Cleaning a MK5 GTi- All you need to know (Other cars too)

[Starvekos]

Mike, hope you don’t take this the wrong way. But I would propose a few alterations to your wash guide before it becomes conventional wisdom

Engine cleaning
I would rather use a pressure washer to rinse the degreaser in the engine bay. A jet of water from a pressure washer releases less water than a stream from a garden hose or a jug. To that end, there should be less water being sprayed close to sensitive electronic components in your engine. Rather stick to a pressure washer when cleaning the engine bay.

Body wash
I am not familiar with APC 3000 however if it is a degreaser, then I would not recommend it for foaming a car especially for a routine / maintenance wash. A degrease will most like strip your previously applied protection (wax or sealant) thus leaving your car unprotected in the harsh African conditions.

I suspect that the APC 3000 is a highly concentrated cleaner because the car did not require a 2 bucket system hand wash after rinsing foam. If you were using a gentle (PH balanced / neutral) shampoo for foaming, you would most likely need to follow up with washing using a bucket and a wash mitt. Interesting to hear your thoughts on washing using car shampoo in a bucket or two.

Trim dressing
I wouldn’t recommend shoe polish for trim dressing. I have seen what shoe polish does to vinyl and tyres after protracted use. Shoe polish stains and it will advance the fading on your plastics. Rather use a dedicated vinyl dressing product.

General
The rest of the post is rather vague about accessories and products used (glass, trim dressing, rubber care) but I suspect that you are being objective and not trying to lead users to a particular brand. There are few detailing pr

Tanks for posting