I swear by Autoglym Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner. Available from Halfords in this link.
You can also get it in smaller bottles which are cheaper. However, I buy it in 2.5l bottles, one bottle lasts me over a year and I probably go through 4 washes a month between the 3 cars we have at home. Just fill the cap 3 times and tip it in your bucket, that's all you need because the Autoglym is highly concentrated.
The difference between this and cheap shampoos is that it is PH neutral, making it friendlier to your bodywork. In addition, it won't strip any wax you've applied (as long as it's a detergent proof wax... but then again it should be!!!). Other quality shampoos are also PH neutral, however a lot of supermarket shampoos aren't.
In addition, I've found the Autoglym to give a better shine than the cheap shampoos you get from Asda and the like. It's well worth the money. Highly recommended by me.
Oh... and you best be using the two bucket method followed by drying with a proper drying towel.
I have only done the two bucket method once, not sure if it really makes any difference? my paintwork is lightly swirled looking just now because there is no wax left on the paintwork now. I have got microfibre towels to dry with as well!
Good decision
In theory the two bucket method works better because you rinse your wash mitt (not a sponge!) in clean water to remove the grit, before dunking it in the shampoo and then washing. Therefore you're not dunking your wash mitt into dirty shampoo containing loads of grit which you would then apply to your car, if you were using just the single bucket.
Mine is swirled to hell, think the previous owner just shoved it in car washes it's whole life. So this summer it's going to get detailed properly.
One for lower panels and one for upper. Yeah, I've got 2 of those at a tenner each.
Yeah going to detail it myself. I could do with a proper Kestrel or Meguiars rotary but funds don't allow so I'm going to have to make do with my Halfords polisher.
My car doesn't show the swirls until it goes dark, then a streetlamp shines on it... OMG it makes it look horrendous! Cover your eyes!
To be honest much of that depends on the person using it. Also you want to be using a soft bonnet on the polisher, lambswool bonnets ideally.
Take a look at the following guide, it explains why not to use a sponge very well... after seeing it you'll never put a sponge anywhere near the car again!
Good decision
In theory the two bucket method works better because you rinse your wash mitt (not a sponge!) in clean water to remove the grit, before dunking it in the shampoo and then washing. Therefore you're not dunking your wash mitt into dirty shampoo containing loads of grit which you would then apply to your car, if you were using just the single bucket.
Mine is swirled to hell, think the previous owner just shoved it in car washes it's whole life. So this summer it's going to get detailed properly.
