Car Care

Kenya Williams · Joined: 31 May 2017 Posts: 8

I am interested in knowing how you guys maintain your beautiful vehicles. How often are you waxing and washing if any? Which products you found to be the best for your vehicle? Does your vehicle easily attract micro-scratches when cleaning the exterior? Are you using any chemicals when cleaning the interior around the many components inside? Just a few questions off the top of my head.

Robert Craven · Posted: Sat Jun 17, 2017 1:58 pm Post subject:

I haven't polished my car for several years and I can't remember when I last gave it a thorough wash, though I did have the underneath and engine power washed last year at a lorry-cleaning outfit (the appropriate place for a "green lorry"). I do however occasionally put saddle soap or similar on the seats to protect them against the rain.

PS I think this post is in the wrong group.

A P S Kimberley · Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 10:09 pm Post subject:

When I acquired my first Bentley, a 'T', over 20 years ago, I was already a member of the RREC.
It seemed that the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts were very enthusiastic, but when I joined the BDC as well, I was informed that the 'enthusiasts' didn't like driving much, while the RREC opinion was that Bentley Drivers didn't understand the proper use of polish.

While I'm sure it was all good-humoured, there was some truth in the observations. I've sold the 'T', but stayed with the BDC. On the rare occasions when I feel the need to look smart on arrival, the Autoglym range seems to do a good job, but the car is never smart on arrival as either it rains, or if the weather stays dry, dust & flies accumulate.
I presume that there's no simple answer both to enjoying driving, and keeping the car looking immaculate. If the Concours Winners have an answer, they're most unlikely to share it, as they need to keep their 'competition edge'.

Kenya Williams · Joined: 31 May 2017 Posts: 8

Robert. I apologize I am still new in the group and still trying to manever around the site. Please advise on where to post this. Thanks for the response and I typically like to keep my cars cleaned once a week by a simple wash and no use of hard chemicals.

A P S Kimberley · Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 4:09 pm Post subject:

Having just washed my Continental R, I can confirm that my usual method, using Autoglym shampoo was effective, and the rinse water 'beaded' and was easy to leather off.
When the water no longer 'beads', It's time to use the Resin Polish, which I then finish off with the 'Extra Gloss Protection'. This combination usually lasts for at least 3 months of routine washing.
I have no association with Autoglym except as a customer, and I'm not a 'perfectionist' - I use my car, and Pebble Beach would be an unlikely destination for me!
I'm sure other owners will have similar advice using other products - or possibly completely different advice, in which case I'll be interested in their suggestions, too.

Paul Spencer · Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 6:46 pm Post subject:

The paint on my 3 litre is very worn and won't take normal polish. So I wash with a carnauba shampoo/polish, give a final rinse in distilled water (from the garage dehumidifier), then spray on WD40 and go over with a cloth.

John Murch · Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 7:42 pm Post subject:

A P S Kimberley · Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 8:49 pm Post subject:

I have read elsewhere that brightwork on cars used in Winter could be protected by Waxoyl for the bad weather, then the Waxoyl removed with WD40.
Does anyone have experience to confirm this?

Robert Craven · Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 9:57 pm Post subject:

Adam, I've no experience of what you suggest but it may work and I think it is or was common for new cars stored outside pending sale to be coated in some kind of wax, but wouldn't it be rather messy if you rubbed against it?

Kenya, I hope I wasn't too critical. I assume your original post would have suited the general discussions group, but it's not worth worrying about now.

A P S Kimberley · Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 10:55 pm Post subject:

With a bit of time, Waxoyl 'sets' to quite a firm consistency, which is why it can be used as a replacement, or to augment, underseal. Still messy, as you suggest, if one rubs against it, and it's fairly smelly until the solvent evaporates, too.
I haven't tried the technique myself, but I might for laying up over the winter when (if!) I ever get my pre-war Riley back. (Off-topic! Apologies!)

Kenya Williams · Joined: 31 May 2017 Posts: 8

Thanks Robert and no problem.

Will the Waxoyl prevent your car from having water spots, bird etching, and tree debris? Also where can it be purchased? As a brand ambassador of Gtechniq, which is a Ceramic Coating application which seals the paint of the car for 5-7yrs, its a very good product that keeps the car looking new and protected against water spots, bird etching, etc.

A P S Kimberley · Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2017 9:23 am Post subject:

Sorry, I wasn't clear with the posting regarding Waxoyl. The suggested use would only be on brightwork (effectively on older cars with non-integrated bumpers (fenders) and the like, and the suggestion is to apply Waxoyl before the onset of winter (salt on the roads in the U.K.) and to remove it with WD40 when the weather improves.
It will look terrible while in place, and may rub off on clothing, etc..
Not intended for 'cosmetic' value in the Winter months, but as a means of preservation. Certainly not for cars with 'concours' ambitions.