Re: Zymol

[dan_masi@MENTORG.COM (Dan Masi)]

On Aug 21,  3:12am, Michael Shields wrote:
> Subject: Zymol
> Is Zymol really *that* good?  Is it that much better than the
> readily available Meguiar's tan-bottle products?

IMO, no, it's not *that* much better than Meguiar's, in terms
of the final product.  For me, what makes it better is the
process of applying the wax.  The Zymol waxes have no distilates,
they smell good, they apply and buff with minimal effort, and
they don't leave white residue in crevices if you miss getting
some out.  The wax is also not as expensive as it may seem...
while the standard container of Zymol (Carbon, Japon, etc.) will
set you back about $32, it goes a *very* long way.

I like Meguiar's stuff too, and honestly, I think if you took
two identical cars and polished/waxed one with each system, there's
no way I could tell the difference.  They both give great
results (the Meguiar's High-Tech Yellow is what I'd put up
against Zymol).  Of course, I'm *far* from being an expert at car
finishes.

> I know it's German

Actually, I don't think it is... is it?

> but good karma is only worth so many dollars, especially when
> we're talking about recurring costs.

I'm new to Audis, but from what I understand, you wanna have
all the karma you can get your paws on.   :-)

> BTW, how is a finish best maintained once you've spent an afternoon
> going through the whole clean/polish/wax routine?

Wash regularly, with a good-quality car soap (like Mother's Gold).
Use clean cotton when washing, start at the top of the car and
work down, use a different cloth for the bottom areas of the car
and yet another for the wheels, and don't use fabric softener
on your washing cloths.  I've heard that a couple of tablespoons
of peanut oil in the wash water is a good idea... I've done it,
don't know if it helps keep the finish in good condition, but
it doesn't hurt.

Dan Masi
'96 A4Q