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Specialist Car Valeting UK
     
Car Care Articles
 
 

 

With these articles we aim to supply answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, and answers to the questions you should be asking, as well as entertainment for people who have nothing better to do but read about car care. If you can't find exactly what you are looking for, use the site search at the top of the page, and if all else fails, drop us a line!

An article by Steve Polain of Supagard

Guest Article: Supagard
A look at some of the benefits of Supagard with Steve Polain of... Supagard!
By Steve Polain - 6/5/08


Buy or Lease my car?

Guest Article: Why Should YOU Consider
Contract Hire Instead of Outright Purchase.

Advantages for the business owner of leasing their fleet vehicles.
By Darren Nash - Planet Leasing - 30/4/08


Paint Sealant FAQ on a mamouth scale.

Article: Mammoth Paint Sealant FAQ
Everything you ever wanted to know about sealants and haven't been afraid to ask.
By the web stig - 25/4/08


Honda CRX

Article: How Good is Diamondbrite?
We found a car which was treated with Diamondbrite 15 years ago! What kind of condition do you think it is in now? You will be amazed, we were!
By the web stig - 25/7/06


We review Supagard on a 7 year old SEAT.
Review: How good is Supagard? Part II
Is is worth the money? You be the judge!
What the dealerships don't show you, how a 3 year sealant looks after 7 years. Pretty good.
By Danny Argent- 12/04/08

Supagard on a 6 year old Toyota.
Review: How good is Supagard? Part III
A near mint condition Toyota Rav4.
A car we treated and maintained for the last 6 years.
By Danny Argent- 16/04/08

Supagard is really good!
Article: How good is Supagard?
We can show you - it's amazing stuff!
By Danny Argent- 4/07/05

Jewelultra Diamondbrite

Guest Article: Why Diamondbrite?
Matt Elliston of Jewelultra tells us why we should have Diamondbrite on (and in) our cars, and tells us how it works.
By Matt Elliston - 04/8/06


Lease company telephoe operator ~ ~
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Lease Return Article: 6 reasons why lease companies should be recommending us to their customers.
The benefits of our services to the lease companies
By Gary Wray - 27/07/07

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An inspection ~ ~
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Lease Return Article: How to save hundreds of pounds when returning your lease car.
A case study of a car inspected by Clean Image.
By Danny - 26/06/07

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benefits if lease return inspection ~ ~
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Lease Return Article: More benefits of our
lease return inspection.

It's not just the money... There are many other benefits too!
By Danny - 29/06/07

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The Triangle of Terro ~ ~
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Lease Return Article: The Triangle of Terror!!!
The cause and the solution to the arguments between drivers, fleet managers and lease companies.
By Danny - 06/07/07

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Why drivers can't be inspectors ~ ~
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Lease Return Article: Why drivers don't make good inspectors.
Why drivers who inspect their own cars miss most of the damage.
By Danny - 07/07/07

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fishy odors ~ ~
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Article: Investigation into something fishy!
There was something fishy about the BMW Mini, could there be foul play? The game was afoot!
By Danny - 4/06/07

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Motorsport sponsorship

Article: Want Sponsorship?
An article about motorsport sponsorship, why you can't get it, what you are doing wrong, and how to take a new approach.
By Danny - 12/03/07



Italian Job

Special Feature:
The Italian Job 2006

A photo diary of Lauren's journey to the land that gave us Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati, we follow some very British super cars in one of the world's most famous races.
By Lauren Stebbing- 20/12/06


cheap valeting poor buffing technique

Article: What do you get in a £5 valet?
It's debatable if you can actually call it a valet -- but take a look and see what you get when you take a brand new car to a cheap car wash.
By Danny - 27/01/07


Buffer trails left by poor buffing technique

Guest Article: A guide to rotary polishing
A comprehensive look at paintwork correction using rotary buffing - including the Zenith point technique.
By Mark (Brazo) - 4/11/06


Paintless dent repair on big dents

Article: What can PDR do for large dents?
An example of paintless dent removal on a large dent.
By the web stig - 14/10/06


Valeting or detailing? You be the judge!

Article: What's in a name?
Car valeting, car grooming, auto detailing, auto reconditioning, etc. What's the difference between them and a car wash?
By the web stig - 08/09/06


wet sanding

Article: Wet Sanding - Paintwork Correction
An example of the wet sanding technique used to remove bird dropping damage and scratches - part of our new paintwork correction service.
By the web stig - 09/08/06


Honda NXSPorsche Carrera S

Article: Willy's Summer Visit
Willy Winterfalk visited us again this summer to buff some cars. Although this is a repeat performance with yet more Porsches, it's always worth taking a peak at his work.

