Today I did some detailing...

Good tar removers - CarPro Tar X, Gtechniq W7.

Whatever you do, don't use the Holts tar remover in the aerosol can. It's gloopy, greasy and although it does a good job of removing tar, the stuff itself is an absolute nightmare to remove.

I have a 2014 5-series BMW. The original surface is peeling off the alloys in lots of places.
Is this normal wear and tear? Also is there somewhere around Galway (other than a Main Dealer) that I could get this sorted? Finally, any idea of cost? Thanks

Former Coach wrote: »

I have a 2014 5-series BMW. The original surface is peeling off the alloys in lots of places.
Is this normal wear and tear? Also is there somewhere around Galway (other than a Main Dealer) that I could get this sorted? Finally, any idea of cost? Thanks

Not normal but also not unheard of, an acidic cleaner or corrosion can all take their toll. Could they have been poorly refurbished? €100 a corner is typical to make right.

It sounds to me like they were repainted badly. From personal experience, Wheel Wizards do powder coating and they are superb at it.

Truckermal wrote: »

What about Tardis?

Tardis is excellent, but stinky :P

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

I haven't used that since around 2013. I didn't like how it evaporated very quickly so I made Gtechniq W7 my go-to.

You mean from the container or off the paint during use?

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

On the paint during use. It was a strange one as I was more than used to tar removers but this one just didn't work properly for me. I'd apply it to say the bottom of the driver's side of the car, leave for a few minutes then wipe (had to wipe as pressure washing it off didn't do much) and by the time I'd get to the back door it would be streaky and dry.

To be honest now that you mention it, I did notice that as well but had forgotten.

Gave the car another wash/hover today, even though I don't do big miles being black it gets dirty very quickly as do the alloys. Perfect day for it as there was no direct sunlight nor was it hot out.

Used Reflects Cherry Bomb Shampoo for first time, seems alright, nice smell. I didn't find it as suddy/soapy as the CarPro Reset I've being using beforehand but I dunno if that's down to not using hot water in the bucket today as I usually would.

Used the last of the Magifoam today, not sure if I'll buy more tbh. Bit of a nuisance with the amount of suds on the driveway, doesn't seem to shift as much dirt as I'd like it to either, reckon Bilt Hamber is what I'll go with next.

The Autobrite foam cannon I got has developed a minor leak where the Karcher adaptor is attached to it. Nothing serious though, I'll keep and eye on it.

Only as I was stuck for time I would have de-taring the car but but I'll save that for another day and while I'm at it I'll probably remove the wheels as well and give them a good going over as tar seems to be building up on them as well.

Going to go at the mats on Sunday with the drill brush and wet vac as they've seen better days.

Today I managed to find time to wash my car. I have not been able to wash it since last August so there was quite a build up of brake dust on the wheels

I put in the before and after pictures for comparison. It still scrubs up well, even with its 17 years and 220,000 miles so I'm happy with it

I dont get much time to do detailing but still had a bottle of Perfection from Orchard Autocare and its beading is still good, but doesnt beat a good wax/silicone protection

high horse wrote: »

I do small miles per year which helps. What I noticed was that it got to a certain level of dirt and didn't really get any dirtier. Except for the wheels, the brake dust was the worst it has ever been since I got the car.

a good prep and some carpro dlux or similar will make life very easy for you.

Superb job slave!

Aluminium is a superb conductor of heat, as is black paint.

Your reg plate is a lie though - Life is not just :pac:

Same difference!

Picked up this Megane Estate yesterday. Its a year old. The dealer gave it a 'full valet' before I collected it - but the quality was bad. Really crap actually. The car apparently was treated with a ceramic coating as part of the deal, but I am not convinced that it was.

So I spent a good 5 hours on it this morning.

Citrus Pre-Wash
Snow Foam
Iron X - Was very heavily contaminated
Tar Removal - Again, quite a bit of tar on it and being a white car it really shows.
Contact wash
Fusso Soft 99 Wax
Glass Sealant Treatment

End result is below. Very happy with how it turned out. The color is white pearl - looks fantastic in the light.

Lovely looking Megane. Well done on the job this morning.

Shows the level of car care dealerships perform "if" they applied a ceramic coating over paintwork covered in iron fallout particles and tar deposits!!