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All things automotive

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Fat Controller, Jan 16, 2026.

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  1. Fat Controller

    Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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    Discussion on anything automotive from buying cars, parts for cars, through to accessories and styling... as per thread title, anything automotive!
     
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      Fat Controller, Jan 16, 2026
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    • Loofah

      Loofah Admin Staff Member

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      [Except EV autos, which there's another thread for :dbgrtmb:]
       
      Loofah, Jan 16, 2026
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    • Fat Controller

      Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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      Fair point - although maybe we should merge it all into one? The lines are increasingly blurred, especially with the hybrid technologies increasing in popularity?
       
      Fat Controller, Jan 17, 2026
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    • Jiffy

      Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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      Right, I'm looking for a window cleaner, i've seem to have some sort of oil/wax on the windscreen and it doesn't want to clear, i've try vinergar in warm water and also tryed methylated spirits but only a small amount on a clean cloth

      Something cheap-ish please and works
       
      Jiffy, Jan 17, 2026
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    • Loofah

      Loofah Admin Staff Member

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      WD-40?
       
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        Loofah, Jan 17, 2026
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        Screenwash, with a cloth.
         
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        • Fat Controller

          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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          @Jiffy I'd suggest a two-stage approach... first, some TFR (Traffic Film Remover)/Pre-wash - Citrus Wash - Concentrated Pre Wash, then wash the car after that...

          Then follow up with an Isopropyl alcohol based cleaner or a glass polish.

          This stuff from EZ is one of the best I've used - Clarity X - Window Cleaner & Panel Wipe 2.5L

          For a glass polish, you can't beat AutoGlym that you can pick up in Halfords etc, but be aware it can be a bit messy in as much as it buffs off with a dust.

          EZ Car Care stuff as linked above is top drawer, yet fairly cheap... the downside with them is that delivery is often slow.
           
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            Fat Controller, Jan 17, 2026
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          • Plantminded

            Plantminded Total Gardener

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            The Autoglym Fast Glass spray is also good, but you may need some of the stronger alternatives above. I always try washing up liquid in hot water as a first stage cleaner. An undiluted amount on a cloth may help, followed by using one of those non scratch double sided washing up sponges.
             
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            • Allotment Boy

              Allotment Boy Lifelong Allotmenteer

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              Oh no I wouldn't use that, it's oily. I
              I agree about washing up liquid but remember it has salt in it so it needs to be rinsed off thoroughly.
               
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                Allotment Boy, Jan 17, 2026
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              • cactus_girl

                cactus_girl Total Gardener

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                Isopropyl alcohol?
                 
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                  cactus_girl, Jan 17, 2026
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                • Fat Controller

                  Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                  My automotive bits today are tyres...

                  Car had it's MOT on Wednesday and passed, but had an advisory for a screw in the tyre. It was dark when I picked it up and I didn't use the car on Thursday as I worked from home and Mrs C was on day off, so yesterday morning was the first dry daylight I had to take a look... right in the shoulder of the tyre, so not a hope of it having a puncture repair.

                  Fitting just one tyre wasn't really wise (all four are a good two thirds worn), so I was looking at two rear tyres at a minimum.. but then, I'd likely be back before the end of the year to get the fronts done. If I bought four, I got a discount of 20%... so it is a bit of a no brainer. In this afternoon to have a full set of boots fitted.

                  Could've done without it, but what can you do? That four wee patches of rubber are all that is between you and oblivion.
                   
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                    Fat Controller, Jan 17, 2026
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                  • Loofah

                    Loofah Admin Staff Member

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                    It's a degreaser :noidea:
                     
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                    • Plantminded

                      Plantminded Total Gardener

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                      @Jiffy, white spirit should work if it’s grease.
                       
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                      • Fat Controller

                        Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                        It breaks down waxes admittedly, but it is oil based - I'd not be putting it anywhere near windows.
                         
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                          Fat Controller, Jan 17, 2026
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                        • Fat Controller

                          Fat Controller 'Cuddly' Scottish Admin! Staff Member

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                          Be VERY careful of window rubbers with that though, it doesn't always play nicely.
                           
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