I realise this is a rather wide question I'm asking here, but I've just taken delivery of a new Octavia and I want to look after it properly.

I don't want to spend a fortune on cleaning products, but what products would people recommend for cleaning the car and alloys? In particular, I'm conscious that my current car has a lot of unsightly swirls on the paintwork - I just use a Halfords sponge and Turtle wax at present, but what is the best material for applying the cleaning materials?

In terms of protecting the car afterwards from the inevitable bird droppings etc., what would people recommend here? I've heard the durability of the paint is not what it was.....

Thanks

Loz

Throw the sponge away for starters

Auto Express - New & Used Car Reviews and News

see Product reviews

on how to apply etc

Car Care Advice

- and use Microfibre mitt - not sponge

www.detailing-world.co.uk

Couple of guides there.

Have a look for:

2 bucket method, lambswool or microfiber mitt, pressure washer and HD lance with Snow foam, Drying towel (not chamois leather).

Steve

Thanks folks - seems I have a lot to learn....:eek:

IMHO

Klasse All in One cleaner/polish/sealant

and top it off with a couple of layers of colli 476s or 915 wax.

Google two bucket method and use a wash mitt not a sponge

take a look at my recent quesitons about this sort of thing.....there is a basic washing guide there and some products suggested by others

http://briskoda.net/forums/styling-car-care/don-t-want-waste-my-life-detailing/108628/

I've bought a few things cheaply at tesco (e.g. micro fibre wash mitt), polish and wax a

and then I bought snow foam, last touch detailer and a big waffel weave drying towel from autobrite

no individual item is really that expensive but it soon adds up!

HTH

The guides on Polished Bliss are very useful.

Here is the washing one including the two bucket method mentioned above - Car Care Advice - How to wash and dry your car safely and effectively

As has been mentioned above, invest in a waffle weave drying towel and ditch the chamois if you have one...........

andy2407, your avatar hurts my eyes! :orb_scare

I asked a similar question some time ago, you might find this post useful:

http://briskoda.net/forums/styling-car-care/new-car-sealing-coaching/112806/

i use a lambs wotsit mitt, wash the car with the autoglym shampoo, every six months use the AG resin, Gloss and then wax over with AG aqua wax and then collinite wax. then every time i wash it after that i just use the shampoo and a quick wipe over with the aqua wax. time wise its about an hour to wash and aqua wax, but to do the full works i guess 3-4 hours depending on how fast and how much work needs to be done.