User Panel
Posted: 1/7/2015 1:20:12 PM EDT
What are some of your favorite automotive products that you like to use? I'm talking about cleaners, waxes, additives, specialized tools, etc that you like because they work well.
Two off the top of my head: Einzett Kristall Klar Washer Fluid concentrate In my experience it does seem to wash better than the cheap blue washer fluid. Plus it has a nice scent and is available in a winter anti-frost version. Black Magic 2-in-1 Engine Shine I love this stuff. It's easy to use and does not leave everything looking greasy or have a fake shine (like used car lots that hose everything down with ArmorAll). It says "shines" but honestly it simply leaves everything looking new without any residue. I like my engine bay to look like it did when it was brand new and this stuff is perfect for that. |
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Seafoam. I don't know what the hell it does but dammit I love it
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Car wash Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo
Windshield washer fluid Rain-X and I also make a bunch of homemade cleaners using vinegar, washing soda, borax, Dawn Ultra...Google has 87 recipes. |
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Over at Bobistheoilguy.com...they call this snake oil... I was a fan for years, guys on here and over at BITOG recommend better stuff...can't think of the name now... View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Seafoam. I don't know what the hell it does but dammit I love it Over at Bobistheoilguy.com...they call this snake oil... I was a fan for years, guys on here and over at BITOG recommend better stuff...can't think of the name now... I started buying the cheaper Berryman brand stuff to keep my cars guts clean. That could be snake oil, too but at least it's cheaper snake oil. I like reading the BITOG forums when I'm not on arfcom |
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GM top end cleaner.
Carb/brake cleaner. Zipties for holding various plastic panels onto the car. Harbor freight aluminum racing jacks. Seriously. I have not found anything better for the price. JB weld epoxy. A MIG and TIG welder. |
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Ozium View Quote I too use Ozium..and just started using the Ozium Outdoor Scent tub of goo Posted an Amazon link but our local stores sell this for $3.50...much more pleasant than regular spray Ozium and it lasts a long time...I put it under the seat of two rigs. |
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Marvel Mystery Oil
Kroil Brake Cleaner (the flammable kind) Rain-X, the additive you just dump into your washer fluid tank Bosch Icon wiper blades DieHard Platinum batteries (really a Odyssey) Michelin tires OEM brake shoes and pads because I'm learning that most auto parts stores' products are substandard in the brake arena Purolator PureOne oil filters Blackstone Labs used oil analysis Any transmission fluid that is Allison TES-295 approved. (it's awesome in older GM transmission that require Dexron III.) |
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I like the new nanoskin clay pads and towels.
Makes claying your car easy. |
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Daytona wheel brush.
Aquapel is awesome but I've got a couple of tubes of Glass Science Rain Clear gel to use up first. |
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a mother loving 12V impact wrench. A la the Milwaukee M12 line
Not specifically a car product, but I use this tool more than almost any other when working on my cars. Following that..... Detailer's Domain microfiber towels Meguiers liquid wax (comes in a purple bottle) Bosch Icon / Rain - x One piece wiper blades Mechanix gloves / Black nitril gloves |
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Daytona wheel brush. Aquapel is awesome but I've got a couple of tubes of Glass Science Rain Clear gel to use up first. View Quote Thanks for that...I have been searching for something that works and lasts...Daytona Brush rated good at autogeeks... |
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Chevron Techron
Thats it. I don't wax them anymore, just run it through the car wash. |
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For wax I'm trying a synthetic (vs. Carnuba) this time...Mothers synthetic liquid...I'll report back.
Anyone have a recommendation for a good general degreaser? Not engine stuff. Need it in a spray bottle for quick cleanups around the shop/garage. Using Simple Green now...would like something stronger (non-chlorinated)...perhaps I should use SG full strength? |
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For wax I'm trying a synthetic (vs. Carnuba) this time...Mothers synthetic liquid...I'll report back. Anyone have a recommendation for a good general degreaser? Not engine stuff. Need it in a spray bottle for quick cleanups around the shop/garage. Using Simple Green now...would like something stronger (non-chlorinated)...perhaps I should use SG full strength? View Quote Try some Collinite 845, or 476s double coat for a wax. for a degreaser try Zep 505. or if you have dollar generals nearby look for LA's Totally awesome. comes in a spray bottle on its own or buy it in 64oz jugs. i think its $2-3 for 64oz I use a few different things as far as car care goes including the above APCs and waxes. Quite a few things from Meguiars Detailers line, NanoSkin, Chemical Guys, Menzerna, Sonax, CarPro, Wolfgang, Detailers Pro, etc. I don't use many over the counter products. |
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Brake cleaner by far , we used a ton of it racing it keeps everything clean and makes it easy to find leaks.
