[oldgranti]

Hi,
I had my car given a protection detail yesterday. The results are really good. The full process was as follows:
<ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 1.25em; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: square; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">A pre-wash stage is carried out to begin with. This is in the form of a safe snow-foaming which is designed to work away at much of the loose dirt and grime that is present on tWhile the snow foam is getting to work, we use a variety of detailing brushes to wash the wheels and wheel arches as far as can possibly be reached.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">The whole car is then pressure rinsed to remove as much of the loose contaminants as possible before the hand wash stage.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">Other chemicals may be used to remove tar spots from the wheels and paint if necessary.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">The hand wash stage is carried out using a high lubricating shampoo and lambswool mitt. The 2-bucket method is applied in which one bucket is for suds and the other for rinsing loose dirt from the wash mitt.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">The car is then rinsed to clear all contaminants from the wash stage.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">Brake dust and tar deposits are then removed from the wheels using suitable safe chemicals.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">Using a clay bar and lubricant, we gradually remove all forms of solid particles embedded in the car's paint to remove the likelihood of any corrosive effect they may have.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">The car is then rinsed and dried.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">Once dry, we work around the car with a quality car paint cleanser to remove all traces of heavily bonded chemical films from the car's paint and glass.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">All traces of paint cleanser are then steadilly and safely buffed away from the surfaces using plush microfibre cloths.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">Paintwork is then treated to a coat of one of our quality natural carnauba waxes or polymer paint sealants, depending on what type of protection was initially applied to the paint.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">Tyre walls, trim and arches are dressed using appropriate choice dressings.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">A coat of durable sealant or high temperature paste wax is applied to the wheels.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">Exterior glass is deep cleansed using one of our dedicated cleansers which also leaves a fines sealant barrier to act as a water repellant.<li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 12px; font: inherit; vertical-align: line; list-style-: decimal; list-style-: initial; list-style-: initial; ">Paintwork is then given a final wipe down using plush microfibre cloths and lubricating quick detailer spray to remove gassing or streaking effects from the wax or sealant.[/list]The sealants used were from Zaino and impressive results from products. I will try and get some pics. Previously I have had cars coated with Supaguard but this is far better. Also got inside protected. Main advantage was use of sealants with UV filters to prevent sun fading etc. Total cost was £200 but well worth the money and took about 8 hours.

Edited by: Dan

 

[Wes]

This treatment sounds much the same as the Lifeshine applied by my dealer. It is worth getting a car like the Q3 treated as it is a real head turner when out and about.Do you have to top up the protection like I do with a liberal application of Aqua wax or the like?

 

[oldgranti]

Hi Wes,
Top up protection about every 9 months. Your right about the Q3 being a head turner, I've had mine just over a week and can't believe how well finished the car is. The inside is real class. I'm also amazed with the power from 140 TDI. My Mazda was a 2.2 163 but the Q3 seems quicker. Waited over 6 months but well worth it.

 

[KEW]

Just cleaned my Q3 by hand and can't believe the amount of tar it collects....my other cars didn't seem to do this as much. Just wondering if it's because it's a bit higher and of course being white it really shows

. I had to use loads of Auto Glym tar remover and plenty of elbow grease! Any other solutions welcome!

 

[Simon1233]

KEW - I think that you see if more as it is black tar spots on a white car, can't see any reason why the Q3 would be more susceptible to picking up tar spots than any other car...

I'm afraid there is no quick and easy removal method, some say that Tardis is better than the AG stuff, but I find that either works quite well and I also use a clay bar afterwards to make sure all contaminants are removed from the paint. Sealing with a good wax like collinite 476s will give a good shine and protects the paint for about 6-9 months.
My previous car was a black TDV8 Range Rover and that was washed with the 2 bucket method, then a tar removal and clay along the lower parts of the doors - even if the paint looked clean, when you ran your hand over it you could feel that there were some contaminants still attached. Amazing what the clay bar would lift off without causing any damage to the paint finish on what was (to the eye at least) a completely clean car.

 

[pekX2to]

For my Q3, I used this: http://www.gzox.com/english/

I only soray my car with water once a month and it still looks brand new. My car is 9 months old.

 

[reilsab]

I use this, the easier the better in my opinion

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/carpro-trix-iron-and-tar-remover-600ml.php?osCsid=bh4gdh9bnic853780mljrn0bm3

No effort required

 

[Del]

Nice work the car looks good

I dont think I could spend 8 hours cleaning mine though, well done.