Car Wash!

[Bulloo]

Hi All

I'm upgrading to an S3 SB (amalfi white with lunar silver nappa interior) from a Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 grey with beige leather) which I've had for four years from new and have always taken it to my local eastern european car wash who do 'inside and out' for a tenner and do a really good job. The car's never been wax'd, polished or detailed or ever had any special treatment (eg superguard) and its even gone without a wash for 6 months once and yet it still looks like new after it's been washed (even the beige leather has no marks when I've been inside with wet jeans - just a wipe with some wipes)!

So my question is what's this 'detailing' stuff everyone keeps going on about? I've even taken the Mini off-road (just dirt track) and it's immaculate still. Does this mean Audi have poorer paint/leather than Mini? I'm due to get the car in November so wanted to know if I need to do anything special or whether my local europeans can carry on as usual...

cheers

 

[glospete]

No nothing untoward about the Audi paint/leather IMO. It's just that we are a lot of nutters who like to spend huge amounts of money on keeping our cars clean and shiny - just to help the economy along you understand. I only ever washed my last car (Hyundai) with water until just before I sold it and it looked like new. But somehow Audis seem to deserve better than that! Now must go as it's time for another wash of the car ......

 

[Pulp84]

Hi All

I'm upgrading to an S3 SB (amalfi white with lunar silver nappa interior) from a Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 grey with beige leather) which I've had for four years from new and have always taken it to my local eastern european car wash who do 'inside and out' for a tenner and do a really good job. The car's never been wax'd, polished or detailed or ever had any special treatment (eg superguard) and its even gone without a wash for 6 months once and yet it still looks like new after it's been washed (even the beige leather has no marks when I've been inside with wet jeans - just a wipe with some wipes)!

So my question is what's this 'detailing' stuff everyone keeps going on about? I've even taken the Mini off-road (just dirt track) and it's immaculate still. Does this mean Audi have poorer paint/leather than Mini? I'm due to get the car in November so wanted to know if I need to do anything special or whether my local europeans can carry on as usual...

cheers

Firstly - great colour choice......

Second - personally feel Audi paint is far superior to BMW / MINI paint. It is more hard wearing and forgiving with scuffs and stone chips.

Thirdly - the "detailing" as glospete suggests is about people who love their car making sure it stays as fresh as possibly like the day it left the factory. You can spend a little bit or a lot on car cleaning stuff. If your not fussed about this and don't take pleasure with cleaning a car then would suggest carrying on with the Eastern Europeans as sounds like they do a good job (some are actually very good from my own experience).

 

[Liquidfusion-S3]

Eastern Europeans does a great job on cheap old cars, but if you want to keep your car swirl free, wash it yourself with the 2 bucket method.

 

[Schizophonic]

No nothing untoward about the Audi paint/leather IMO. It's just that we are a lot of nutters who like to spend huge amounts of money on keeping our cars clean and shiny - just to help the economy along you understand. I only ever washed my last car (Hyundai) with water until just before I sold it and it looked like new. But somehow Audis seem to deserve better than that! Now must go as it's time for another wash of the car ......

You might think it looks like new with a bucket and sponge but if you know what detailing involves then you'll begin to appreciate the car more. Other people have preferences in what they call clean. Some people are happy to take their cars to the local car wash, some people actually enjoy washing and detailing a car. When you know whay good and bad body work then you'll understand why detailer go into the lengths they do.

When you last washed your hyundai, to me as an enthusiast detailing, I wouldn't call it clean you might do. So before you call people nutters I think you should try to understand and reserve your judgments to yourself or at least try to understand the subject.

Its the same saying why spend several thousands on a camera to take a picture when a mobile phone can do it....?

 

[steeve]

No disrespect Bulloo but if many of us had a close look at your car I'm sure we could point out a whole load of issues with the paint or other aspects of your Mini. Many people don't notice the swirls they get on the paints surface. I have a cousin who uses this water free wash stuff on his Merc. He insists it's like new but when I look at it all I can see is a paint surface covered in very fine scratches.

