new to all this - good buy?

hi,

I'm new to the world of keeping the car shiny looking and I'm looking at this kit to start out with:

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_821139_langId_-1_categoryId_212504

Is this a decent kit / good value for a novice?
Car is a 2003 c-class merc, paints in good condition, very few scratches/blemishes. I've used Auto Glym's Vinyl and Rubber care before and I liked the results. Would be getting a fresh bottle of that as well.

Any / all advice welcome!

Curran

Its a decent kit, but id strongly recommend you ditch the sponge and look into getting...
A wash mitt
Tar remover
Clay Bar

Curran

Curran wrote: »

Its a decent kit, but id strongly recommend you ditch the sponge and look into getting...
A wash mitt
Tar remover
Clay Bar

Thanks for that.

I was thinking of just starting with a good rinse / shampoo / rinse and get the inside done.

Clay bars and polishing the car scare me!

Curran

There's nothing to be afraid of!

Curran

Curran wrote: »

There's nothing to be afraid of!

Scratches! Swirls! mucking up the paintjob!!!!!!

BillJ

As said get a wash mit and two buckets also, use the two bucket method, should help in avoiding the swirls!

Nothing to be afraid of with polishing, and claying is simple as well just look up some of the youtube videos out there

Curran

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Scratches! Swirls! mucking up the paintjob!!!!!!

Scratches and swirls...yes, if you dont put in the correct preparation. If you dont de-tar properly and de-ironise.

Mucking up the paintwork....not unless you are totally careless and a complete numpty!!

Should you leave marring when claying...it will come away with a light hand polish.
Without claying you are jjust polishing dirt. The clay stage is about as effective as a good polish...makes such a difference!

So rinse, clay, wash, rinse?

BillJ

I would say:

1. Rinse/wash off loose dirt

2. Wash with shampoo using the 2bm

3. De-tar

4. Rinse

5. De-ironise

6. Rinse

7. Clay

8. Rinse

9. Polish

10. Wax or sealant to protect all your hard work and make it shiny

Curran

Yeah...Bill has the process spot on!

how frequently should you polish / wax?

Curran

Polishing is done after claying. But doesnt need to be done every time you clay.
Claying usually done every 6 months.
Sealant / waxing. ..when ever it starts to shoe signs that it is beginning to loose its protection.
Wax, varies but topping it up every 2-3 months.
Sealant, varies but uusually around 4 months plus.
Both will depend in washing techniques also.