Boring questions about car washing

[DIKateFleming]

For the last however many years I’ve just always popped my car through the car wash. However I’ve now bought a soft top convertible so I can’t. Just been looking at Halfords website and there are so many different car shampoos, waxes, wheel wash, tyre wash etc. What do i actually need? Which ones are essential? Which are for professionals/ obsessive? I’m guessing we’ve moved on from the 1980s, fill a bucket with soapy water and get on with it.

I used to have a convertible (Audi A3) and I just used to do a basic jet-wash programme at the petrol station. Plus a half-decent valet once or twice a year, that kept it looking shiny for weeks on end.

I don't think I ever washed it myself (although it was parked in an underground car park so I couldn't even I'd wanted to).

The hand car wash people are brilliant around here. Have you any near you?
Give that a go maybe? Halfords sell all sorts for cleaning but I would have to ask their advice myself as I wouldn't have a clue! ( Dh likes washing the car so I don't do that job)
Once you have all the products they do last a while apparently.

The hand car washing places round here generally look slightly dodgy, I’m never sure they’ve not got a modern day slavery issue. Although I think there might be one at a local Tesco, which you’d hope is better. We’ve got a pressure washer we’ve used for the patio, so that might work

Mine is kept in the open and the roads are a bit of a mud bath at the moment. I think I’ve found a local mobile valet place that looks good, might even do that every 3 months