Well my 99 A4 (black) is about 2 days old (100 miles) and I got some water on the car. I plan to wash it on Sat, So I purchased some Zymol Carbon, the zymol cleaner thing, and the zymol car soap.. Do I really need to use the cleaner? Could I just wash / dry / and wax the car?

I don't believe you have to use the cleaner. The cleaner is to remove old wax and oxidation.<p>Tell me how you like the Zymol. I tried it out a few times on my black 98.5 A4. I can't say I was too fond of the results.

It's intended for removing oxidation and other grimey buildup in your old wax. It's a resurfacer, like a Zamboni.<p>Mick<br>98 2.8qm

If it is the HD Cleanse that you are refering to, Zymol recommends that you use it the first time you apply their wax. The HD Cleanse is not an abrasive cleaner like some of the cleaners from other companies. Zymol recommends using it even for new cars to remove the factory wax (which they say can hurt adhesion of their product). It will just prep the surface for their wax. It is a pain in the butt though. Allow yourself plenty of time for your first zymol experience. The HD Cleanse is designed for you to work in small sections at a time. In addition the wax needs to be applied when it is warm outside. I forget the exact temp. but something like 65 degrees. The results are nice but I found the whole process too time consuming. I switched to Meguiyers (sorry, no idea howe to spell this one) for it's ease of use and I have the complete Zymol kit just sitting here (waste of $$$ for me).<p>Don't get me wrong the Zymol stuff is great, but just not for my impatient self.<p>Good luck!<p>Eric

I used HD Cleanse once - never again. It was the most abrasive stuff I have ever used on a car. It made a mess of scratches where I used it. (It was the fault of the product, not the applicators. Maybe I had a bad batch, I don't know). I cleaned up the mess (scratches) with Meguiars products. I've used Zymol's waxes before with good results, but I don't see them as superior to other premium products that cost a lot less.<p>I think that the majority of the products that claim not to be abrasive are in fact abrasive to some degree. Otherwise they would not work. Some products claim they will get rid of swirl marks and not be abrasive in the process. Yea, right. There ARE some products that aren't abrasive (chemical action only), but the don't claim to be able to remove scratches either (at least the good ones).<p>The ultimate in false advertising, I think, is this "GS-27" stuff that used to be advertised on TV. They claimed it would remove a scratch down the the primer or paint with just a couple of light swipes. Now, logically, how is it going to do that?

I've been using the stuff for 5 years now, first on my BMW and Miata and now the Audi.<p>If your car has never been waxed, you can just use the zymol straight. Chances are the dealer slapped something on it already, tho. That's where the HD Cleanse comes in, because zymol can't adhere to anything but the paint.<p>But yes, Cleanse is harsh. I prefer to use the cleaning clay from Griot's Garage, then follow with zymol. You can also try one of the countless Meguiars polishes. And be sure to visit the zymol web site and/or read the little pamphlet they include with the wax. It really does work differently from other waxes, and woe to those who let it dry to a haze and then try to buff. And don't be surprised it if doesn't last long, it's known for that. But is sure smells nice!<p>Carcareonline has more zymol info.<br>