Detailing is quite an art and not for everyone. But if you really want to look after the paint work, wheels and interior then it's worth taking time to really keep it "as new".
There's no need to go to extraordinary lengths but washing the car properly is key to keeping the paint work smooth and scratch free. You've picked an easy colour to keep.

Just have a look through the detailing section of Audi Sport or go to Detailing World to pick up some tips.

Enjoy your new Audi.

 

[Bristle Hound]

No disrespect Bulloo but if many of us had a close look at your car I'm sure we could point out a whole load of issues with the paint or other aspects of your Mini. Many people don't notice the swirls they get on the paints surface. I have a cousin who uses this water free wash stuff on his Merc. He insists it's like new but when I look at it all I can see is a paint surface covered in very fine scratches.

Detailing is quite an art and not for everyone. But if you really want to look after the paint work, wheels and interior then it's worth taking time to really keep it "as new".
There's no need to go to extraordinary lengths but washing the car properly is key to keeping the paint work smooth and scratch free. You've picked an easy colour to keep.

Just have a look through the detailing section of Audi Sport or go to Detailing World to pick up some tips.

Enjoy your new Audi.

 

[Bristle Hound]

The local to me, eastern european car wash 'experts' use brick acid to clean the wheels. They're not to fussed if they splash the paintwork with it either

 

[squiretolley]

I would rather have a dirty car than take it to the 'Eastern European' car wash. They may look good from a distance but they almost always inflict swirls to the paintwork and their wheel cleaners are very acidic.

Ever wondered how they can get the wheels so clean with a quick spray of a product, which dwells for less than a minute? It would probably melt your face!

My car is close to showroom condition after 18 months and 27k miles, the reason being.....I'm a detailing weekend warrior and proud!

 

[glospete]

You might think it looks like new with a bucket and sponge but if you know what detailing involves then you'll begin to appreciate the car more. Other people have preferences in what they call clean. Some people are happy to take their cars to the local car wash, some people actually enjoy washing and detailing a car. When you know whay good and bad body work then you'll understand why detailer go into the lengths they do.

When you last washed your hyundai, to me as an enthusiast detailing, I wouldn't call it clean you might do. So before you call people nutters I think you should try to understand and reserve your judgments to yourself or at least try to understand the subject.

Its the same saying why spend several thousands on a camera to take a picture when a mobile phone can do it....?

I think you should read my post again! I'm including myself in the "fun" description as us as nutters and of course there is great skill in proper detailing which I'm trying to learn. Don't get on your high horse and only half read my post.

 

[snakehips]

You might think it looks like new with a bucket and sponge but if you know what detailing involves then you'll begin to appreciate the car more. Other people have preferences in what they call clean. Some people are happy to take their cars to the local car wash, some people actually enjoy washing and detailing a car. When you know whay good and bad body work then you'll understand why detailer go into the lengths they do.

When you last washed your hyundai, to me as an enthusiast detailing, I wouldn't call it clean you might do. So before you call people nutters I think you should try to understand and reserve your judgments to yourself or at least try to understand the subject.

Its the same saying why spend several thousands on a camera to take a picture when a mobile phone can do it....?

Schizo - you need to get a sense of humour then read Pete's post again.

 

[cuke2u]

I tend to spend more than the average person does washing our cars, however I am not one of these 'nutters' and I am sure they would be able to see some blemishes I miss. However rest assured that if you spend about a couple of hours every week or so on washing the car then waxing it, I use a wet wax that's applied onto the water after rinsing the bodywork, you will probaby see good results...

 

[lee_fr200]

Did you know the usual Eastern European hand car washes actually so more damage to your car than a actual automatic car wash!

While I'm sure your car looks like new I bet when the sun hits it you can see every mark going!


