Far be it for me to doubt the many detailers out there who use countless products to maintain a shiny machine, I would like to share my recipe for a clean car. Obviously, any polishing always follows a good, thorough wash with Megs Gold Class Shampoo.

The wheels are washed with AutoGlym Powermax 3 TFR, mixed 1:4 with water and sprayed on with a cheap garden spray container and one of these, which I find excellent;

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/ez-detail-brush/prod_480.html

I have used the Meguiars 3 step polish for many years, which I am generally very happy with. I use all three steps once a year . . . no clay, surely that is what the cleaner wax does. The car is maintained with the number three wax about every three months and after every wash I now use Meguiars Ultimate Quik Wax

http://www.meguiars.co.uk/product/218/Ultimate-Quik-Wax/

which takes about 15 - 20 minutes to go over the car with. All three steps and the Quik Wax are applied by hand with Microfibre applicator pads.

I use Megs Hot Shine tyre dressing on the tyres applied with a sponge (being tight, I cut a large car wash sponge into about four pieces and use that) and Megs NXT Glass Cleaner on the windows.

These are the results;

I'm sure that my methods and results will be questioned and criticised, but I never receive anything other than compliments from friends, work colleagues and my neighbours (who see me spending a great deal of time maintaining my cars).

Interesting post this one and nothing wrong with anything stated at all.

There are products on the market for us all to decide what we are happy with and what level of end results we can achieve. I agree with your comment on the neighbours and friends always giving compliments, the after shots do look very good........

Worth mentioning that I personally have used many of the products you listed, they all do a job well, the only reason to move away from them is to improve durability or reduce costs.

What I would say is that it is worth trying to clay the car, I think that while you may be happy with the Megs 3 Step Polishing Process, the clay will bring off more than you relaise and leave a slicker, sharper finish as in reality you are probably masking over a lot of contamination........ :|

Thanks for posting up........

Looks smart that mate

nice little write up!

Car looks nice aswell.

Its impressive how much you pickup from these forums, I used to think I did a good job of cleaning,polishing and waxing my car until I ventured into the world of detailing!

Have to admit using 'clay bar' scared the hell out of me but you do get a better finish to apply all your other products on!