Been wanting to post this for some time now … what car care products do you use???
1. Cleaning Alloy Wheels
I found that ceramic brake pads create significantly less dust than organic pads. This is a bonus on Scorpio alloys with the small 'dust pockets'. My current wheel cleaner (my 6th or 7th brand) is Simoniz. I use this along with a 25mm (1”), paint brush (metal part wrapped with Duct Tape), to clean the 'pockets'. Only removes about 85 – 90%, still need to use my finger tips (Latex or Nitrile gloves), to get at the remainder. I do the wheels before washing the car.
2. Car Wash Detergent
Currently using Autoglym Foaming Car Wash as it does a good job cleaning and leaves few if any residue or water spots.
3. Car Polish / Wax
I've used Meguiar's products for years; clay bar, compound, polish and wax. It's a LOT of work but the results are amazing. NOTE, I use their DA attachment on my electric drill along with the coloured pads for each of the three steps (compound, polish and wax).
4. Window Cleaner
Have yet to find a good one. Currently using Windex or windshield washer solution. I use Ammonia on the outside of the glass. Can't use it on the inside due to the tint film.
5. Tire Cleaner
I've tried at least 10 different brands, all provided the same result. Tire has a deep black colour, looks nice and shiny but turns a shade of brown after driving in the rain.
6. Vinyl Cleaner
I've been using Mother's Protectant on the dash pad and door caps. Other than being a bit too shiny, it appears to keep the Vinyl clean looking.
7. Leather Care
I'm currently using Leather Magic's products to touch up damage to the leather (my car was in California until 2015). They were able to mix up a dye to match the seats as well as the piping by using small samples I provided (cut from under a seat). They also have adhesive / patching material for tears as well as filler for cracks.
For cleaner and conditioner I use the Lexol products; #1 is the cleaner and #2 is the conditioner. The jury is still out on whether it is helping to soften the leather – I don't believe the previous owner (until 2015), ever treated the leather. BTW, when I had my first Scorpio (late '90s), I used Lexol Neatsfoot Oil, I found it didn't help other than make the leather feel 'waxy'. Pity as I know it always worked well on my baseball gloves.
I suspect it is because the Scorpio has 'coated' leather and ball gloves do not.8. Fuel Injector Cleaner
I'm a big fan of Chevron Techron, unfortunately it is virtually impossible to find here in Canada unless you want to pay a serious amount of money.
9. Lubricant Additives
I like the Lucas products, it does what is says on the bottle. I've used their engine additive to quiet noisy lifters, their power steering additive for sticky or leaking rack and their transmission additive to improve shifting. All of these were added as part of a complete fluid and filter change.
10. Coolant
I try to avoid using 'flushing' solutions due to their caustic nature. Too many reports of coolant leakage in older vehicles as a result. The factory service manual for my Mercedes recommended a solution of Citric Acid powder and water as the best way to clean out a cooling system, worked well on my Merc but don't have any other corroborating feedback to share.
The most common coolants around today are called Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT), and Organic Acid Technology (OAT), whereas the 'old' stuff is Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT) – Ethylene Glycol to you and me. The latter is recommended for vehicles manufactured before 1990. There is a great deal of information on the Internet on which coolants are best for older engines.
Looking forward to the feedback.
