Looking after the pillars.

[Anonymous]

My Rcz will be with me in a few weeks, (can't wait), i've read lots and lots of threads on here, and all are very helpful, however i cannot find much on how to look after the Chrome pillars, i dont want to put a wax or polish on them in case it affects the finish, but my problem is that i live in Swansea, a coastal city and i'm concerned with salt getting at the pillars. Swansea's not the problem , it's the salt air. Thought i better clear that up before i take her for a spin and get a bit of Jackland road rage thrown in my direction. :x

Im not too concerned about the paintwork as it is having a paint protection coat applied by the dealer, and i will top this up with a regular waxing.
I'ts the pillars and also the wheels maybe, as they are the Onyx Black Solstice which have a brushed steel outer rim, which could be prone to attack .

Less than 6 months ago we had a new front door fitted with lovely polished chrome handles/letterbox, they are already starting to pit and discolour.

Any advice more than grateful. :beer:

 

[RCZ1]

Especially as you live in a coastal city, it makes it even more important to protect your roof arches AND your wheels. They need to be protected from the elements, which is what a wax or sealant will do.

I've used a cleanser polish on mine. Not agressive, just cleans properly.
http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog ... rylic.html

I top this with a sealant. Like a wax and similar to your Paint Protection you will be getting on your paintwork.
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealants/ ... d_841.html

The thing to remember is don't press hard on the arches - just nice and gentle and when you wash, pat dry with a micro fibre drying towel. Don't drag it across the arches. The less time you are touching them the better.

For the wheels I have been using this for nearly a year.
http://www.planetpolish.com/index.php?m ... anscmucmv2
I've used it on at least 7 different cars. It's a wheel sealant. Apply a little to each alloy, allow to cure. By the time you have applied it to all 4 wheels, it will be ready to buff off. It's very easy to buff off and leaves a lovely shine as well as protecting your alloys for 3 months before you have to apply again. Don't use wheel cleaners once you have applied it or you will remove it. Just needs a power wash down and then a clean with shampoo and water and they clean up really easily. :thumbup:

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks RCZ1,
I have noted most of your tips on the forum, it's gonna be expensive re-stocking my cleaning / polishing items, but i think worth it.
Forgive if i become a pain asking questions, you've probably seen all the threads that i've left, and thats before the car even arrives, but i personly think the RCZ is a bit special, and i want to keep it looking that way.

My son works in Halfords, part time after college, and he's as excited as me about the newcomer to the family, he keeps coming home from works suggesting polish's/wax's exc exc, but i just dont want to put something on the car just because it's a top seller in a car parts store. He thinks he's doing good bless him !

Forums like this, and people like yourself can give new owners fabulous tips on how to protect their cars, especialy something like the RCZ that has unique roof arches, that have to be cared for.

Thanks again, and keep that door open for more great tips, cos the big day is only weeks away, and i may be calling on you again. :beer:

 

[Anonymous]

what RCZ1 says...............I wax my pillars though

btw drove mine in Swansea last weekend! :clap:

 

[Anonymous]

Can you recommend a wax that i can use on the paint and the pillars, one that can be used on top of Gardx.
Would i be correct in thinking that a wax will not "cut" but will protect and hold in the shine ?

Oh and something for the tyres, that will give a "new glossy look".

I've ordered the Wheel seal & shine off Ebay, so thats sorted.

 

[RCZ1]

Thanks for your kind comments jactac. Detailing is a hobby so I like to keep abreast of what's what and trying out different products :lol: :lol: All I like to pass on, is the knowledge that I have picked up over the last 4 years, from using products that have shown to work for me. Like you I want to keep my Pearl pristine and so far she is :thumbup:

Yes you are right, a wax does not cut, it protects and seals. You can use any wax but just make sure that it's an easy one to use and won't take a lot of buffing off. Remember you want to be very gentle on those arches. Your son might be able to get you a decent one from Halfords :thumbup: Personally I like Dodo waxes and they come in sample pot sizes too, which will do a car 10 times or more, although not available in Halfords. Remember less is more, always apply thinly :thumbup:

Hope this helps and don't worry about the questions, keep em coming!

