These are some of the most frequently asked questions about detailing: You’ll find the answers to these questions and many more on the following pages, as well as many professional tips and techniques.



Q. How can I get my glass clean and streak free?



A. This is one of the tasks that even experienced detailers seem to have problems with http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...g-process.html



Q. How can I maintain that as-new look for my leather seats?

A. Another very often-asked question as leather seats are now a very popular option http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ning-care.html



Q. How do I clean and maintain a fabric top on my convertible?

A. They must be protected, can be difficult to keep clean or clear, and finding a good quality product can be a challenge when it comes to cleaning and maintenance care http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...detailing.html



Q. Which wax / sealant produce the best shine?

A: The ‘best’ is very subjective to say the least. It really does all come down to; 85% preparation, 5% product 7% application methodology and the balance is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder. The most expensive wax / sealant in the world will do nothing to dull, oxidized paint; conversely, the cheapest wax / sealant you can buy will look fantastic on a properly prepared and polished paint film surface.



Q. Is there a general purpose cleaner I can use to remove stains?

A. Stains are usually classified as organic, non-organic, and petroleum type soiling. Once you identify the type of stain then you can select an appropriate cleaner



Q. I have stone chips and scratches on my car, how can I repair them?

A. Most cars suffer from chips and scratches; repairing these blemishes is well within the skill level of most Do-it-yourself enthusiasts http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...one-chips.html



Q. What’s the difference between a wax and a polish?

A. Wax- is designed as a sacrificial protection; they can improve the shine but are very specific in their purpose, protection.

Polish- is an abrasive product that can reduce or eliminate surface imperfections, but doesn`t provide surface protection. They will create a high gloss by burnishing the paint surface, the darker the colour the more dramatic.



Q. I’ve heard a lot about Micro fibre (Microfiber) what is it?

A. Micro fibre is a yarn, spun into a thread. Most common Micro fibre is manufactured from polyester and will scratch your paint. Avoid any material that is not 100% natural (i.e. cotton) to avoid scratches http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...on-towels.html



Q. During drought conditions or water usage restrictions, how can I keep my vehicle clean?

A. By using Optimum No Rise (ONR)) you can wash a vehicle anywhere using an absolute minimum of water



Q. If I use detailing clay do I still need to polish?

A. Detailing clay will not remove surface imperfections. It is used to remove imbedded surface contaminants. You may still need to polish after you’ve cleaned the surface with detailing clay http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1459468



Q. How do I remove dried on wax?

A. Use Groit’s Dried-on Wax Remover. This product is specially formulated to dissolve dried wax so you can easily wipe it away. Easy to use dispenser keeps the remover solution where you want it. Safe for vehicle finishes on plastic or rubber.



Q. I’ve seen a wheel cleaner that you just spray on and then hose off, should I use them?

A. These are acid-based cleaners that contain phosphoric and hydrochloric acids that will etch and in time dull the wheels surface finish. The milder (safe) wheel cleaners need to be applied and then agitated with a soft brush before removal. These cleaners are 100% acid-free and will not damage wheel surfaces. http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...-cleaning.html



Q. The tyre dressing I’m using gives a very shiny finish but it never seems to dry and attracts dust and dirt?

A. Some silicone based tyre dressing contains petroleum distillates, which are harmful to rubber and vinyl and will cause them to discolour and crack after time.



Q. What wax should I use?

A. The answer is not quite that simple, what are your goals, looks, durability, ease of use, etc



Q. How soon can I wax my new car?

A. New cars with OEM water based paint are cured at high temperatures, sometimes as high as 300 degrees in special baking ovens and can be waxed the moment it is rolled out of the manufacturing plant http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1448362



Q. The black trim on my car is weathered and faded, how can I revitalize it?

A. Use a dye system especially formulated for vehicle trim and maintaining it with water based dressing and a UV protection.



Q. The rubber seals on my doors are stiff and hard, what can I do to soften them?

A. Use a rubber cleaner and apply glycerine based dressing, after its penetrated (10-15 minutes) wipe off with a clean towel.



Q. The headlights on my car are going yellow and have some scratches?

A. Wash the lenses and then use a plastic safe polish



Q. How often should I wax my car?

A. This is very dependent upon local climatic conditions, but a wax will typically last for up to sixty days and a synthetic polymer sealant one hundred and twenty days.



Q. How can I get rid of the spider-web like scratches or will the car need to be repainted?

A. This type of scratch is usually in the top most layers of the clear coat and can easily removed with a random orbital buffer and a machine polish



Q. How can I safely remove bird bombs?

A. Bird excrement contains highly acidic concentrates, which if left for any length of time will etch the paint film surface, so they should be removed without delay. http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1454023



Q. I’ve seen wax type products advertised as “Will bead, shine and protect for a whole year-even after 52 automatic car washes”.

A. Protection that’s applied to a vehicles paint finish is a fraction of an inch thick. With the airborne pollutants that attack the finish everyday I’d take all such claims as marketing hype.



Q. Will a ‘Touch less’ car wash harm my vehicles paint?

A. To get the vehicle clean without abrasion (brushes or cloth) requires a very strong detergent, which will dry out your paint and other exterior finishes



Q. How do I remove dried on wax from rubber or vinyl?

A. Excess wax and polish residue can be removed with the use of a specially formulated product to permanently remove embedded wax residues from textured bumpers, matt-finish vinyl panels, trim mouldings (works on any colour trim) and weather-stripping.



Q. How can you remove abrasive dirt from a paint film surface without causing marring/scratches?

A. By using a foam gun - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...t-surface.html