How to winter prep a new car

FinerDetails

Official SCN Supporter
Unfortunately this is a none SEAT but thought some may find this useful?

Dave contacted me, expressing an interest in getting his brand new Mazda 3 sealed protected against the forth coming winter elements. As dave currently resides in a flat, he also wanted a detail which would give him maximum protection, and leave him with a low maintanence car cleaning regime.

Here's dave's car on arrival and before pics:
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Once we'd had you intro chat i got straight on, using the karcher and DP foam gun shampoo spraying the whole car and allowing a couple of mins whilst it got to work. I sprayed the arches and alloys with an APC mixture, leaving that to work whilst i washed the car using the two bucket method and separate wash mitts for upper and lower.
Once the paint work was clean, I rinsed the car off, and used the two buckets to clean the alloys, dave rinsed off for me :)

With the car now clean, I demostrated for Dave how to use the pat and drag drying technique, mainly to help prevent and swirling, but also to show how easy it is to remove a bit of water, and that huge heavy passes are now required.

With the car dry, we moved into the garage and I prepedd the porter cable for stage one. Using a polishing pad, and Pinnacle Cleansing lotion, panel by panel I worked my ay round the car, cleaning up the inground dirt. Dave was able to feel the smooth paintwork compared to sections yet to be done.

Stage 2 saw the Porter cable fitted with a finishing pad, and a layer of DP Premium Paint Shield added to the whole car. This was left to cure for 20 mins. Whilst this was curing (and Dave had a brew) I applied Megs #20 Polymer sealant to the alloys.

Once cured I wiped the sealant off (no duffing its that easy), then used the PC against, and another finishing pad to apply a layer of Collinite 845 IW wax.

Whilst this cured I wiped the alloys clear.
Dave used a super plush MF to wipe the wax residue from the car.
 

FinerDetails

Official SCN Supporter
Lastly I applied Armor All Tire gel to the treads, and here's the end result and after pics:
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and one with the Autumn sun playing it part to provide some shadow and light contrast
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Thanks to dave for bringing his new car to FinerDetails, hope you get the bumper and air con system sorted soon.

Thanks for reading.

Iain
 

Stealthdave

Active Member
Sep 28, 2006
298
0
found the thread FD, cheers...

just one quick question, is wolfgang and souvereign an alternative to the dp paint shield and collinite 845 wax?

Sorry for al lthe questions, but on every detail you use dif products, hehe./////
 

Stealthdave

Active Member
Sep 28, 2006
298
0
just see nthe price of souveran, ouch.....any alternatives that are almost as good but a bit cheaper for the average user? Now seen the collinite at £16, will proably have to go for some of this...I'm up to £70 now before any appplicator pads or mf cloths, lol

Yet another question, why the megs #20 over a proper wheel sealent?

Cheers
 
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FinerDetails

Official SCN Supporter
If you want something to get through winter collinite is THE ONE.

if you want a general all rounder, use Nattys.

I use megs #20 on the alloys as it also has a tad of cleaner in it, and because I'm trying to use it up, even if it is a good sealant I wont be buying anymore.
 

Stealthdave

Active Member
Sep 28, 2006
298
0
what will you be moving too after then as Im yet to buy any sealant? OR would the collinite be just as good? (thinking of cost)
 

FinerDetails

Official SCN Supporter
I currently use two sealants on the paint, either Wolfgang Deep Gloss, or DP Premium Paint Shield. The wolfgang is my fav for ease of use, (after 20 mins curing it can be removed with just one wipe!!!) I have yet to see how the DP durability compares, (IN TEST AT THE MO) ;)
 

Stealthdave

Active Member
Sep 28, 2006
298
0
any conclusions on the DP Premium Surface Shield Paint Sealant yet over wolfgang?, as just seen its at the bargain price of £8 now.....

only thing putting me off is waiting 30-45 misn before wiping off
 
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