A Few Newbie Detailing Questions

[JStang]

I just bought a new 2006 Mustang GT (Tungsten Grey). Since I want to take extra special care of the car, I would appreciate advice on the following:

1) I have 17” bright machined cast aluminum wheels. What kind of wheel cleaner should I use? Some cleaners say "only factory polished/painted wheels."

2) Since I am a little leary to use the wrong kind of wheel cleaner, can I just use some Gold Class Car Wash and a wheel brush to remove the light build-up of brake dust and dirt?

3) To remove Gold Class Liquid Wax, am I safe using a 100% terry cloth towel?

Thanks for your help!

J

[the other pc]

Hi JStang, to MOL.

As long as you wash your wheels regularly and don't let brake dust build up car wash soap like Gold Class should clean them just fine. If you want a very gentle wheel cleaner you can try #36 Hi-Tech Wheel Cleaner or Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner. The wheel brush is an excellent tool.

As long as you use very high quality, plush, soft cotton terry cloth, yes, they're safe to use. Cheap, bulk packaged towels you find that are labeled to be for car care are usually poor quality and likely to scratch. fold the towel over a couple times so that when you wipe you have a nice cushion that spreads out the force of your hand and prevents the fibers from "digging in."


PC.

[JStang]

Thanks for the words of wisdom, PC.

Perhaps I should spring for a few MF polishing towels instead of the terry. I surely do not want to leave any marks.

Also, is it safe to use an ammonia-free window cleaner and a MF to clean the windows on a regular basis (even afer the car is dusty)? Or will this put potential scratches in the window?

Thanks!

[the other pc]

Glass is much tougher than paint and towels themselves won't cause scratches. Just don't rub heavy grit into the glass. Personally, I don't like using high nap microfiber towels on glass. They're great for paint but I prefer smoother towels, either mf or cotton, on glass.

Ammonia free cleaners are preferred, Meguiar's NXT is great.

Claying your glass occasionally is a good idea too. The same gunk that falls on your paint falls on your glass.


PC.

[JStang]

Thanks again, PC!

Due to the fear of doing something stupid, I have had an overwhelming reluctance to do any detailing until I have all the facts. The downside, however, is that the car is getting dirty!

J

[onnfire]

Dont worry about scratching your glass with a towel because it is very unlikley. And as PC said, claying your glass is recommended because glass is not actually a flat surface but has many hills and valleys. Some people who are trying to remove water spots even use something with diminishing abrasives like a chrome cleaner. There is nothing better than clean glass.

[irbrenda]

Just don't ever do what I did on my new SUV.....decided to use Barkeeper's Friend with a scrubby. Oh, the glass was sparkly clean from the outside, but when I got inside and the sun shined in, I nearly had a heart attack! A zillion swirly scratches. Good thing the dealer knew I had a defective windshield from the beginning because they agreed to replace it.

And not to go off topic, but the install turned out fantastic last week. Too bad they installed another defective windshield! I was on my way to show the service mgr.. the defect so they could reorder the glass, and a huge rock came hurling into the windshield chipping it in 4 places! So, I need a new windshield either way, and yes, they are paying for it again.