The Car Wash Newbie

BatmanDrivesABeamer · 10-17-2012, 01:39 AM

I read the DIYs but I would like some opinions on what brands to buy of wheel cleaner, shampoo, everything etc.

mpower4life · 10-17-2012, 02:55 AM

Wheel cleaner: Sonax Full Effect.

Shampoo as in wash soap?: chemical guys Maxi Suds II

6spdg37s · 10-17-2012, 07:46 AM

check out detailersdomain.com I order my car stuff from there...

I use a foam gun, adams car shampoo , waffle weave drying towels, sonax full effect wheel cleaner , adams interior cleaner is pretty good.

Templar · 10-17-2012, 08:02 AM

I've been using a lot of Auto Finesse stuff lately and really enjoy it.

I don't believe they sell it on their website anymore, but you can get it from Detailers Domain. They have everything you need and more.

Are you starting out with nothing? Give us a few ideas on what you want to do and we can likely recommend some good products/tips.

For your basic wash: two buckets with grit guards, shampoo of your choice (I like AF Lather), some MF drying towels, some Sonax Full Effect for your wheels if needed (you'll likely need a wheel brush of some sort to reach inside).

6spdg37s · 10-17-2012, 08:05 AM

oh definitely definitely definitely get a dedicated wheel brush/sponge... never let that nasty shit go anywhere near your paint IMO

kchu221 · 10-17-2012, 11:52 AM

i use the ONR, i dont think ill ever go back to a regular wash..

positiveions · 10-17-2012, 12:01 PM

For wheel brushes, I got this from CG:
http://www.chemicalguys.com/Wheel_Wo..._p/acc_m10.htm
Works really well; especially in the area behind the caliper where it is difficult to clean.

THE TECH · 10-17-2012, 12:06 PM

I use:

Optimum car wash
1Z Premium Cockpit
Griot's Wheel cleaner
Aero Finale

BatmanDrivesABeamer · 10-18-2012, 01:55 AM

Well I know nothing about hand car wash stuff lol but I want to get into it for my new car. I would like to hear about some pressure washers and vacuums if you guys can help. Everything else is very helpful too! Thanks everyone!

THE TECH · 10-18-2012, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BatmanDrivesABeamer

Well I know nothing about hand car wash stuff lol but I want to get into it for my new car. I would like to hear about some pressure washers and vacuums if you guys can help. Everything else is very helpful too! Thanks everyone!

You don't need a pressure washer. I would get a foam gun though. I also use a Metro Master Blaster for drying.

mamadub · 10-18-2012, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE TECH

You don't need a pressure washer. I would get a foam gun though. I also use a Metro Master Blaster for drying.

Agree with the Master Blaster. It's amazing!

rjd598 · 10-18-2012, 11:42 AM

check out adams videos on youtube. they go through alot of the carwashing steps and tell you what type of products to use when and where on your vehicle. after that check out either detailersdomain.com or detailedimage.com. read up on the reviews of products that interest you. you will soon realize that detailing is kind of like a guess and check. you buys some products test them out and you either fall in love or might just want to try other things out there. let us know what questions you have about certain products after you read up on some reviews

best of luck

Kwando · 10-18-2012, 12:05 PM

Get three buckets.

dagolfpro · 10-18-2012, 12:53 PM

I use the following:

Meguiars Gold Shampoo. You can find it at your local target/walmart. Just as good as any "high end" shampoo from online detailers.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...itioner-1-gal/

Foam Gun:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...1KF19N30WNYVTT

Boars Hair Brush. I prefer this type of brush vs. microfiber mittens

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/boars+hair+brush.do

Griot's garage HD wheel cleaner. Works just as good as the Sonax. Sonax is great but smells more and much more $$$$.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ks&from=Search

EZ Detail brush. Best brush for getting into the wheels. You'll need another brush to clean the outside of the wheels as well.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/EZ-De...ush_p_637.html

I hope this helps. PM me if you have more questions.

dmk08 · 10-18-2012, 03:52 PM

So Sonax or Griot won't harm OEM ZCP wheels?

You paid $300+ for that Master Blaster? I always just use my compressor after i towel the car off.

rjd598 · 10-18-2012, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmk08

So Sonax or Griot won't harm OEM ZCP wheels?

You paid $300+ for that Master Blaster? I always just use my compressor after i towel the car off.

Neither sonax or griots will harm your wheels

BatmanDrivesABeamer · 10-19-2012, 12:29 AM

Thanks everyone! Great help

red998 · 10-22-2012, 06:57 AM

what about PS21?

THE TECH · 10-22-2012, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red998

what about PS21?

Works good too.

10-17-2012, 01:39 AM	#1
BatmanDrivesABeamer Enlisted Member Drives: E92 M3 2009 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	The Car Wash Newbie I read the DIYs but I would like some opinions on what brands to buy of wheel cleaner, shampoo, everything etc.
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10-17-2012, 02:55 AM	#2
mpower4life Private Drives: E36 Avus Blue M3 / E39 M5 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 84 iTrader: (0)	Wheel cleaner: Sonax Full Effect. Shampoo as in wash soap?: chemical guys Maxi Suds II __________________ BMW: THE ATHLETE IN A SUIT

10-17-2012, 08:02 AM	#4
Templar Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2011 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NC Posts: 1,699 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [5.00]	I've been using a lot of Auto Finesse stuff lately and really enjoy it. I don't believe they sell it on their website anymore, but you can get it from Detailers Domain. They have everything you need and more. Are you starting out with nothing? Give us a few ideas on what you want to do and we can likely recommend some good products/tips. For your basic wash: two buckets with grit guards, shampoo of your choice (I like AF Lather), some MF drying towels, some Sonax Full Effect for your wheels if needed (you'll likely need a wheel brush of some sort to reach inside). __________________ '11 BMW E92 ///M3 - ZCP and DCT '11 Ford F-150 XLT - Supercrew, 4x4, Ecoboost V6, Chrome/Convenience Package, Tow Package

