On Sunday I unilaterally decided winter is over, so got busy with the first half of the spring clean on the Superb. Apologies in advance - no photos. By the time I'd finished, I was too tired to take any! As background, when I bought the car in mid-Jan the roads were covered in salt and the car was covered in dealer LSP. Rather than mess around with it at that stage I opted to cover it in Turtlewax every fortnight for a couple of months, touching the paint as little as possible in between to avoid damage as far as I could while keeping a thick layer of protection in place. I quite like the effect I was getting (there are a few photos on here) but I knew I couldn't just keep doing that and (gulp) I'd have to take it back to the clear coat and start again. I'm a complete newbie to all of this and have never done anything like this before.

 

Following on from some really good advice on here I gave the car a thorough wash, then clayed it using a G3 mitt and BH cleanser fluid as lubricant before going over the whole thing with the BH cleanser in the way described in the instructions. Those more experienced than I advised Korosol and IPA before the clay, but I just wasn't brave enough. Maybe next time. I could immediately see a couple of paint blemishes that were hidden by the previous LSP (nothing below the clear-coat thankfully) that will need attention at some point, but the main aim was to get some new protection on. Again following advice from here (thanks all) I started with 2 very thin coats of Fusso 99 dark (Quartz Grey car). What great stuff - much easier to apply and remove than I'd been led to believe if you keep it very thin and take it off before it has chance to dry. It also completely hid (maybe removed?) the blemishes I had uncovered at the previous stage. Then one coat of Megs Ultimate over the top. The car looks great and I got some fabulous tight beading from yesterday's drizzly rain, so I'm confident there is a decent layer of protection on the car.

 

So on to my question. How do I keep it looking good through spring and summer (I intend to strip back to clear coat, address the paint blemishes and re-seal before winter)? I expect from what others have said that the Fusso 99 will keep it protected for that long or longer if I choose, but how often should I top up the Megs? I know some use quick detailer - is that instead of topping up the wax, or in addition? If QD is the answer, which one would you recommend, given what is currently on the car? Bear in mind I do 2.5k miles each month, so protection is the number one priority and I am never going to get it to concours or anything like it. Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post and dumb questions.

I need to give myself a Must Try Harder sticker when my MK3 arrives.  The MK2 is looking a little sorry for itself as its had about 10 washes in the 3 years I've owned it, and only one t-cut + wax for blemish removal (Quartz Grey also).

 

The Mk3 is also Black Magic Pearl, so will likely need TLC more often to keep it shiny.

5 hours ago, BriskodaJeff said:

On Sunday I unilaterally decided winter is over, so got busy with the first half of the spring clean on the Superb. Apologies in advance - no photos. By the time I'd finished, I was too tired to take any! As background, when I bought the car in mid-Jan the roads were covered in salt and the car was covered in dealer LSP. Rather than mess around with it at that stage I opted to cover it in Turtlewax every fortnight for a couple of months, touching the paint as little as possible in between to avoid damage as far as I could while keeping a thick layer of protection in place. I quite like the effect I was getting (there are a few photos on here) but I knew I couldn't just keep doing that and (gulp) I'd have to take it back to the clear coat and start again. I'm a complete newbie to all of this and have never done anything like this before.

 

Following on from some really good advice on here I gave the car a thorough wash, then clayed it using a G3 mitt and BH cleanser fluid as lubricant before going over the whole thing with the BH cleanser in the way described in the instructions. Those more experienced than I advised Korosol and IPA before the clay, but I just wasn't brave enough. Maybe next time. I could immediately see a couple of paint blemishes that were hidden by the previous LSP (nothing below the clear-coat thankfully) that will need attention at some point, but the main aim was to get some new protection on. Again following advice from here (thanks all) I started with 2 very thin coats of Fusso 99 dark (Quartz Grey car). What great stuff - much easier to apply and remove than I'd been led to believe if you keep it very thin and take it off before it has chance to dry. It also completely hid (maybe removed?) the blemishes I had uncovered at the previous stage. Then one coat of Megs Ultimate over the top. The car looks great and I got some fabulous tight beading from yesterday's drizzly rain, so I'm confident there is a decent layer of protection on the car.

 

So on to my question. How do I keep it looking good through spring and summer (I intend to strip back to clear coat, address the paint blemishes and re-seal before winter)? I expect from what others have said that the Fusso 99 will keep it protected for that long or longer if I choose, but how often should I top up the Megs? I know some use quick detailer - is that instead of topping up the wax, or in addition? If QD is the answer, which one would you recommend, given what is currently on the car? Bear in mind I do 2.5k miles each month, so protection is the number one priority and I am never going to get it to concours or anything like it. Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post and dumb questions.