 

[Anonymous]

RCZ1 beat me to it...............I use dodo wax after she recommended to me! Its great - easy to apply and easy to buff off. I would echo the small amount is better though you really dont need much. The sample pot size you can buy for around £10 (tiny pot but like the guru says will do the whole car plenty of times).
I've also sprayed sealant on the arches but you can wax on top of that or not as you see fit. It probably doesnt add anything but it certainly won't hurt. And anyway when the suns shining whats not to like about getting out there and rubbing some lurve onto your motor

 

[Anonymous]

So it's Dodo wax for the paint work and the pillars then. Any tips for "Glossy" tyres. I've tried various products in the past, some good, some bad but i havent found a really good one, most leave the tyres a bit sticky or greasy.

Ive looked up Dodo wax and it comes as a hard or soft wax, which is best and why the difference ?

 

[RCZ1]

There's no best between hard or soft waxes - it tends to be that a hard wax will give better durability but it depends what you are after. On your opal white I would be tempted to try the Supernatural Dodo wax, which is about £15 for a panel pot, or Light Fantastic. Having said that you can try any of the Dodo waxes and they will all do a good job. If you go for the Dodo waxes I would also use their Lime Prime. Don't get mixed up with Lime Prime Lite - this can have some "issues". It's a pre wax cleanser, which your helps the Dodo waxes adhere to the car and cleans the paint at the same time. It's smells gorgeous too :thumbup:

For the tyres I use either Swissvax Pneu or Autosmart Highstyle. Swissvax have brought out a glossy version of Pneu, which I haven't tried yet but it's on my list of things to buy.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks agai guy's,
You do know that with all these great tips i WILL have the crispest looking Rcz on this site. :dance: :thumbup: :beer: :lol: :clap:

Unless of course these were tactical tips, to throw me, :eusa-think:

 

[Anonymous]

well you have RCZ1 to beat...now that's a challenge I wouldn't attempt!

 

[RCZ1]

Thanks agai guy's,
You do know that with all these great tips i WILL have the crispest looking Rcz on this site. :dance: :thumbup: :beer: :lol: :clap:

Unless of course these were tactical tips, to throw me, :eusa-think:

Would we do that to you :eusa-think: :lol:

I think most people on here are looking after their RCZ really well. In fact I don't think I've read anything about anyone taking theirs through a car wash. I dread to think what the roof arches would end up looking like :?: :shock:

 

[Anonymous]

def not use a auto car wash but use carefull hand wash companies. one i use regular gets all the mud from under arches and cills. cleans all door edges and frames. glass in and out. colour black tyres all for £6.00 bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

[Anonymous]

I dont think i would either to be honest, i have always dreaded the automatic wash's, the hand ones are probably safer but can't compare to doing it yourself and being that extra bit careful.

 

[Anonymous]

:shock: I checked the buckets on a local hand wash outfit and was horrified with the amount of grit in there...............not for me I dont think. having said that it'd be worth £6 just if they did the glass - I hate doing the glass

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

Can anyone help only picked my rcz up on wednesday and its stunning pearl white gt black onyx and a feline pack washed it last night and found a little scratch on the back of the arch someone has been looking at it and put their ring on i would say its not deep but can anyone help me too sort this out what's the best thing too use


many thanks :eusa-think:

 

[RCZ1]

Hi Jimbob

If you run your nail over the scratch does it catch it? If it doesn't then it's not deep therefore a mild polish may well remove it. You don't want anything too aggressive.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Rcz1

what sort of polish do you think i should use that would not be too aggressive

many thanks jimbob

 

[RCZ1]

I've found this to be very good by hand
http://gtechniq.com/shop/3s-for-cars/po ... te-polish/

You don't need a lot, just a little at a time and work it in well.