JohnMetro

Hi guys

I know there are quite a few professional detailers and other experienced owners who are members or have posted messages on Rennlist about car care, and I was looking for some advice...

There is already lots of good info on cleaning and polishing the exterior, with details about synthetics (silicones etc) v's natural (wax's etc), but I haven't seen anything on how to look after the leather and vinyl?

Are silicon products like Armourall verbotten? Even on the vinyl? What about the clear plastic in front of the dials? If not silicon based, what are the alternatives?

Also, although my leather is in fairly good condition, should I use anything to keep it from drying out?

Any advise would be much appreciated.

DrJupeman

Don't use any silicone products.

I use Vinylex for the interior and Lexol for the leather.

Rocket Rob

Ditto. I've used Vinylex and Lexol for a long time and am very happy with the results.

By the way...I've found these "how to" articles very informative. No affiliations.

http://www.carcareonline.com/howto.aspx

seaeagle

Leatherqiue worked for me.

Turbo Jonny

I use a leather feed to moisturise once a year and navy blue shoepolish to fill in minor scuffs ! I have same colour interior as you. Still looking for something that will give that fresh leather aroma for the final touch.

Bearclaw

+1

I used to use Lexol, but I've heard it breaks down the stitching over time.

cobalt

I agree Vinylex on just about everything but leather. Lexol is good but I find SOFFENER Quick Formula is best by far on leather it also works with seats treated with SURFLEX.

The Soffener is great and makes the hardest dried out leather supple again, it also makes a great hand softener.

JohnMetro

Thanks for all the tips guys, and thank Rob for the very detailed How To links.

Now my only task is finding these products down here in Australia and, if available, paying ridiculous prices... what joy!

964rh

Johnmetro

Can you get Liquid Leather down under? great product, leaves the leather matt not shiny and smells like a new/old cow if you get my drift.

www.liquidleather.co.uk

For vinyl, I use a boat protector called 303protector. Protects from UV and again doesn't leave the vinyl overly shiny. I use this on all rubber and vinyl.

Rob

mdadmd

Hello,

How do I determine what is leather and what is vinly? BTW I am a newbie. My interior code is TT.

cwrm4

Vinylex and Lexol here too. Also, the folks at the above link are extremely helpful if you call them up. In fact I've started buying all my car care stuff from them simply because they are so responsive.

dcbailey

Formula 303 and Leatherique

mkimber

Vinylex for vinyl. