I've had my 01.5 A4 1.8TMQS for a little over a month now, and have figured out that I am way too anal about this baby to continue to take it to a car wash as i've done with previous cars. Therefore, I need to stock up some high quality cleaning products, but need some help figuring what the best stuff is, and where I should get it all.

So, I figure I need some wash/soap, a sponge, chamois, towels, then some good wax and towels for that. I'll also want to get some good wheel and tire stuff, and something for the interior dash, etc. and leatherette seats. Other stuff?

I'd really appreciate some help!

Thanks in advance,

-Mike

2001.5 A4 1.8TMQS
Santorin Blue with Onyx Leatherette Interior
(Dirty and needing help)

Lamb's wool wash mit (don't use a sponge if you can help it, since it traps dirt and grit against the car as you wipe it, potentially scratching)
Meguire's pink wash gel or Sonax car wash (or any good, mild car wash liquid)
3M Imperial Hand Glaze, or One Grand Omega Glaze, for when you need to work on fine scratches, etc.
One Grand Blitz Wax
California Water Blade
100% cotton towel(s) to complete drying
100% cotton detailing cloths
Closed cell applicator pads for applying glaze and wax (Meguire's makes 'em, 4 to a pack)
P21S for safe (ph neutral) wheel cleaning

Popular wisdom also says don't use a genuine chamois, as it removes wax.

I don't use anything on my dash and other interior vinyls/plastics other than a damp cloth. I use a Swiffer cloth (in the supermarket) to pick up dust whenever it annoys me. Some people like Lexol Vinylex to shine things up a bit.

As for where to get this stuff: Some of it may be available at your local auto supply retailer. Otherwise try carcareonline.com, or autosupermart.com, or onegrand.com (for One Grand products only). Carcareonline.com also has some good articles, as does autopia-carcare.com. And for more (mostly high-end) products and tips check out griotsgarage.com.

the traditioal chamois isn't the way to go? The link below has some info and seems to indicate that it won't remove existing wax.

Also, I have ran across the Miracle Towel a few times in my search, it looks pretty good, (especially for maintaining a dust free interior), any thoughts?

Mike
2001.5 A4 1.8TMQS<ul><li><a href="http://properautocare.com/ws-04.html">http://properautocare.com/ws-04.html</a</li></ul>

I used P21s bodywork shampoo - great stuff. I also used the P21s wheel cleaner, and it was also outstanding. No such luck with the P21s drying towel (basically a synthetic chamois) - I wasn't impressed. It's too small and didn't really dry the car. I'm going to try a waterblade next week, maybe that will be better.

I'd stay AWAY from claybars while your car is new (see article on them at carcareonline.com). Also, Lexol Vinylex is recommended for dash to protect from UV rays, but it left my onyx dash a bit splotchy. I think perhaps I didn't use enough.

I keep one in my car at all times. Works great for dusting the dash, cleaning the windows, quick detailing, etc... There are other micro fiber towels on the market but the Miracle Towel is the best imho.

I never use a Miracle Towel to dry the car although I understand many do. Imo the California Water Blade works great in combination with the P21S Drying Towel. I have also heard great things about the Water Bandit but have never personally used it.

A list of products that work well imo.

Tar & Bug: Eimann Fabrik (EF)
Car Wash: P21S or Sonax
Drying Towel: P21S or Water Bandit
Polish: Klasse AIO
Glaze: Klasse SG
Wax: Blitz or Pinnacle Souveran
Towel: Miracle Towel
Quick Detail: EF Clear Pearl or Pinnacle Crystal Mist
Vinyl: Lexol Vinylex or 303 Aerospace Protectant
Leather: Lexol Leather Cleaner & Conditioner
Wheel Cleaner: EF Hi-Intensity
Tires: EF Black Opal
Clear Plastic: Plexus
Windows: EF Clear Vision or Stoners

A good source for most of these products follows:<ul><li><a href="http://autopia-carcare.com">http://autopia-carcare.com</a</li></ul>

Thank you to those who helped out with my shopping list, and for the references to some good sites. Last night, after a bunch of researching, I placed an order with autopia-carcare.com (which when invoiced is actually through Classic Motoring Accessories). I found that while none of the major sites were really easy for browsing and shopping, autopia-carcare.com was probably the most user friendly (though it could still use some improvement too). It also had most of the products I wanted, or at least something that was essentially equivalent. I really wanted to be able to order everything from one place, rather than to make several orders.

Anyways, for those interested, here is my final shopping list (Maybe a bit overboard, but oh well...):

Sheepskin Washmit - $17.95
P21S Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo (car wash) - $8.95
Water Sprite Plus (drying towel) - $17.95
P21S Wheel Cleaner - $13.95
OXO Ergonomic Wheel and Tire Brush Set - $24.95
Eimann Fabrik Black Opal Dressing - $12.95
Klasse ALL-IN-ONE Car Polish and Sealant, 16oz. - $22.95
One Grand One Blitz Wax - $15.95
Foam Wax Applicators - $3.95
Viper Microfiber Applicator pads (2) - $6.95
Detailing Towels (6) - $12.95
Lexol Vinylex - $10.49
Miracle Towel (2) - $24.00
Eimann Fabrik Clear Vision Auto Glass Cleaner - $7.95
Pinnacle Crystal Mist Spray Car Wax and Quick Detailer - $19.95

The total was $221.84, no tax, but they did charge me $19.95 for shipping.


I'm going to also have to pick up a bucket and hose attachment at Home Depot or something, and I have a little car vac. at home already.

I'm hoping that it arrives by Saturday, so I can get started soon. I can't wait to spend some time really making my car look good!

-Mike
2001.5 A4 1.8TQSMCX
Santorin Blue w/ Onyx Leatherette interior<ul><li><a href="http://www.autopia-carcare.com/">http://www.autopia-carcare.com/</a</li></ul>

believe it or not, it may not be enough (i routinely spend $100 every two months on new supplies).

a few other recommendations:

1. make sure you get a plastic bucket (less chance of accidental damage).
2. get another wash mitt (you want one for the top of the car, and one for the bottom). make sure you label them so you can tell them apart (i put a "T" on the wristband of my top one).
3. get some tire swipes for applying stuff to your tires -- trust me, they're well worth the money.