Last week, I bought a 1997 A4 and I love it.
The previous owner did a magnificant job keeping the car clean, and I'd like to continue doing the same.
My question is: What is the best product to keep the dash and top of the dash clean? Armor-All?
Also, is it true that when you take the Audi to a car wash, you should NOT have them use any of the waxes they offer? Just have them use soap and water?
If that's true, what is your advice for waxing? Should I just wash it, but then have it professionally waxed and detailed twice a year?
Thank you in advance for you advice.

d

I have used Meguiars detailers for years and even carry a bottle in the trunk. Kiwi products are also good for the interior. My opinion is that Armor All is too oily and will cause the dash to be shiny/reflective. Try various Meguiars products and see what you think. Enjoy the car!!

Cary B
99 1.8t w/various mods

I had the same questions and this is what I found out...

1. Use Lexol's Vinylex. Several A4.org advertisers sell it (autopia.com, etc.). I think you'll find most people will agree NOT to use Armorall.

2. Wash & Wax it yourself. IMO, nobody will do a better job on your car than you. Use a clear coat safe wash and a good wax. I use Meguires products...Car Wash and the Professional wax, I thinks it's #26, but I don't remember off hand. Both work great and they're available at local auto parts stores. But you'll probably get several different opinions on the type/brand/method of wash and wax. But I think it's safe to say that more than a couple of us rather do it ourselves. I actually enjoy spending time cleaning my car. It's quite rewarding...but I'm sick that way.

Hope this helps.

Ed
99.5 1.8TQMS

Don't use Armour All. Vinylex made by Lexol is the BEST for the dashboard.

Many people here are VERY particular about cleaning their cars and going to an automated car wash is sacrilidge. I'd recommend washing it by hand yourself, but if you aren't inclined then I would agree that the waxes they use at car washes are pretty useless.

Wax it by hand yourself or get it professionally done by a reputable detailer.

a little bit fanatical about our A4s, so take all advice on this topic with a grain of salt. Some people actually wax their cars once a month around here. I think that is extreme and silly, but others will disagree.

I wax my A4 myself (Meguiars Gold Class) the same as I've done on every car I've owned ... 4 times a year (kind of at the beginning of each change of season). Lots of people here like Meguiars products, as well as Mothers, and many others.

As far as car washing, I take mine to a wash bay (never would I go through a "drive-thru" wash of any kind, even if it says "soft cloth"). I never spray on that cheesy liquid wax, mainly because I don't like it all over the windows. I guess I wouldn't let anybody else wash my car, either. Don't trust 'em!

Armor-All is nasty because it's real shiny and greasy looking on the leatherette and dash. Vinylex seems to be the product of choice around here, but you won't find it very easily. People order it and assorted waxes from www.carcareonline.com. At least I think that's the site name.

Glad you like your A4.

BDW
'99 1.8Tqms (Wett, K&N)

nt

Actually Pep Boys carries Vinylex (here in New York you can find a store pretty close by)

Brian
97 A4TQMS

...it forces you to examine every part of the car's exterior. I think if you have 25k plus invested in anything, you need to take 30 minutes once a week to do a little visual examination. Then take another 5 minutes and scan the engine compartment. IMHO, it's well worth the time.

this stuff is awesome, when i got my car back from my 15k maintenence i found some grease on my door, use that autobahn stuff and it came right off. and its supposed to be able to remove pen marks n stuff. took alot of black residue off my leather seats.

_rl/ a!,axis,lltek

.

you really have to wash it right. Visit carcareonline.com and learn about all the products and techniques available. Forget about Armor-All and Turtle Wax. You're driving an Audi now, so step up to the plate!

Thank you for your advice.
It seems like Lexol Vinylex is the clear choice for the dash and above the dash.
Regarding washing/waxing the exterior, I can't say I've ever had the inclination to drive my car to a self-wash and do it myself.
I thought I would take it to the car wash just for soap and water, and then three times a year, I'd get it professionally waxed.
Is that what losers do? :)