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I love that stuff. |
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Try some Collinite 845, or 476s double coat for a wax. for a degreaser try Zep 505. or if you have dollar generals nearby look for LA's Totally awesome. comes in a spray bottle on its own or buy it in 64oz jugs. i think its $2-3 for 64oz I use a few different things as far as car care goes including the above APCs and waxes. Quite a few things from Meguiars Detailers line, NanoSkin, Chemical Guys, Menzerna, Sonax, CarPro, Wolfgang, Detailers Pro, etc. I don't use many over the counter products. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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For wax I'm trying a synthetic (vs. Carnuba) this time...Mothers synthetic liquid...I'll report back. Anyone have a recommendation for a good general degreaser? Not engine stuff. Need it in a spray bottle for quick cleanups around the shop/garage. Using Simple Green now...would like something stronger (non-chlorinated)...perhaps I should use SG full strength? Try some Collinite 845, or 476s double coat for a wax. for a degreaser try Zep 505. or if you have dollar generals nearby look for LA's Totally awesome. comes in a spray bottle on its own or buy it in 64oz jugs. i think its $2-3 for 64oz I use a few different things as far as car care goes including the above APCs and waxes. Quite a few things from Meguiars Detailers line, NanoSkin, Chemical Guys, Menzerna, Sonax, CarPro, Wolfgang, Detailers Pro, etc. I don't use many over the counter products. I did a little research online yesterday at several degreaser mfg websites... Much of the stuff out there (home depot carries a pretty good variety) is harmful to some surfaces (vinyl, aluminium, and others). I checked out the ZEP 505 and actually got a small bottle to try... I did buy a gallon concentrate of Simple Green Heavy Duty Pro...safe for a lot of surfaces. Tried it at 3:1 and cleaned up an old grease gun (that is a test). Worked great. Also picked up a bottle of 303 Aerospace...anyone use this and where on your rig? |
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Just about all Meguiars products, great luck with everything and it's available local, lots of great stuff out there but if you have to order online and have it shipped that's a huge negative for me.
Collinite 845, a rare exception to my above rule, stuff is absolutely fantastic. A bottle will last for years! |
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Kroil, a gallon would probably be capable of covering the earth
PB Blaster, just because it works and you can find it anywhere in a pinch, unlike Kroil Pinnacle Bodywork Shampoo, expensive enough that I should probably have my head examined but its just that much better than cheap ass carwash Clay bar, I've always used the commonly available types, but it makes a huge difference in the finish of your paint |
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I did a little research online yesterday at several degreaser mfg websites... Much of the stuff out there (home depot carries a pretty good variety) is harmful to some surfaces (vinyl, aluminium, and others). I checked out the ZEP 505 and actually got a small bottle to try... I did buy a gallon concentrate of Simple Green Heavy Duty Pro...safe for a lot of surfaces. Tried it at 3:1 and cleaned up an old grease gun (that is a test). Worked great. Also picked up a bottle of 303 Aerospace...anyone use this and where on your rig? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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For wax I'm trying a synthetic (vs. Carnuba) this time...Mothers synthetic liquid...I'll report back. Anyone have a recommendation for a good general degreaser? Not engine stuff. Need it in a spray bottle for quick cleanups around the shop/garage. Using Simple Green now...would like something stronger (non-chlorinated)...perhaps I should use SG full strength? Try some Collinite 845, or 476s double coat for a wax. for a degreaser try Zep 505. or if you have dollar generals nearby look for LA's Totally awesome. comes in a spray bottle on its own or buy it in 64oz jugs. i think its $2-3 for 64oz I use a few different things as far as car care goes including the above APCs and waxes. Quite a few things from Meguiars Detailers line, NanoSkin, Chemical Guys, Menzerna, Sonax, CarPro, Wolfgang, Detailers Pro, etc. I don't use many over the counter products. I did a little research online yesterday at several degreaser mfg websites... Much of the stuff out there (home depot carries a pretty good variety) is harmful to some surfaces (vinyl, aluminium, and others). I checked out the ZEP 505 and actually got a small bottle to try... I did buy a gallon concentrate of Simple Green Heavy Duty Pro...safe for a lot of surfaces. Tried it at 3:1 and cleaned up an old grease gun (that is a test). Worked great. Also picked up a bottle of 303 Aerospace...anyone use this and where on your rig? I've been using 303 as an interior product. If it really dirty I will clean it first, then apply the 303 over the dash, cupholders, shift lever boot, etc. Basically all the plastic and vinyl. I haven't used it long enough to make any comments about it long-term, but I'm happy with it so far. |
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Another 303 user, interior & under hood mostly.