Part 1 - Honda NSX
Part 2 - Porsche Carrera S
Part 3 - Autocar Magazine - Scratched Astra
Part 4 - Porsche Carrera 4
By the web stig


buffing with a large 200mm pad

Guest Article: High speed buffing with large pads.
If you buff cars then the easiest way is with a 200mm pad, yet many people are scared by larger pads?
By Willy Winterfalk - 28/7/06 High speed buffing with large pads Hochgeschwindigkeitspolieren mit großen Polierscheiben (200mm) Polering Med Hög Hastighet och Stora Rondeller


Holograms - buffing marks - swirl marks

Guest Article: How to avoid swirl marks.
Many people find that once they have buffed a car and got it out in direct sunlight they get buffer marks. Willy shows us how to avoid it.
By Willy Winterfalk - 28/7/06 How to avoid swirl marks Wie Man Rotationsspuren(Hologramme) Vermeiten Hur man undviker polerrosor (Holograms)


Jewelultra Diamondbrite

Guest Article: Why Diamondbrite?
Matt Elliston of Jewelultra tells us why we should have Diamondbrite on (and in) our cars, and tells us how it works.
By Matt Elliston - 04/8/06


Honda CRX

Article: How Good is Diamondbrite?
We found a car which was treated with Diamondbrite 15 years ago! What kind of condition do you think it is in now? You will be amazed, we were!
By the web stig - 25/7/06


the sculptor - still from 206 advert - an amazing bit of panel beating!

Article: Short-cut to finding a really good
Bodyshop/Panel beater

Some are good and cheap, some are bad and expensive. How to find the right company for you.
By the web stig - 29/07/06


Limousine roof clean

Article: Limousine Roof Restoration.
An insurance company points a limo in our direction after some firework damage to the roof.
By the web stig - 6/5/06


150 Honda power boat

Article: Joint Project - special coatings for Honda formula 4-stroke racing power boats.
A new coating for the bottom of fast boats to make them even faster.
By Danny - 3/6/06


Microfibre Cloths

Guest Article: Microfibre - a revolution in cleaning technology.
Find our why microfibre is taking the valeting world by storm.
By Marc Brady- 24/4/06


Crome wheel care

Guest Article: Chrome Wheel Care
How to maintain, care and clean chrome wheels - we asked the experts at Cruzin On Chrome and they gave us this article.
By Peter Moorcroft


Article High Mileage Lease Cars

Guest Article: Car Leasing - There's no escaping the cost of high mileage
Some tips on how to avoid lease return penalty charges for excess mileage.
By Terrence Jumbe


Article on car leasing

Guest Article: Should I buy or lease my next car?
Smart Leasing 5 Step Guide on choosing a leased car.
By Terrence Jumbe


Guide: Lease Car Guide
A complete guide full of useful advice and tips about how to care for and return your leased car.
By Danny Argent - 10/01/06


Article on the foam Buffing Pads from Allbrite.

Guest Article: Buffing with Allpad Part 1
Willy Winterfalk talks us through a Porsche he buffed while visiting Clean Image and explains why the Allpad buffing system is unbeatable.
By Willy Winterfalk


TVR Paint restoration
Article: TVR Swirl Marks
We removed light scratches and swirl marks and corrected the paintwork on a TVR using the AllPad chemical buffing system.
By Danny Argent- 12/09/05

Porsche project
Article: Porsche Project
We carried out a project on a Porsche, Paintwork and wheels. See us removing scratches and swirls on this beautiful car.
By Danny Argent- 2/08/05

Paul's Dad
Article: Good Morning Japan!
The Porsche article (above) generated a lot interest from as far away as Japan.
By Danny Argent- 7/09/05

green bonnet
Article: The Green Bonnet
Find out why Mark valeted a bonnet with a scrubbing brush and mud!
By Danny Argent- 7/07/05

Supagard is really good!
Article: How good is Supagard?
We can show you - it's amazing stuff!
By Danny Argent- 4/07/05

Simon Kiddle with his VW
Article: Dream FM competition winner
We play a game with car values, on and off the radio...
it's a game everybody can win!
By Gary Wray - 10/12/04

Article: Has your new car got a future?
A short article giving basic advice to new car buyers.
By Gary Wray - 19/08/04

Article: Why Valet?
Find out all the benefits of a valet, why and when you should have it done. And how it can pay you back!
By Gary Wray - 11/12/03

Article: The Benefits of Regular Valeting
Why we think you should come and see us more
often and what you would get out of it.
By Gary Wray - 08/07/04

How to Guide: Selling Guide
A complete guide full of useful advice and tips about how to sell your car. Learn where to advertise, when to advertise, and how to get the most money for your vehicle.
By Danny Argent - 20/11/03    Last Updated 6/06/05

Article: Foreign Exchange - Sweden  
A report on Danny's busman's holiday and fact finding mission to Alingsås, and the different problems and approaches to valeting between the two countries.
By Danny Argent - 09/01/04

Charity Absiel

Article: More off the wall adventures
Charity abseil to raise money for Chelmsford Unity Club.