Detailing is all about patience and perfection! The local hand wash use brick acid to clean the wheels (which might be ok a few times but it will corrode and damage the wheels) I use a hp neutral wash a tar remover snow foam clay bar more snowfoam and sealant just on the wheels,

But the problem us Detailers have is a lot of clueless people (plz dont take any offence to that) they can't see a reason why they pay us £150 for an enhancement detail when they can take it to the local car wash for £10

I recently did a customers range rover sport that he had done by the local hand wash and up until putting the lamps on it in the workshop he didn't realise how much damage they had done after having to pay 650 for a correction detail as he was selling it and wanting the best price from land rover they actually ended up offering him 2.5k more than the first LR garage after they saw how immaculate the paint was (what he didn't tell them is it had a full correction over 5 days)

 

[The Challinor]

This OP made me feel sick while reading it.

Please do some research into detailing ( detailing world is very good ). And promise that you'll never visit that place again!

 

[veeeight]

Please do some research into detailing ( detailing world is very good ). And promise that you'll never visit that place again!

I agree.

I visited Detailing World once, and I vowed never to visit it again.

 

[The Challinor]

I agree.

I visited Detailing World once, and I vowed never to visit it again.

I was referring to the Eastern European carwash but yes DW is addictive.

 

[Bristle Hound]

I agree.

I visited Detailing World once, and I vowed never to visit it again.

I did too & now I'm broke

 

[Daz Auto]

Wow! A bit of controversy over simply washing a car.

Everyone has different levels of cleanliness on many aspects of their lives.

If the house is not clean - my wife complains that I do not notice!

I spent 3 hours last weekend on our 2 cars... traffic film remover, pressure wash, mitt wash, then wet wax and clean front windscreens and sprayed tyre walls. It has been dry all week and to MOST people (including my wife) our 2 cars look clean. But I see bugs all over the front bumpers and windscreens. The alloys are dark with brake dust and from certain angles both cars are completely covered in dust. So I might give both cars a quick wash tomorrow.

My wife thinks it is strange that I dry both cars!

PS Some people on here recommended Aqua Wax. Great product. Quick and easy to use and both cars looks fantastic. Thank you.

 

[mfl]

Is it more along the lines if you ask why you'll never understand the answer. I have always used the 2 bucket method, always polished the car at least every 6 months and so on.

when I had a Toyota Camry as the company car, it only ever went through the auto car wash (no eastern europeans where we are) because I wasn't going to waste my time on such a car..... I think a S3 SB might deserve better.

 

[leosayer1]

Two things I can't stand on cars are swirl marks and lack of being when it rains.

A few hours work every few months and I'm happy.

 

[Daz Auto]

Is it more along the lines if you ask why you'll never understand the answer.

Funny, I was thinking... If you have never washed your own car then you will never know the difference.

I was thinking about this - in the sunshine this morning - as I washed and dried our 2 cars. Only took 1 1/2 hours. Though not as clean as last weekend after the wet wax.

When we have friends over to stay - If I am washing our cars the next morning, I think nothing of giving our visitors car a quick once over. None of them are in any way car proud, or they would not be visiting us in dirty cars! There is a very noticeable difference between the paintwork on our cars and our friends cars. (I know it is sad, but I actually enjoy washing cars.)

Different story when my relations all get together. Their cars are all clean.

 

[Bulloo]

Wow lots of responses and thanks - one of the reasons I chose the S3 over the Golf R when I couldn't make my mind up between the two is coming on this site! I am one of those blokes who doesn't like getting physical (ooh err) and hence relies solely on others doing things like cleaning (I even called a builder in just to stick some frames/pictures on the wall cos I do NOT DO ANY DIY - note the caps)...but then again I work very long hours in the office and don't want to anything once outside of work and I haven't cleaned a car with my own hands in the last 18 years!!!

But now I've been on that detailing site do you guys think I should go for the new car protection jobbie (it will always end up in my local eastern european car wash since they now offer a free air freshner after every wash and even do a loyalty card (one free wash after six stamps) or wait until I see some imperfections and get it done afterwards?

