Car Cleaning and Detailing, could you, would you, should you?

[siteguru]

I certainly don't want to stand under any Golden Showers.

 

[brucie]

I certainly don't want to stand under any Golden Showers.

Now see, I was going to post something along those lines and thought, no, be a grown up.

 

[siteguru]

Now see, I was going to post something along those lines and thought, no, be a grown up.

I don't know what you're meaning .. Saharan dust turns the rain showers golden; that's what I was meaning. (Ahem).

 

[Giller]

Just a thought, for those not aware some of the range, the previous MG4 and the current S6 have a function to put the wipers into service mode which I use when washing, if you use or choose to use it make damned sure the wipers are back on the windscreen before sitting in the drivers seat as they will or will try to go straight back into their normal position,

 

[Giller]

So the other half had the car yesterday over to work and the staff carpark was a bit mucky so came out today to find this:

As I want to sleep tonight a full clean was required including a dressing of the tyres with my favourite gel, yes I like them shiny.

Tools of the trade

Got a chance to try this out, were useful with the pre wash.

 

[brucie]

View attachment 45083

Got a chance to try this out, were useful with the pre wash.

So now you need to tell us what is so great about the baby in the pic?

 

[Giller]

So now you need to tell us what is so great about the baby in the pic?

With prewash I like to work in sections apply and remove, previously meant, switching from bottle to nozzle, with this no switching required, just change over with valve, and the fitted 40 degree nozzle works perfectly.

 

[brucie]

With prewash I like to work in sections apply and remove, previously meant, switching from bottle to nozzle, with this no switching required, just change over with valve, and the fitted 40 degree nozzle works perfectly.

I got that from your previous post. The pic I "quoted" was of the AVA pressure washer....

 

[Giller]

I got that from your previous post. The pic I "quoted" was of the AVA pressure washer....

Ah well that’s another story, I’ll tell it later when I get back home.

 

[Rolfe]

So I thought, not going to delete that, it's innocent. But trust you lot.

 

[Giller]

So I thought, not going to delete that, it's innocent. But trust you lot.

Innocent? Dat’s me dat is, good decision.

 

[dsimpkins]

You're all completely mad, and if you like cleaning things, come and start on my kitchen.

I would have no problem with cleaning your kitchen other than it's a bit of a commute from Bristol.

 

[dsimpkins]

When I picked up our MG4 it came with a Supagard car cleaning kit. It had car shampoo, dash, glass, and fabric cleaner, and tyre/exterior plastic shine. Also included a sponge and some microfibre cloths.

Started using it, found the products worked well, and the obsession started from there. Got a few more bits and pieces including noodle sponges, and microfibre drying towels (so much better than a chamois) Also got Supagard polish and wax which I've found easier to use than Autoglym super resin polish.

My daughter got a VW New Beetle Cabrio which came with some Autogylm products for looking after the cabrio roof.

I then picked up some snow foam from Bristol detailing supplies, and dusted off my old Karcher pressure washer, added a longer anti kink hose with quick disconnects, stubby gun and snow foam cannon. When I ran out of snow foam I bought some from Yum cars, along with their Foam + which is a hydrophobic snow foam wax treatment. So much quicker and easier than waxing the traditional way.

I also tried some of the Parkside detailing products when they were in the middle of Lidl following an online review. For the money, some of them are really good.

 

[Giller]

So now you need to tell us what is so great about the baby in the pic?

Well as promised, Ava pressure washers, what’s the story?

As a regular cleaner of cars, bikes, patios, decks etc like many in UK I’d been using a number of Karcher washers for many years, but when my Karcher washer popped its clogs in 2022 I started looking for a new washer and Ava popped up so the research began, ending I want one.

AVA are a Norwegian company and the variety, quality, and numbers of options they offer are just amazing.

In 2022 I ordered an Ava Evolution P60 Pressure washers, so many features and accessories but what stood out against the competition was their construction and a 20 year guarantee.

In addition:

• Unmatched Stability: Low center of gravity, large wheels, and extended corners prevent tipping, even on uneven terrain.
• Swivel Hose Reel: Follows your movements effortlessly for tangle-free operation.
• Powerful Cleaning Performance: Equipped with a durable 4-piston all-metal pump for long-lasting reliability.

Everything You Need for Versatile Cleaning:

• 8m Steel-Reinforced Flexible Hose: Extra reach to tackle those hard-to-access areas.
• Zero Force Pressure Gun: Ergonomic handle minimizes effort, maximizing comfort.
• Zoom Lance: Adjustable from 63 to 96cm to clean at varying heights with ease.
• Vario Nozzle: Customize water spread (20°-60°) to suit every surface.
• Turbo Nozzle: Delivers the focused power of a 0° nozzle with the coverage of a 20° nozzle.
• Foam Cannon: Produces a rich foam layer to loosen tough dirt before washing.
• Twister Bayonet System: Switch accessories quickly and easily.

