V6 Owners Cleaning Guides
This is the V6 owners guide to achieving the perfect finish on your car. Feel free to add or edit the content to help grow this resource for all club members.
The guide is organized in the order in which you should clean your car...
Wheels
Let's face it - the standard V6 wheels can be a bit of a hassle. No sooner do you drive off than they're covered in dirt again. Always start with the wheels first to avoid overspray from the products and to prevent brushes from flicking dirt onto the bodywork.
To clean behind the wheels, use a long spoke brush and spray with wheel cleaner. Once applied, use a general sponge to clean each spoke individually. My trick is to fold the sponge in half and place the spoke in between—it cleans the spokes more effectively. For the tires, use a specific spray or gel to blacken them.
KIT NEEDED
Wash
DO NOT use a sponge on your car. They trap dirt and cause swirl marks, scratching the paint as you move them around. Instead, buy a lambswool wash mitt—it traps dirt away from the surface. Use the “two-bucket method” to ensure a clean wash: one bucket for soapy water and another with clean water for rinsing your mitt. Alternatively, use a Foam Gun, which creates a thick foam layer that softens dirt, making it easier to rinse off without damaging the paint.
KIT NEEDED
Dry
Why dry your car? It helps prevent streaks and water spots, giving your car a shiny finish. A waffle weave drying towel is excellent for soaking up water. If the towel falls on the floor, don’t use it until it’s cleaned—grit picked up from the floor can scratch your car’s surface. You can use a silicone blade to remove large amounts of water quickly before toweling down. Avoid using chamois, as they are more abrasive and take longer than drying towels.
KIT NEEDED
Clay
Claying is mildly abrasive and is used to remove contaminants like tar spots that regular washing can’t get rid of. Split the clay into two pieces, keeping one inside your house. If you drop the clay while working on the car, don’t continue using it. Start by warming the clay in your hands, then flatten it out and rub it over problem areas. You’ll need a detailing spray to lubricate the surface. Once finished, the surface will feel smooth and spotless.
KIT NEEDED
Polish
Polishing can be done by hand or with a power tool. Machine polishing is much quicker but can be expensive (£200+), so most people stick to hand polishing. It works great and gives a nice shine. Simply apply the product to a panel at a time and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
KIT NEEDED
Sealant
Glaze
KIT NEEDED
Cockpit
Shops
Other
- Author: markb
- Date: 18/4/2007
- Associated Forum Post URLs:
Forum Post Link
This is the V6 owners guide to achieving the perfect finish on your car. Feel free to add or edit the content to help grow this resource for all club members.
The guide is organized in the order in which you should clean your car...
Wheels
Let's face it - the standard V6 wheels can be a bit of a hassle. No sooner do you drive off than they're covered in dirt again. Always start with the wheels first to avoid overspray from the products and to prevent brushes from flicking dirt onto the bodywork.
To clean behind the wheels, use a long spoke brush and spray with wheel cleaner. Once applied, use a general sponge to clean each spoke individually. My trick is to fold the sponge in half and place the spoke in between—it cleans the spokes more effectively. For the tires, use a specific spray or gel to blacken them.
KIT NEEDED
- Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner
- Meguiar's Hot Shine Tyre Dressing
- Meguiar's Tyre Brush
- A Sponge
Wash
DO NOT use a sponge on your car. They trap dirt and cause swirl marks, scratching the paint as you move them around. Instead, buy a lambswool wash mitt—it traps dirt away from the surface. Use the “two-bucket method” to ensure a clean wash: one bucket for soapy water and another with clean water for rinsing your mitt. Alternatively, use a Foam Gun, which creates a thick foam layer that softens dirt, making it easier to rinse off without damaging the paint.
KIT NEEDED
- Lambswool wash mitt
- Two buckets
- Car shampoo
- Foam Gun (£50)
Dry
Why dry your car? It helps prevent streaks and water spots, giving your car a shiny finish. A waffle weave drying towel is excellent for soaking up water. If the towel falls on the floor, don’t use it until it’s cleaned—grit picked up from the floor can scratch your car’s surface. You can use a silicone blade to remove large amounts of water quickly before toweling down. Avoid using chamois, as they are more abrasive and take longer than drying towels.
KIT NEEDED
- Meguiar's Water Magnet Drying Towel
- Autoglym Hi Tech Flexi Water Blade
Clay
Claying is mildly abrasive and is used to remove contaminants like tar spots that regular washing can’t get rid of. Split the clay into two pieces, keeping one inside your house. If you drop the clay while working on the car, don’t continue using it. Start by warming the clay in your hands, then flatten it out and rub it over problem areas. You’ll need a detailing spray to lubricate the surface. Once finished, the surface will feel smooth and spotless.
KIT NEEDED
- Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit
Polish
Polishing can be done by hand or with a power tool. Machine polishing is much quicker but can be expensive (£200+), so most people stick to hand polishing. It works great and gives a nice shine. Simply apply the product to a panel at a time and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.
KIT NEEDED
- Autoglym Super Resin Polish
- Microfiber cloth
Sealant
Glaze
KIT NEEDED
Cockpit
Shops
Other
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