Fellas,

My questions are mostly aimed at the "veterans" here. As soon as I get "up to speed" so to speak on detailling I'll be more than happy to contribute.

Questions are..........

I want the BEST product for each scenario for my car.

-What is the best leather car seat cleaner/conditioner?
-What's the best wax /polymer?
-What's the best cleaner/conditioner for the rubber molding around the windows, hood, trunk, etc.?
-What's the best wheel/ tire cleaner/conditioner?
-The best for the dash/vinyl /plastics in the interior?
-The best engine cleaner /conditioner?

-Pros and cons of a car bra?
-Using a car cover- How often do you use one?
-How do you protect your car from parking lot nicks and dings without hiring a security guard to sit next to your car every time you go somewhere?

I do prefer a good smelling(i.e.-Zaino) product and a product with a high UV sun protection(i.e.-303 Aerospace Protectant)


Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

You must realize the term "best" is very subjective and everyone defines what's best for them with their own standards. That being said, I can only offer what I feel are the best products going, compared with the many I've used.

Leather...not sure, but I'm leaning towards Eagle1 Conditioner and Cleaner, Zaino leather in a bottle, or Lexol. I've heard very positive things about the Eagle1 stuff and Zaino, so I'll probably give both a try soon.

Wax/Polymer....For true waxes, try Blitz or S100/P21s (same wax, different name). Can't be beat for the price and results. There are other great waxes like Pinnacle Souveran, but IMHO, they are way way overpriced for what you get. For best polymer, Zaino Z2,Z3,and Z5. Hands down the best true polymer I've ever used, and it's what I use on my cars for protection, durabiity, and shine. Klasse, Liquid Glass, etc...would be my next choices in this category. But, IMO, Zaino is the best of the best here.

Rubber surfaces....try 303 Aerospace Protectant. Low gloss shine, but plenty of protection for rubber and plastic surfaces alike. I also use Zaino and Meguiar's sometimes for certian things...or to just change things up.

Wheels/Tires....I've given up on harsh wheel cleaners. You wouldn't use harsh acids or alkalines on the paint, so it's not good to use them on wheels either. So, I'm now cleaning the wheels strictly with Zaino Z7 soap and a special mitt just for the wheels. Wax the wheels with your favorite wax or polymer (polymer recommended), and you'll never need to use wheel cleaners anyway. To condition the tires...it's Zaino Perfect Tire Gloss all the way! No sling, no mess, low satin gloss, long lasting....perfect.

Dash/Vinyl?Plastics...again 303 can be used on all these surfaces for low gloss shine and unbeatable UV protection. Also, you may like Vinlyex, as it's made specifically for this purpose. http://www.lexol.com/newauto.html

Engine...CD2 kit, Griot's, etc...

Car bras...protect the paint from dings, scratches, pecks, etc...but, may cause oxidation, fading, discoloration over time.

Preventing nicks and dings...park a mile away, take up more than one space (if you can and people wont mind), try to park in a space so that, at most, only one car can park next to you. For instance, try to park at the end of a row, where the curb is on the other side, or hunt for spots that lessen the number of cars that can park in front, back, or to the side of yours. I like to find spot where only one car can possibly park next to me at a time. It's not failsafe, but it definitely minimizes the chances of getting dings, rearends, bumps, etc... Having one car beside or in the front/rear of you is much better than having 3. I've seen so many morons who don't give a rats *** about denting other people's cars. If they don't care about theirs, that's fine, but stay the hell away from mine...

HTH!

Mike




[This message has been edited by MikeLS (edited September 14, 2002).]

 

I answered your question on www.ls1.com , please see that.

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96 Black Impala SS
Authorized Zaino Showcar Polish Distributor
www.zainobros.com
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