 

[Liquidfusion-S3]

Take your new S3 to the eastern european car wash? What a waste....
Why don't you look around online to find someone who is a mobile valet and will do your car properly, with a 2 bucket wash method and correct cleaning tools.

 

[Bristle Hound]

I washed and dried our 2 cars. Only took 1 1/2 hours.

2 cars in 1 1/2 hours

Took me 2 1/2 hours this morning just to do my A4 alone. Admittedly I gave it a coat of Sonax BSD, but even so ...

 

[Pulp84]

3 hours for the S3 today and that was wheels, snow foam, wash / dry, hoover and then the glass. Not much detailing......5 hours usually with some waxing and trim work.

 

[veeeight]

You're all doing it wrong.

 

[veeeight]

If the missus is reading this, I took mine to

 

[veeeight]

And because we're not sexist on ASN, this one is for Sandra

 

[Pulp84]

And because we're not sexist on ASN, this one is for Sandra

Curious to know what you typed in to Google to get the picture of the bloke. I'd be more worried about your Mrs looking on your search history.....lol

 

[veeeight]

She would be impressed that I managed to get Audi's in all 3 pics


Anyway. I take mine t' Eastern Europeans, and they all look like them in post #26

WIN !

 

[Pulp84]

Where is this ? Lol

Postcode please !!

 

[Sandra]

And because we're not sexist on ASN, this one is for Sandra

Thank You kind sir. That made me smile. x

 

[Bristle Hound]

3 hours for the S3 today and that was wheels, snow foam, wash / dry, hoover and then the glass. Not much detailing......5 hours usually with some waxing and trim work.

Makes me feel better because I didn't do the hoovering or the glass today

 

[Pulp84]

Makes me feel better because I didn't do the hoovering or the glass today

Mine was really pretty clean inside but gave it a once over as always. Dyson handheld is a dream. Expensive but really good at keeping the interior immaculate. If I'm really on it I'll get out one of those sticky roller things.

 

[Bristle Hound]

Mine was really pretty clean inside but gave it a once over as always. Dyson handheld is a dream. Expensive but really good at keeping the interior immaculate. If I'm really on it I'll get out one of those sticky roller things.

Ahem ... my hoover of choice ... a Hetty

Not my first colour choice, but at £50 new from Asda (who were selling them off) how could I refuse

Nice to see I'm not the only one with a bit of car OCD

 

[Pulp84]

Yep - Sundays are a write off usually as it's cleaning day! Mrs loves it as she can catch up on all her trash telly I refuse to watch for a few hours.

I see BH that you are a fan of the Hetty / Henry as much as me! They are good and I actually think it has more power than a proper mains Dyson BUT just don't find it as easy to use. Not easy to get the handle in to hard to reach places as much as a handheld Dyson. My back up if the Dyson battery is flat!

However I got a Henry

 

[Daz Auto]

My wife tells me there is a car in this photograph somewhere?

You're all doing it wrong.

 

[Pulp84]

A real Audi fanatic would need to be told there are women in that picture!

Seeing as we have all noted the women first and foremost I am questioning the Audi love on this forum.....

 

[lee_fr200]

There's a car?

 

[squiretolley]

Yep - Sundays are a write off usually as it's cleaning day! Mrs loves it as she can catch up on all her trash telly I refuse to watch for a few hours.

I see BH that you are a fan of the Hetty / Henry as much as me! They are good and I actually think it has more power than a proper mains Dyson BUT just don't find it as easy to use. Not easy to get the handle in to hard to reach places as much as a handheld Dyson. My back up if the Dyson battery is flat!

However I got a Henry

+1 for the Dyson, I've got the animal one and it's great for the car. Buy yourself a flexible crevice tool (that's honestly what it's called!) as well as it's ideal for getting between the seats and the centre console.

I used to be in the same boat with the Mrs, but two young kids put an end to that!