips!

Detailingworld.co.uk is the place for the purists, lots of experts on there.

I've always used autoglym on past cars. Since my Leon is brand new I upped my game and got into this DIY detailing lark. AutoFinesse is what I use for most stuff, for me the products are stronger at removing muck and last longer once applied; YMMV. Good beginner guides on their site.

cptSparko · May 11, 2015

One thing that was missed was the process of claying. Do it after the wash, before the polish/seal/wax. It removes the really fine dirt particles from the surface that you can feel with your fingers. Read the guides first because you can do quite a bit of damage if you don't follow the rules!

Fred99 · May 11, 2015

I tip I recently read was that if you want to check how much tiny stuff is embedded in the paint before claying is not to just rub your fingers over the surface, but to use a thin polythene glove or even put your hand in a thin sandwich polybag.

It's amazing the difference it makes to your ability to feel the contaminants.

bladerider666 · May 12, 2015

just to add my 2p, i use bilt hambers autofoam, ive been using it all this year and it really does help remove a lot of dirt and rubbish before you start washing with a mitt. however id also consider something like bilt hambers Korrosol as its to be used BEFORE you clay to remove fallout iron deposits etc, im going to be doing all this to my leon when it arrives in next 14 days....

jasonh · May 12, 2015

Cheers guys massive help! Are there any specific polishes/waxes for grey coloured cars or would i be looking at just getting one for dark coloured cars (Black hole comes to mind from what ive seen)

bladerider666 · May 12, 2015

Well a good long lasting wax helps, im using Collinite 915 Marque delegance which is a hard wax in a tin and the cars ive used it on recently are all different, solid black to metallic black blues burgandy. lovely shine easy on/off and lasts like 6 months plus, as a member of detailing world the guys on there did a test on waxes and this was still protecting the car and beading water after 6 months.....not too cheap but you need very little and it will last years!!

scrich7 · May 12, 2015

When 'proper' waxing, I've always used Dodo Juice products, can't recommend them enough. And they do colour specific waxes too.

The product is very easy to apply/buff off and lasts a good number of months. It's not the most hard wearing, but it's also significantly easier to work with than many other products I've tried.

Ocularis · May 12, 2015

I found the dodo juice didn't last that long although look great to start with (and smell great if you like that kinda thing lol). I also use Collinite 915 now as a wax and its very good. Dont find it that hard to work with, as long as you use a sealant of some sort and make sure the car and wax is pretty warm, its easy to work with.

Doug_m · May 12, 2015

I like Auto Finesse waxes personally.

Sealant side brands, Carpro or Gyeon.

All great products.

JMAC · May 12, 2015

jasonh said:
Cheers guys massive help! Are there any specific polishes/waxes for grey coloured cars or would i be looking at just getting one for dark coloured cars (Black hole comes to mind from what ive seen)

For dark coulours you need something that's as natural as possible, such as carnauba wax. For lighter colour cars synthetic based products are best.

marty_34 · May 12, 2015

autobrite cherry glaze and project 32 is a good combnination

car pro reload is a good spray sealant as is car pro hydro

Crafoo · May 12, 2015

robin cur said:
What is snow foam? and what dose it do?.

It's a pre-wash, it's the first stage in beginning to wash your car, the purpose is to break down and soften the top layer of dirt and grime on your paintwork so you don't go pushing it around your paint with the wash mitt (the easiest way to cover your car in swirl marks).

Don't fall into the trap of thinking after you have used the snow foam it'll reveal a nice clean car, because that is not what it's for, (although most people will tell you it's rubbish because they believe this is the way it's supposed to work) use it as your first step then continue with the rest of your wash procedure (however you choose to tackle it) and it'll help reduce the amount of swirl marks you put on your car.

perkman1969 · May 13, 2015

Would be interested to know what effect all these products would have on my car that has been Diamond Brite treated? I've always had them done by the dealer when new as I have really noticed the difference when washing (far too infrequently I admit!) - previous Audi's were Autoglym'ed but this DB treatment on my 280 seems superior. First proper wash with the supplied shampoo and after wash solution and it came up like new. Would using snow foam and fancy wax damage/alter the DB treatment does anyone know?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

m4rtin · May 13, 2015

Pressure Washer and a Snowfoam Lance is a must!

Great fun, helps to stop swirls and you should see your neighbours faces when you start to use it.

Best cleaning/protecting products for the Leon?

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