Doesn't seem to last long on tires and exterior plastic trim although I'll use it on them occasionally. |
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I did a little research online yesterday at several degreaser mfg websites... Much of the stuff out there (home depot carries a pretty good variety) is harmful to some surfaces (vinyl, aluminium, and others). I checked out the ZEP 505 and actually got a small bottle to try... I did buy a gallon concentrate of Simple Green Heavy Duty Pro...safe for a lot of surfaces. Tried it at 3:1 and cleaned up an old grease gun (that is a test). Worked great. Also picked up a bottle of 303 Aerospace...anyone use this and where on your rig? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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For wax I'm trying a synthetic (vs. Carnuba) this time...Mothers synthetic liquid...I'll report back. Anyone have a recommendation for a good general degreaser? Not engine stuff. Need it in a spray bottle for quick cleanups around the shop/garage. Using Simple Green now...would like something stronger (non-chlorinated)...perhaps I should use SG full strength? Try some Collinite 845, or 476s double coat for a wax. for a degreaser try Zep 505. or if you have dollar generals nearby look for LA's Totally awesome. comes in a spray bottle on its own or buy it in 64oz jugs. i think its $2-3 for 64oz I use a few different things as far as car care goes including the above APCs and waxes. Quite a few things from Meguiars Detailers line, NanoSkin, Chemical Guys, Menzerna, Sonax, CarPro, Wolfgang, Detailers Pro, etc. I don't use many over the counter products. I did a little research online yesterday at several degreaser mfg websites... Much of the stuff out there (home depot carries a pretty good variety) is harmful to some surfaces (vinyl, aluminium, and others). I checked out the ZEP 505 and actually got a small bottle to try... I did buy a gallon concentrate of Simple Green Heavy Duty Pro...safe for a lot of surfaces. Tried it at 3:1 and cleaned up an old grease gun (that is a test). Worked great. Also picked up a bottle of 303 Aerospace...anyone use this and where on your rig? yeah, some stuff you have to watch what you use it on. it's all dilutable to suit your needs though. i use the 505 straight to clean tires, mudflaps, plastic wheel wells and greasy dirty door sills . it's really good at deep cleaning the rubber and stripping old dressings. ive only messed with LATA on household things and not vehicles yet. they make a Citrus 505 that i've read people use on the wheels and tires. another one i use on wheels is Meguiars D143 non acid wheel and tire cleaner. it works very well at a good price point 15.99/gal. i'll get twelve 32oz bottles out of a gallon. can't use it on bare aluminum though. Interior plastics and vinyl cleaning i'm using Chemical Guys All Clean at 20:1, 10:1, and 5:1 depending on how dirty. I also use Meguiars Quick Interior Detailer and Chemical Guys Silk Shine. I really like Silk Shine for dressing interior plastics. Leaves a really nice lasting shine and a clean scent that lasts a good while. i've never used 303 myself but only hear good things about it. the key to buying from online places like AutoGeek or Autopia is watching for sales. a lot of times you'll get a cheap flat rate shipping or free shipping on orders over a certain amount, then almost always a percentage discount anywhere from 10-25%. I get a lot of stuff from Amazon as well taking advantage of the Prime shipping. |
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I love that stuff. I have used Sonax too. Good stuff, surprised at how well it works. |
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Was researching lately on the internet on how to best clean the outside of aluminum engines. Found some recommendations to use CLR type household cleaner to clean aluminum. I gave it a try and it worked great. Cleaned up some tarnished aluminum on my new truck.