Thoughtful Design for Everyday Convenience:

• On-Board Storage: Keep all accessories organized and within reach.
• Power Cable Reel: Retract and store the 5m power cable effortlessly.
• Built-In Carry Handle: Make transportation easy and hassle-free.
• Simple Assembly: Minimal setup required, so you can start cleaning sooner

Built to Last

• Engineered for durability, the AVA Evolution P60 is designed for easy maintenance and self-repair, keeping downtime and service costs to a minimum

Four years in, no issues but decided to split the hose gun and give it a bit of a service, quality of their build and components shone through.

Have added lots of their accessories, each high standard in build and design, can’t think of a better washer.

 

[EvTek23]

My car came with GuardX protection so I use their products which consists of a wash/wax first, followed by consever which makes the water bead off. On the tyres I use Astonish black restorer which is a water based product that leaves the rubber with a certain amount of sheene without the wet look of the dressings which seem to fling off and go into the wheelarches.
More than the products used I think the technique and washing materials used is more important.
Many on line detailing guides are available but this is a summary of my method.
Always spray rinse all the loose dirt off first. Use a two bucket system for washing with grit guards, one with the wash/wax the second for rinsing the wash mitt, which is lambswool. Only clean one panel or part of a large panel before rinsing the mitt to avoid scratching, also this way your wash bucket will always remain clean. Then spray rinse, and in my case putting on the conserver with a microfibre applicator sponge and then re-rinsing. Finally dry the paint with microfibre towels, I use silverback extra thick ones. These can just be laid on the paintwork and rub your hands over the back of them. All the water is removed without rubbing the paint. Two of those extra thick ones is enough to dry all the paintwork. Use a separate microfibre towel on the windows and mirrors. Finally dress the tyres.
The result after cleaning mine, unfortunately there was a shower after I'd finished, but still pretty good.

 

[T1 Terry]

When golden showers, they come your way, they bring the flowers, that bloom in May…….

What do you mean it’s April, I know it’s bloody April, the 7th in fact.

I wasn't hoping for golden showers on the MG, then I would have to wash it ....

T1 Terry

 

[Ian Key]

You're all completely mad, and if you like cleaning things, come and start on my kitchen.

Are you sure?
Letting loose a load of men in your kitchen with pressure washers and foam cannons is brave

 

[Giller]

On the subject of cleaning products, I've been using product from a UK company EZ Car Care for some time now and just re-ordered product using one of their offers which they have on every now and then, basically buy 3x5 litres from a selection available for £29.99. Mental deal IMPO and product is top quality. Details here.

Just be aware, they offer free shipping for an order over £60 but they do have details in the shipping FAQ section regarding order weights, once you go over 15 kg there is a charge but for those of you in England and Wales I'd call it nominal, not sure about Highlands and Islands as they are not mentioned but they are a company with a phone number which is answered by a human not AI so you could always call and check.

I've ordered 6x5 litre items on the deal and some liquid ceramic shampoo which I'm hearing good things about, total cost £89.96 inclusive of shipping of £19.99, which given I'm in Northern Ireland, the shipping weight is 30 kg and a ferry and paperwork are involved (Brexit thing) I think is damned good.

Hope that helps.

 

[Giller]

OK. Things I have learnt this week. As those who read my drivel will know I find washing and sorting my cars out therapeutic and very enjoyable, there's just something about suds and a lambswool mitt which is better than day time telly when you're retired.

Anyhoo, I like a short stubby (oooerrr) gun, tried my detailers a couple of times and while the AVA gun is excellent it's just not as compact and easy on the hand. Now I am a home user / amateur so I don't need the cost of a profession stubby so did a bit of research and found this on the dreaded Amazon.

Liked it a lot, nice feel, balanced, choice of nozzles, stainless steel construction, but the supplied fitting turned out to be Karcher compatible not Ava, return imminent.

Bit of research and found not all fittings are the same, may look the same but they ain't if you have an Ava washer you need a Nilfisk adapter. Nilfisk, they make bloody vacuum cleaners ***.

Nilfisk on the right, Karcher on the left.

So, as I really liked the gun, rather that returning it I splashed out on a Nilfisk connector which was left behind the bins today (Amazon we need to discuss what delivered means), fits AVA and stubby perfectly, quick release, really happy with both.

 

[Ian Key]

I

Liked it a lot, nice feel, balanced, choice of nozzles, stainless steel construction, but the supplied fitting turned out to be Karcher compatible not Ava, return imminent.

Bit of research and found not all fittings are the same, may look the same but they ain't if you have an Ava washer you need a Nilfisk adapter. Nilfisk, they make bloody vacuum cleaners ***.

I might invest in that gun especially as it's on offer at the moment, in fact it's waiting in my basket as I type this. The one I've got needs larger hands than I've got to be comfortable and I've got larger than average hands.

You mention the frustration of everything coming with Karcher fittings and having to get a Nilfisk adaptor. My first pressure washer was a Bosch with its own propriety connector. Trying to get an adaptor was near impossible so gave up and went down the Karcher route.