What should I get...

B

bronze2006

New member
hey I am new to car care (as I got my 03 Jetta a few weeks ago) and want to know what I should get for a complete car care kit, I have nothing, I was thinking about getting that perfect shine kit for 90 bucks, does that sound like a good idea? what else should I get (maybe a squeegee and a drying towel)? Thanks



I dont want to spend more then 135 bucks
 
Hmmm..... does the $135 have to include shipping?



How bout this - tell us what you've got now and what you want/need and we can tweak your plan accordingly. For example, what washing/drying tools do you have right now?



The Perfect Shine Kit is terrific but if you need a lot of other little things then maybe you should consider something cheaper. All those mitts, sponges, applicators, towels, etc., really add up.
 
no it doesnt include shipping and im flexible, if i need to spend an extra 15 or 20 bucks so be it, I have nothing for car detailing except maybe a bucket
 
Ok, so we need a basic kit and some extras. Here's what I think would be a good to start with:



BUCKET - get a new 5 gallon plastic bucket from a hardware store. About $5.



SHAMPOO - Lots of good ones out there. Meguiars Gold Class, Mothers, Eagle One Wet are all available at auto parts stores and places like WalMart, KMart, Target, etc. About $5 per bottle.



MITT - You need at least two, one for the top half and the other for the bottom. I like cotton chenille but lambswool is fine too. If you can get into Costco they're selling a lambswool 3 pack for $7-8. Otherwise plan on $5 each.



BRUSHES - You'll need a soft brush to clean wheels and a stiff one to clean tires. Pep Boys and other well stocked parts stores have these. About $12 for the two. Here's some pics so you can see what I'm talking about:



Soft tipped brush - http://www.properautocare.com/br-42.html

Stiff nylon brush - http://store5.yimg.com/I/tolae_1775_5777714



DRYING TOOLS - Lots of us use the California Water Blade. About $12 everywhere. Follow up with a large waffle weave microfiber towel. Usually about $20 but some suppliers are having a sale. See autofiber.com or waynestowels.com for great deals going on now.



WHEEL & TIRE CLEANER - Community favorite is Eagle One A2Z. About $5 per bottle available everywhere.



GLASS CLEANER - Many good choices including Stoner Invisible Glass, Eagle One 20/20, and Sprayway. Stoner and E1 are available everywhere at about $4 a bottle. Sprayway a little harder to find and more expensive.



MICROFIBER TOWELS - You've got to have several of these. Use one just for glass and the others for polishing. There are lots of suppliers including our forum sponsors so shop around. Usually kits are your best deal.



So that covers your basic kit for washing and drying which is your most important overall task for car care. Obviously there are lots of little tools and stuff you can buy so feel free to try whatever thingy looks interesting.



I know I didn't mention what kind of wax, sealant, or polish to buy. This entire community is dedicated to sampling, comparing, analysing, and evaluating car care products. I could mention my favorites but I think the best thing for you to do is read posts and decide for yourself what you want in a product.



Depending on what you do for microfiber towels, that kit above comes to about $100 ($73 + est. $27 for towels). Another $50 will set you up with a nice sealant or wax, a bottle of polish to help remove swirls, and any other goodies that turn you on (tire dressing, carpet cleaner, etc).



I hope this list helps. Let us know if you need anything more. If there is one thing we like to do here, its spend other people's money for them :D ;)
 
thanks for the help, im going to get that stuff as you seem like a pro at spending my money



also, i was thinking about getting the P21S wax as it seems like a good value and has good results. how often will i have to wax my car (i live in seattle and it mostly rains)?
 
Look into s100 wax at harley davidson shops its the same as p21s only cheaper.



You should wax at least every 3 months if you use this wax. Or as often as you like.
 
madazskunk said:
Look into s100 wax at harley davidson shops its the same as p21s only cheaper.



You should wax at least every 3 months if you use this wax. Or as often as you like.
Click to expand...



Excellent choice! While you're there get a bottle of the S100 Shine Enhancing Paint Cleanser. About $10. Its a light polish and perfect to use before the S100 wax ($14.95).



I can believe I forgot the clay!! Thanks ANDRIVER!! :up

WalMart has the cheapest Clay Magic kit at $9.47.
 
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