This is what I used. I didn't let it stay on the engine very long though. Followed it up with some Black Magic 2 in 1 Engine Shine as posted by the OP. Engine looks great. |
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Iron-X
GTechniq G1 |
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I ordered and tried some EinZett Cockpit Premium last week. I like it, smells good and left no residue or shine on my interior. Supposedly has some sun blocking agents in it too.
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lately I have fallen in love with my mini-ductor.
http://www.theinductor.com/index.php?m=50&s=24 It's so much easier than dragging a torch around. |
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lately I have fallen in love with my mini-ductor. http://www.theinductor.com/index.php?m=50&s=24 It's so much easier than dragging a torch around. View Quote Neat |
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Car wash Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo Windshield washer fluid Rain-X and I also make a bunch of homemade cleaners using vinegar, washing soda, borax, Dawn Ultra...Google has 87 recipes. View Quote Yeah, those are not good products. The rainX adds TONS of hazing to the windshield. That is Maguiars worst car wash "soap"; use the bright yellow stuff they make. It's the best soap I've used hands down. |
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OEM brake shoes and pads because I'm learning that most auto parts stores' products are substandard in the brake arena View Quote There's a lot of truth to that statement. Also: Armor All wipes Armor All tire foam Craftsman 3/8" drive long handled flex ratchet Craftsman 1/2" drive ratchet and socket set A good creeper Mechanic's seat on wheels Funnel made from a 2 liter soda bottle PB Blaster penetrating oil |
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Yeah, those are not good products. The rainX adds TONS of hazing to the windshield. That is Maguiars worst car wash "soap"; use the bright yellow stuff they make. It's the best soap I've used hands down. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Car wash Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo Windshield washer fluid Rain-X and I also make a bunch of homemade cleaners using vinegar, washing soda, borax, Dawn Ultra...Google has 87 recipes. Yeah, those are not good products. The rainX adds TONS of hazing to the windshield. That is Maguiars worst car wash "soap"; use the bright yellow stuff they make. It's the best soap I've used hands down. This for car wash? Wash and Wax Crap... I've used Turtle Wax car soap for 35 years and bought the McG. on recommendations... I'm open for suggestions on wiper fluid also... |
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This for car wash? Wash and Wax Crap... I've used Turtle Wax car soap for 35 years and bought the McG. on recommendations... I'm open for suggestions on wiper fluid also... View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Car wash Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo Windshield washer fluid Rain-X and I also make a bunch of homemade cleaners using vinegar, washing soda, borax, Dawn Ultra...Google has 87 recipes. Yeah, those are not good products. The rainX adds TONS of hazing to the windshield. That is Maguiars worst car wash "soap"; use the bright yellow stuff they make. It's the best soap I've used hands down. This for car wash? Wash and Wax Crap... I've used Turtle Wax car soap for 35 years and bought the McG. on recommendations... I'm open for suggestions on wiper fluid also... I'm a fan of CG this for pre wax washes and this if you recently waxed |
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OK...so I purchased some Mothers Synthetic Car Wax. Easiest wax I have ever applied and removed...Did two rigs 9 days ago.
Not impressed with this wax...not the typical beading I see when using a carnuba wax... oh well...live and learn. Going back out shopping tonight for car wax. regarding washer fluid...for the life of me I cannot see a haze on my glass using the liquid Rain-X premixed washer fluid..Did two road trips (90 and 50 miles on freeway) over the past week and only used my wipers when there was congestion on the freeway...My glass looks really clean, can't see any streaks, haze, duck butter... |
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Lots of good stuff posted already. I've had one of these for 10+ years and use it for all kinds of random things, still works great.
http://powertank.com/products/sfID1/13/productID/76 |
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I bought and tried a "tire dressing" based on Amazon's reviews...
Not a fan of shinny tires I tried 3M Tire Restore and like the results. Clean looking, non-wet finish, and easily applied with an old "wax applicator", cotton cloth round pad ... worth a look for those looking for similar. We'll see how long the look lasts with time and washing's. |
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