Detailing Routine -- what's yours?

[RaudiA7]

I'll chime in. I have been detailing Audi's since...the last century (1999, I think). I have simplified the routine considerably as I have grown older and more short on time. Wash the car by hand, in your driveway. You will be done before you would have arrived at a car wash had you driven. OK, so now we start. washing removes surface dirt. to keep the paint shining, you must remove bonded dirt. 3 times a year, I polish. Polish will remove the bonded stuff, and this is where your shine lives. You have a dark car, this is the most important step. I use P21S paintwork cleanser. Easy to apply, like lubriderm... http://www.autopia-carcare.com/p21-123.html I used to apply a glaze over the polish, now I skip that After polish, I wax. I use P21S was - very soft, easy to remove since it is half bees wax. Use this in the nicer months here in Philly, about 3 times a year. In winter, I use a heavier polish - Blitz. Quick detailer in between Oh, and once year get out the clay bar your next car should be silver - always looks clean, even in the North East

[blitzboy76]

Originally Posted by RaudiA7

...I use P21S paintwork cleanser. Easy to apply, like lubriderm...

So you do not use a machine? I have been hesitant to polish, because I thought that was the only way.