*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

I have used it for that and it blackens the trim up but I’m not sure it will condition the rubber. If you wre just going for a good dressing for UV protection it works. I apply with a Qtip

 

Wax is, not really an outdated product entirely but it is in terms of a protective coating. I see most people use waxes for color/visual effects of paint.

If you want a product that is going to keep your paint looking good and protect it. Go for a sealer. They last 6-12 months while a wax will typically last 4 weeks.

A coating is something to consider if you want more clear coat protection from mud/dirt. Coatings are semi permanent to permanent and last 1-5 years. You can buy some coatings to apply yourself for a couple hundred. Professional applications run more like $800-$1,500.

I would not waste your time on a wax. Especially on a silver truck. I would go for a sealer. They last longer and give a glass like look which I think makes silver shine better.

PS paste waxes are not necessarily superior. There are many great liquid waxes. I like Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax. Makes dark cars look awesome. Plus its cheap and easy. Its a good basic wax for most uses.

 

Thanks for the help. Gonna give he chemical guys trim gel a try because it has a UV protectant built in.

 

I have a question. I searched and found mixed results, so I am looking for a clear answer. Is it ok to power wash the engine bay, and if so, what precautions should I take? I frequent some really dusty places and would like to get the dust off after each trip. Thanks for any help.

 

I use a fine mist with some cleaners available at local ports stores. I cover alternator and that’s about it. I clean cold engine and start it afterwards. Been doing it for years on my 07 and it still looks new. Others may have suggestions.

 

You can you just need to be careful about pressure. You can’t blast your engine bay with 2500psi washer and not expect to knock hoses loose.

Just use the hose. Not sure what dust a hose can’t take care of.

I use Simple Green diluted 1:3 with watee for the engine bay and spray it down real well, let it sit for a few then hose it down.
I have a long handle soft bristled brush I use to scrub before rinsing. My engine bay gets compliments whenever I open the hood. Looks new (except for my custom painted engine cover )

 

Awesome. I will start with the hose and see if that gets what I am looking for. I’m not looking for compliments, just a rinse. Thanks for the responses.

 

Forgot to add I’ve used both 303 and Black magic engine dressing afterwards.

 

On many vehicles - Fords with modular motors for instance - pressure washing the engine bay is the kiss of death for many electrical components. (Ask me how I know that.) Toyotas on the other hand seem to be designed for the real world. I was hesitant to clean the engine bay on my 2014 Tacoma (and my 2006 Scion xB) until my son - a Certified Toyota & Lexus Service Technician - convinced me that with proper care it was indeed possible on Toyota products. As has already been said, "blasting" with a pressure washer can still lead to all sorts of problems. But by letting a cleaner do most of the work, and then using low pressure / low volume water to rinse everything off, you should be just fine. I actually just use a hand pump pressurized Garden Sprayer with hot water to rinse mine.

One thing I do after cleaning my engine bays is whip out my Leaf Blower and blow most of the water off right after rinsing. I then fire the vehicle up and let it run for 5-10 minutes to bake off the rest.

 

A lot of things have changed since I last worked in a detail shop over 30 years ago. But I’ll never forget one time. We were told to keep engines running while cleaning engine bay. Another guy was with me pressure washing a Mercedes when the engine choked,and started running backwards and died. We just walked away

 

Yeah but to be honest... that probably had nothing to do with you detailing the engine bay LOL

You can look at a Mercedes and it will brake.

 

Total random question...

Do any of you use your DA polishers for other uses than cars?

Looking at buying a new home and I’m wondering if my polisher could tackle counter top or shower insert polish jobs.

Might be an excuse to use my PC for home use and upgrade to a Torx for auto use.

 

I've used mine on my boat - generally just to apply Menzerna Power Lock. (The boat is a 1992 and has never needed or been buffed with a rotary.) I did use my Flex once at home to buff out some scratches in my bath tub.

 

Sure do. Use it on stainless steel appliances. Bought a floor model fridge once at a great discount due to scratches and scuffs. Good ol’ PC removed them.

 

Any issues with using (Very) diluted laundry detergent to clean fabric seats. Would it be any better or worse than the fabric cleaners on the market?

 

The only reason why I wouldn’t is because I feel laundry soap has a concentrated smell/scent.

As a soap I’m sure its fine.

When you do clean the seats though, spray them down with Scotch Guard (double cab takes a whole can). And then air out the truck well so it dries.

It helps prevent future staining.

 

Sorry if it’s been asked - 161 pages is just a lot to sift through. I have a home carpet shampooer with extensions that I could use for seats and carpet. Would this be a good idea? Bad idea? Any specific soap I should use?

If not this route, what’s the best way to clean the seats and carpet? Thanks in advance!

 

Its a great idea just don’t use it often.

The carpet on outr trucks is super thin and will start to fall apart with too much cleaning.

 

Thanks! It seems more efficient than something in a spray bottle. Any specific soaps you’d recommend?

Edit: Or would the shampoo used for the house carpet be good? Would that work for the seats too, then follow up with the protectant mentioned above?

 

Not sure I dont have a carpet cleaner. Look on detailing sites for a good auto carpet cleaner.