AutoGlym Lifeshine and GTechniq and ? on your Maser

[profchristopher-green]

Anyone got any views  on these ?

I remain rather cautious about the various lifetime car products/processes available and still resort to a good old fashioned wash and elbow grease turtle wax with a Wonder Wheels clean for the corners.

 

[Graham Wood]

Personally, I have never tried them. I believe Geoff Lancaster (former Trident Editor) had a lifetime ‘product’ on his Spyder once, it would be interesting to see how that fared over the years.

I also have a certain level of skepticism with ‘lifetime products’, but happy to be convinced by anyone with experience.

I do use a mix of AutoGlym and SwissVax products on an ‘ad hoc’ basis. In fact I try to clean cars as little as possible to reduce the possibility of dreaded swirl marks (even though I am an advocate of the ‘two bucket method with gritguards).

[John Bennett]

My 4200 Spyder was given the treatment as part of the deal when I bought the car (secondhand).  It still rather annoyingly gets dirty and needs washed.  I’m not too much of a fusspot when it comes to cleaning cars and I can’t say I’ve noticed a difference.

On another note I have given up with chamois leathers and now use drying cloths, the kind sold by all the car prep people.  They are longer lasting and, I think, easier to use and go in the washing machine!

[Graham Wood]

Old bath towels are for me (washed and tumble dried before each usage much to the annoyance of other household members!!). Chamois one of the worst things for catching grit.

After Chris mentioned it, I have done a little research on GTechniq – would be really interested to know if it is any good, as said previously, I remain to be convinced. Anyone out there used it?

 

[Lee Moore]

Am not convinced by the lifetime promises either and continue to use a combination of “normal” polishes. mainly AutoGlym but have been impressed with “Poorboys Black Hole” products on the 3200 which is black. seems to give a nice finish with reasonable effort, some other products seemed to be a lot of hard work and I was often dissapointed with the final result. That being said the 3200’s paintwork is a bit tired now.

[Mick Sheppard]

I had my Ghibli professionally ceramic coated (CQuartz Pro I believe) which has a 2 year guarantee on the coating. I’ve got my Levante booked in to have the same done in August.

Cleaning with the ceramic coating on was as simple as spraying it with the snow foam, leaving for 5-10 minutes whilst I did the wheels, then rinsing off. Dirt just didn’t stick to it. Combine this with filtered water so there’s no need to dry and it got cleaning down to 15-20 minutes and no faffing around with buckets and cloths.

[Graham Wood]

Thanks for the update Mick, good to get a view from someone who has direct experience.

I wonder how long it would be before the dirt begins to stick, and how easily tar spots come off?

[Helen Miles]

Hi – I have GTechniq on my Levante from new at the start of the year.  Not sure I’ve noticed much in terms of staying cleaner (nothing is immune from the endless dust and grime of Birmingham) although my long-suffering husband says it’s a bit easier to clean.

[profchristopher-green]

Traded in old aMini nd just got a new one delivered–3 door hatch- part of the deal was AutoGlym Lifeshine valid for lifetime of ownership. Nothing  to report other than it doesn’t cover wheels or windscreen. So as the weeks and months go by it will be interesting to see how it performs.

My  GranTurismo , one year old last month has had GTechniq done valid for 5 years  so again will see if its any good.

As most of you will prob know these dealer add on that they love to sell are VERY negotiable on price and its quote amazing how you can get the price down from the original asking price. Same with Gap insurance and tyre insurance and……

I will report progress periodically Here’s hoping they both  do half what they are  supposed to!

[Graham Wood]

Looking forward to regular updates Chris.

Is the mini garaged? If not, it will be interesting to see how it copes with UV, acid rain etc…

Taking part in another hobby I spoke to a professional detailer the other day, and his view is if garaged, then the ‘lifetime’ products such as GTechniq are worth it, and could give you 5 years worth of protection, but you still have to be very careful how you wash the car etc. etc.

His one big NO was if getting from a Dealer make sure it is a professional that applies it, and not the Dealers resident car cleaner, and, as always, NEVER let a main dealer wash your car!!

[profchristopher-green]

Graham

The Mini is outside all the time so we will see!

The GTechniq was put on at the dealers premises  -but by the GTechniq technician for my area. He goes to the dealer to do each car  and also to effect any repairs within the warranty period. The dealers resident cleaners do some prep work before he arrives.

So it its all going to be rather interesting i.e. “the test of time” so to speak

[Mick Sheppard]

I’ve just had my Levante S detailed and treated with CQuartz Professional by my local detailer. With the rain yesterday it beaded well and still looks clean. My Levante lives outside, at least until I find a house with a big enough garage. I had the wheels treated as well this time so we will see if this has any impact on keeping them in top condition. The wheels on the Ghibli had started to lose some of the coating and were starting to look a bit shabby by the time I swapped it.

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