By Danny Argent

Article: Industrial Fallout and Raildust  
The causes, the damage, prevention and cure.
By Danny Argent - 10/01/04 - Updated 19/12/05

Article: Something Every Fleet Manager should know
Five reasons why a car valet is a wise investment
 
Find out how valeting saves Fleet managers time and money
By Danny Argent - 13/01/04

FAQ: Alloy Wheel Refurbishment FAQ
Commonly asked questions about our alloy wheel repair service answered, covers split-rims, Magnesium wheels, broken, cracked and dented wheels, colour matching and much more...
By Danny Argent - 20/05/05

Article: Eliminate cigarette smoke odours  
The title says it all, here is an example of one of our 'second attempts' at removing tobacco odours.
By Danny Argent - 24/09/05

Sean touching in stone chips
Article: Stone Chip & Scratch Repair Advice
Due to popular demand, I have answered one of the most commonly asked questions - how to go about taking care of stone chips.
By Danny Argent - 29/04/05

Article: Polishing scratches with a random orbital polisher  
The title says it all, sometimes, a full body buff is not required.
By Danny Argent - 26/05/05

Photo Article: Stone Chip Repair opens in new window
Photographic example of how stone chip touch-in
can dramatically improve the appearance of your car.
By Danny Argent - 20/06/04

Photo Article: Bumper Scuff Repair opens in new window
How we can repair trim and bumpers using special paints
which mimic the effect of textured plastic.
By Danny Argent - 21/06/04

Photo Article: Alloy Wheel Refurbishment opens in new window
Before and after shots of Alloy wheel restoration.
By Danny Argent - 21/06/04

Photo Article: Plastic Window Restoration opens in new window
Before and after shots of the restoration of a rear plastic window
on a convertible car using Hindsight™.
By Danny Argent - 16/09/04 - Updated 25/08/05

Photo Article: Fabric Hood Reproofing opens in new window
Actual photos of how a Renovo® treated hood looks in the rain.
By Danny Argent - 16/09/04

restoring faded paintwork on red Vauxhall
Article: Paintwork Restoration
Another flick through our photo album and some examples of how we deal with scratched, faded and dull paintwork with wet sanding and buffing.

By Danny Argent - 07/07/04

Article: The Danger of Automated Car Washes
How these 'Evil' machines ruin your paintwork and devalue your car.

By Danny Argent - 03/07/04

My reflection in the mirror finish paint work
Article: Concrete splatter fallout removal + Paint Restoration & PDR
Not only did we remove the concrete fallout from this Audi, but we also removed the dents and buffed the car to a mirror finish.

By Danny Argent - 8/9/05

Mercedes paint clean up
Article: Vandalised Mercedes - Interior clean-up
What would you do if somebody threw paint all over the interior of your Mercedes? The insurance company decided to bring the car to us for help. This proved to be one of our most difficult jobs.

By Danny Argent - 17/10/04

Varnish removal
Article: Vandalised Peugeot - Exterior clean-up
A varnish designed for sealing concrete was thrown over a Peugeot. We got the worst of it off on two hours so that the customer could do the rest himself.

By Danny Argent - 19/09/05

Flood damage vehicle clean up
Article: Flood Damaged Ford - Interior clean-up
We cleaned up a flooded Ford Focus for an Insurance company. It was filled with silt and smelt like a swamp so we had to take the car apart to tackle the job.
By Danny Argent - 22/09/05

fire damage odour removal
Article: Fire Damaged Astra - Interior restoration
Fire can cause a lot of damage to a vehicles interior, but the main problem is the smell. Can we fix it?
Yes we can!


By Danny Argent - 17/11/04

paint spill clean up
Article: Paint spillage - Interior restoration
Yet another paint spillage in the boot of an Audi,
here's what to do and how it is dealt with.

By Danny Argent - 10/12/04

Article: Interior Repairs Part 1 - Seat Repair  
Article: Interior Repairs Part 2 - Dashboard Repair  

Article: Interior Repairs Part 3 - Vinyl Repair  
Article: Interior Repairs Part 4 - Leather Restoration  
Article: Interior Repairs Part 5 - Cigarette Burns  

As photos become available, I will be posting short pages giving actual examples of smart repairs on interiors. I hope to be able to cover plastic, vinyl, leather and carpet repair in the not too distant future.

By Danny Argent - 25/05/05

Gallery: Connollising Gallery
Because connollising is a very specialist skill, Allan has the good fortune to be asked to work on some very rare and unusual vehicles.

By Danny Argent - 06/12/04

Article High Mileage Lease Cars

An April Fools Day Hoax Article: Car Care for Modern Paintwork
Believe it or not, it actually fooled a few people - and we had great fun writing it.
By Danny Argent - 1st April 2006

 

Company and Product reviews
As much as we would like to, we can't do everything! We often find ourselves referring our customers to other companies in related industries. In this section we will showcase their work, because it's fantastic work that they do!

Buffer trails left by poor buffing technique

Company Showcase: Anglia Car Trim
A look at the work of Dave Wilkes - what he does and how he does it!
07/02/07

Company Showcase: Trimcare - Cigarette Burn Repair
Trimcare are a vehicle trim repair specialist, we show you how they deal with a cigarette burn repair.
11/06/05

Showcase: Connollising Gallery
Because connollising is a very specialist skill, Allan has the good fortune to be asked to work on some very rare and unusual vehicles.

06/12/04

Product Review: Park Smart/Bump Buster
Proving that the best ideas are usually simple, these products protect your car from the dangers of the garage.

Product Review: ValetPro Car Care Products
Superb range of professional car care products

 

 

 

   
This page was last updated on Tue, 6 May, 2008
 
 

Since Dec 2003

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