10-17-2012, 11:52 AM	#6
kchu221 JDM whore Drives: 2012 E92 6MT Space Grey Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: los angeles Posts: 2,273 iTrader: (5)	i use the ONR, i dont think ill ever go back to a regular wash.. __________________ \|AUTOTALENT\|JRZ RS DAMPER\|GC CAMBER PLATE\|SWIFT SPRINGS\|OG WHITE TE37\|MICHELLIN PSS\|TURNER STUDS\|PROJECT KICS R40\|RE SSK\|VARIS CF KNOB\|VARIS VRS FRONT LIP WITH EXTENSION\|ARQRAY RACE EXHAUST\|BAVX LS3\|VOLTEX TYPE 1 GT WING\|MASTERMIND STREET X-PIPE\|

10-17-2012, 12:01 PM	#7
positiveions Major General Drives: 09 MKV JETTA 2.5 & E90 M3 :) Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Verne, CA Posts: 8,840 iTrader: (1)	For wheel brushes, I got this from CG: http://www.chemicalguys.com/Wheel_Wo..._p/acc_m10.htm Works really well; especially in the area behind the caliper where it is difficult to clean. __________________

10-17-2012, 07:46 AM	#3
6spdg37s Captain Drives: none Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: dirty jerz Posts: 738 iTrader: (2)	check out detailersdomain.com I order my car stuff from there... I use a foam gun, adams car shampoo , waffle weave drying towels, sonax full effect wheel cleaner , adams interior cleaner is pretty good.

10-17-2012, 08:05 AM	#5
6spdg37s Captain Drives: none Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: dirty jerz Posts: 738 iTrader: (2)	oh definitely definitely definitely get a dedicated wheel brush/sponge... never let that nasty shit go anywhere near your paint IMO

10-17-2012, 12:06 PM	#8
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 11,919 iTrader: (39)	I use: Optimum car wash 1Z Premium Cockpit Griot's Wheel cleaner Aero Finale __________________ Check us out on Facebook at BPMsportLabs

10-18-2012, 01:55 AM	#9
BatmanDrivesABeamer Enlisted Member Drives: E92 M3 2009 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	Well I know nothing about hand car wash stuff lol but I want to get into it for my new car. I would like to hear about some pressure washers and vacuums if you guys can help. Everything else is very helpful too! Thanks everyone!

10-18-2012, 11:42 AM	#12
rjd598 Brigadier General Drives: 10' M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego,CA Posts: 3,185 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [4.50] 2000 Nissan Maxima SE [0.00]	check out adams videos on youtube. they go through alot of the carwashing steps and tell you what type of products to use when and where on your vehicle. after that check out either detailersdomain.com or detailedimage.com. read up on the reviews of products that interest you. you will soon realize that detailing is kind of like a guess and check. you buys some products test them out and you either fall in love or might just want to try other things out there. let us know what questions you have about certain products after you read up on some reviews best of luck __________________ 10 E90 M3/dct/ztp/zpp/heated seats/eps/19'/iPod retired- 08 535i/nav/prem./L7/ipod retired- 06 325i/nav/prem./sat/xenons/style 128

10-18-2012, 12:05 PM	#13
Kwando Lieutenant Drives: plus oil Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: London Posts: 446 iTrader: (0)	Get three buckets.

10-18-2012, 12:53 PM	#14
dagolfpro Major Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Union City, CA Posts: 1,170 iTrader: (4)	I use the following: Meguiars Gold Shampoo. You can find it at your local target/walmart. Just as good as any "high end" shampoo from online detailers. http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotiv...itioner-1-gal/ Foam Gun: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...1KF19N30WNYVTT Boars Hair Brush. I prefer this type of brush vs. microfiber mittens http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/boars+hair+brush.do Griot's garage HD wheel cleaner. Works just as good as the Sonax. Sonax is great but smells more and much more $$$$. http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ks&from=Search EZ Detail brush. Best brush for getting into the wheels. You'll need another brush to clean the outside of the wheels as well. http://www.detailersdomain.com/EZ-De...ush_p_637.html I hope this helps. PM me if you have more questions. __________________ 2011 E90 AW \| DCT \| ZCP \| ZCV \| ZCW \| ZP2 \| Prem Sound \| Moonroof \| BMW Apps \| ACM Exhaust Mod \| M Perf Steering Wheel \| Tint \| Lux \| Painted Reflectors \| Hardwired V1 \| KW V3 \| Volshlag CP \| Brembo BBK \| 18" Volks TE37SL Pressed Graphite \| Yokohama AD08 \| Schroth 4 Point Harness \| I swear I'm done, no more mods...

10-18-2012, 03:52 PM	#15
dmk08 ///Maniac Drives: e90 m3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Atlanta Posts: 533 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 E90 [0.00]	So Sonax or Griot won't harm OEM ZCP wheels? You paid $300+ for that Master Blaster? I always just use my compressor after i towel the car off.

10-19-2012, 12:29 AM	#17
BatmanDrivesABeamer Enlisted Member Drives: E92 M3 2009 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	Thanks everyone! Great help

10-22-2012, 06:57 AM	#18
red998 First Lieutenant Drives: E92 SG '10 6MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Hudson County Posts: 387 iTrader: (0)	what about PS21? __________________ E92 SG'10 6MT R6 '05[SIGPIC]

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