Treat you car to a ‘maintenance’ wash every week or fortnight (whetever works for you) using a spray wax or qd once its washed (Megs do a good spray wax and qd) 

 

fusso is a durable coating wont last the whole 12 months but 6-8 months is still good

You can top up with the megs paste wax once you see that the fusso is starting to wear off 

 

La car care is a new brand worth trying out, most of my detailing supplies are from then and you get a discount code when u register

 

https://la-carcare.co.uk/

33 minutes ago, greenineboss said:

La car care is a new brand worth trying out, most of my detailing supplies are from then and you get a discount code when u register

 

https://la-carcare.co.uk/

 

Just having a look at their starter kit... liking the idea, but not sure if the other half will enjoy me spending £46 on some car cleaning stuff... especially as I do have 2 boxes of unopened Autoglym kit (free from Skoda dealer) in the garage.

You can top up with a quick detailing spray. I found any dirt just falls away during a wash after a few applications. The other opion is a ceramic coating.

Thanks. So qd every maintenance wash (fortnightly) with a re-application of the Megs Ultimate when the beading starts to tail off (I'm guessing every 6-8 weeks) sounds like the plan? Then take it back to clear coat, correct the paint and re-seal in late Sep or early Oct and put on the winter protection. Does that sound reasonable?

 

Interestingly Beachy, one reason I hesitated when I first got the car was I was leaning toward having a ceramic coat professionally applied. But having got a bit of a taste for "proper cleaning" (I certainly wouldn't call what I do detailing) and having seen the impact of different types and quantities of LSP on the finish, I'm moving more toward not getting it coated. I won't make a final decision until I see if the Fusso can really handle 6 months of my mileage. Again based on what I've heard on here I'm hopeful it will.

Exactly my concerns with s professionally applied ceramic coating, it would leave us little to do!

Quick detailer is a great drying aid 

 

I've recently discovered autoglym aqua wax 

(I'm a meguiars man mainly ) and find it a very good product similar to megs quick wax 

 

2 hours ago, hwr1983 said:

 

Just having a look at their starter kit... liking the idea, but not sure if the other half will enjoy me spending £46 on some car cleaning stuff... especially as I do have 2 boxes of unopened Autoglym kit (free from Skoda dealer) in the garage.

I always order to work to prevent the missus from seeing what i spent money on

The Meguiars quick detailing spray is good. The one with the yellow black label. It also smells good as well. I think it’s The Ultimate Quick Detailer.

Edited 11 April, 20188 yr by Bignij

So to the second half of the spring clean. Wheels and interior this time. So after a quick jet wash, I used Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner to clean the wheels. Considering they didn't look that dirty I was amazed how much brake dust / general dirt came off. Then 2 coats of Auto Finesse Mint Rims to seal them. The leather got a clean and balm with the AG Leather kit. Interior trim got the AG treatment. Exterior just got a maintenance wash and a coat of Megs Quik Wax to top up the Fusso and Megs combination I put on it a fortnight ago. I'm pleased with the outcome.

 

The intention now is just to maintain - I can't spare the time taken to get to this every week, but it's nice to see it looking clean for at least a couple of hours.

On 4/22/2018 at 10:22, BriskodaJeff said:

So to the second half of the spring clean. Wheels and interior this time. So after a quick jet wash, I used Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner to clean the wheels. Considering they didn't look that dirty I was amazed how much brake dust / general dirt came off. Then 2 coats of Auto Finesse Mint Rims to seal them. The leather got a clean and balm with the AG Leather kit. Interior trim got the AG treatment. Exterior just got a maintenance wash and a coat of Megs Quik Wax to top up the Fusso and Megs combination I put on it a fortnight ago. I'm pleased with the outcome.

 

The intention now is just to maintain - I can't spare the time taken to get to this every week, but it's nice to see it looking clean for at least a couple of hours.

 

Very nice indeed!

On 4/22/2018 at 10:22, BriskodaJeff said:

So to the second half of the spring clean. Wheels and interior this time. So after a quick jet wash, I used Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner to clean the wheels. Considering they didn't look that dirty I was amazed how much brake dust / general dirt came off. Then 2 coats of Auto Finesse Mint Rims to seal them. The leather got a clean and balm with the AG Leather kit. Interior trim got the AG treatment. Exterior just got a maintenance wash and a coat of Megs Quik Wax to top up the Fusso and Megs combination I put on it a fortnight ago. I'm pleased with the outcome.

 

The intention now is just to maintain - I can't spare the time taken to get to this every week, but it's nice to see it looking clean for at least a couple of hours.

Car looks great.

Can you say how easy the Auto Glym leather treatment wast to use?  I just bought the cleaner and the balm but not used it yet. I washed and polished the car on Saturday (Turtle Wax Ice) but was apprehensive of using the AG on new Black leather, car has only done 2K miles but is used as a private hire car. Was wondering if worth applying now rather than waiting until they were needing cleaned. Car gets cleaned and vacuumed every single day, just wondering if the AG treatment would prevent/delay wear and tear.

And as a wee by thought to anybody that hasn't tried Rain X it is well worth while. Wipers? who needs them with that stuff, the water just jumps off the screens.

9 minutes ago, Malki said:

Car looks great.

