How to protect the paint of a brand new car? (S3)

[DommyR]

Hi All.

Posted a couple of times in the last couple of days that I'm pretty damn decided that I'm going to order an S3. (sepang blue).

The dealer has offered (£400) the autoglym lifeshine which Im a bit dubious about as I heard some stories about how its applied and that it doesn't last as long as they say. are these true?

What I'm asking is what do I need to do to look after the paint on my new car? Apply a protector or will a good quality wax be enough (collinite)?

Or have a protective layer applied by a detailer?

Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks
Dom

 

[pluves1]

I'd get a good detailer to prep the car for you - don't let the dealer touch the paintwork.

In short, even on your nice shiny new car it might be full of contaminants. This is due to the fact that it's not 'bubble wrapped' when leaving the factory. So it might be sat outside for a few days, then onto a transporter, off a transporter, onto a ship, off the ship ....you get the idea. Most dealers don't have specialist detailers - they have valeters who can cause damage to the paintwork if they use the traditional sponge and bucket method. I've seen new cars come

Not sure where you are based but, I'd prefer to use the £400 (or less) to let someone like this guy do the job properly. This makes caring for and cleaning the car a lot easier.

http://www.whitedetails.co.uk/

I have no connection to Jim other than he did my beemer and brought my ex demo paintwork back to life.

 

[Bristle Hound]

Some info on this thread may help you Dom

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/thoughts-about-autoglym-lifeshine.225359/

Will wait further questions when you've read it!

 

[DommyR]

Ahhhhhhh.... Thanks seems its a pretty resounding no then lol.

Does the lifeshine (apparently) just do the same job as a if the car is waxed?

 

[Bristle Hound]

Ahhhhhhh.... Thanks seems its a pretty resounding no then lol.

Does the lifeshine (apparently) just do the same job as a if the car is waxed?

Problem with the Lifeshine Dom is 2 things IMHO
1) It's never applied properly
&
2) it's massively overpriced. You can get the same kit (almost ) off ebay for £30 & apply it yourself properly

 

[Schuey]

I'd get a good detailer to prep the car for you - don't let the dealer touch the paintwork.

Not sure where you are based but, I'd prefer to use the £400 (or less) to let someone like this guy do the job properly. This makes caring for and cleaning the car a lot easier.

http://www.whitedetails.co.uk/

I have no connection to Jim other than he did my beemer and brought my ex demo paintwork back to life.

2hrs later I'm still reading the write ups on that website...... Great work!

Interested in his use of the LTT as I have Lunar Silver and this looks just the right product for me....

Thanks for sharing the link

 

[royalsteve68]

Agreed. The dealers valeter won't have time to do a proper job and life shine us a 10.00 retail cost price item.

I'd rather do it myself or get a detailer do it. A very detailer will charge about 400.00 for a new car detail and better products that cost ten times as much like Swissvax