I pick up a new Superb Estate L&K with a pano roof in April. Quartz Grey.

 

As I tend to hang onto my cars for 8+ years, I thought I'd better take car of the thing from the outset. I declined the dealers offer of LifeShine for 425 quid and will be arranging a new car detail (proper clean, tar/sap/fallout removal, claying, a light machine polish, etc) followed by a session with some Gtechniq Crystal Serum and either C2 or EXO. Still not decided on which - any advice?

 

I'll also have the wheels and calipers coated with C5 wheel armour by the detailer. I won't do these myself as I don't have a sensible place to start taking the wheels off the car.

 

I'll be instructing the dealer to PDI the car without washing it and to leave the plastic protection stuck to the paintwork as I've got to drive it 50 miles down the motorway to the detailer for the above work.

 

I am considering sorting out the glass myself, using Gtechniq G1 glass coating and doing the leather and fabric in the car with Gtechniq leather guard and fabric protection respectively; considering the cost of the paint prep and protection, If I can save myself 150 quid by handling the glass and leather myself, that would go some way to placating the wife about why I want to spend so much on "cleaning a new car". From reading the instructions on how to apply the leather, fabric and glass protection, it looks pretty straightforward - any gotchas?

 

I've only ever had one new car before, and not knowing any better, I accepted the Autoglym prep from the dealer. The car turned up with the "Lifeshine" allegedly applied over the top of the glue from the protective strips from the transporter. I say alledgedly as there was no evidence there was anything on the car anyway... I'd like to do it properly this time - is there anything else I should consider getting the detailer to do, or anything else I should be considering performing myself to protect the new addition to the family? 

 

Steve.

Edited 1 February, 20179 yr by Mindbomb

Hey Steve,

 

I think you've made a great choice on the path you've chosen to go down. From what I have heard, Crystal Serum is supposed to be the Bees Knees!! Exo is designed to go on top of their coatings to provide a more Hydrophobic finish, so that' sthe way I would be going, but C2v3 will be useful for you to apply between washes. it's great diluted down at say 2:1 for maintenance. But the best advice I could give would be listen to your detailer. He must be an accredited GTechniq detailer and will know their products inside out. He won't let you down, its his job. He will advise you on how to wash and look after the coating. But a safe wash routine will keep the car looking great for the years ahead. So pre-wash and a pressure washer, two bucket wash with grit guards and a soft wash mitt/pad, decent drying towel etc. If you need more advice on this just ask, but this part is vital, as you could cause a lot of damage/scratches/swirls to the paintwork when washing.

 

Leather is pretty straight forward, but windows can be quite tricky if you over apply and don't do the prep. So get the glass really clean, and wipe down with panel wipe (may as well us Gtechniq's as you're getting their stuff). Then get the layers really thin, I know Ste and a few others on here use GTechniqs window sealant, and love it. They will square you away with that mate. 

 

Congrats on the new car mate. It sounds awesome. Enjoy!!

 

Neil

Edited 1 February, 20179 yr by Hunty278

Great choice of both car and products and I'd definitely recommend EXOv3 over the top of Serum Light.

C2v3 is an ok product but I'd not use it as the sacrificial layer over Serum Light, and using it say once a month after a wash is purely an optional step such is the superb protection offered by CSL and/or EXO.

 

I1 Fabric protection is straightforward - but you'll not be able to sit in the car for at least 12hrs (chemical smell & drying).

G1 is again fairly straightforward but can throw some wobblies if you like..also benefits from staying dry for 12hrs just like the paint coatings.

I personally think L1 leather guard is a dud product in the Gtechniq range - I much prefer Dr Leather Dye Block which offers superior product performance and durability.

 

cheers

 

Chris