Can you say how easy the Auto Glym leather treatment wast to use?  I just bought the cleaner and the balm but not used it yet. I washed and polished the car on Saturday (Turtle Wax Ice) but was apprehensive of using the AG on new Black leather, car has only done 2K miles but is used as a private hire car. Was wondering if worth applying now rather than waiting until they were needing cleaned. Car gets cleaned and vacuumed every single day, just wondering if the AG treatment would prevent/delay wear and tear.

 

Thanks Malki. The AG leather kit is really easy to use. I was a bit wary too (relatively new black leather which hadn't been cleaned before) but just follow the instructions on the packaging and you won't go wrong. 

 

I'd previously bought some of the Megs combined cleaner and conditioner but having watched a YT video decided against as it seemed to leave a slightly shiny finish, which I definitely didn't want. The AG leaves it looking exactly as before (the seats in mine weren't dirty) but feeling a bit more supple (may just be my imagination) with no tangible residue. I'd hesitate to say whether it would delay / prevent wear and tear, but it certainly won't do any harm. Common wisdom seems to be (others please correct if I've got this wrong) that they shouldn't be done too often. I'm planning to do mine twice a year - ie Spring clean and ready for winter.

28 minutes ago, Malki said:

And as a wee by thought to anybody that hasn't tried Rain X it is well worth while. Wipers? who needs them with that stuff, the water just jumps off the screens.

 

I use RainX - although it's getting quite hard to find now for a reasonable price.  It does last quite some time as well.

 

For those of you that can't be arsed with that - you can just put a thin coat of wax on the screen after polishing with glass polish, and it has the same effect (although it doesn't last quite so long)

1 minute ago, hwr1983 said:

 

I use RainX - although it's getting quite hard to find now for a reasonable price.  It does last quite some time as well.

 

For those of you that can't be arsed with that - you can just put a thin coat of wax on the screen after polishing with glass polish, and it has the same effect (although it doesn't last quite so long)

How do you get on with wiper judder? I'd like to seal the glass, but have read some stories about RainX causing this and then being very hard to remove. 

4 minutes ago, BriskodaJeff said:

How do you get on with wiper judder? I'd like to seal the glass, but have read some stories about RainX causing this and then being very hard to remove. 

 

Never had judder previously, on this car or any of my previous ones.  I've had MORE wiper judder this past cold-snap, but that was without any RainX (I've currently run out...on the look out for offers!)

 

I have a feeling that the judder is where people haven't applied it properly (ie missed bits) so the wipers are running on different surfaces effectively, but that is just speculation

 

So long as its applied and buffed off (and then wet down) as per the instructions, all should be well.

 

It is long lasting (so I can imagine it being hard to remove).  Glass polish should do the job (or a clay bar) though

Edited 23 April, 20188 yr by hwr1983

This my third car using Rain X also used it on motorcycle screens and visors, never had any judder with wipers. This new Superb rear one had a judder so I  bought a new blade. The judder disappeared after applying Rain X so didn't need to replace it.

Never felt the need to remove it from any screen. Works perfectly and is very impressive.

Available on Amazon still. Not tried the one with combined glass cleaner. Just the basic one at  £6.66

 

 

2 minutes ago, Malki said:

Just the basic one at  £6.66

 

I'll be adding that to my wishlist

7 minutes ago, hwr1983 said:

 

I'll be adding that to my wishlist

Just as well my wife works 9-5 and I'm here for all the Amazon deliveries, sure hope she doesn't know about my 4k wish list !!

20 minutes ago, Malki said:

Just as well my wife works 9-5 and I'm here for all the Amazon deliveries, sure hope she doesn't know about my 4k wish list !!

 

Its not the deliveries mine is bothered about... its the dwindling of the joint account(s) 

 

 

Just found it cheaper than amazon (and has free delivery) here >> https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/p/-/-/-/-/?549775081&0&cc5_328&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9fOFttHQ2gIVw7ztCh2wjApzEAQYASABEgI3WvD_BwE

 

Just ordered

6 minutes ago, hwr1983 said:

Just found it cheaper than amazon (and has free delivery) here >> https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/p/-/-/-/-/?549775081&0&cc5_328&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9fOFttHQ2gIVw7ztCh2wjApzEAQYASABEgI3WvD_BwE

 

Just ordered

Thanks, but I've had my wee bottle for nearly 10 years and still plenty left. Still works. You only need a tiny wee drop.

2 minutes ago, Malki said:

Thanks, but I've had my wee bottle for nearly 10 years and still plenty left. Still works. You only need a tiny wee drop.

 

The bottle I had seems to have evaporated or leaked in the garage (it is about 5yrs old) so more was required

Going back to BriskodaJeff's original thread, as I'm aging and not as fit as I was, I managed this coat of polish myself. But my local car wash / detailer does two coats of polish and a mini valet for  £30 and is happy to use any products I supply, so twice a year seems good value. I use him every second day at a fiver a time for a wash, maybe why.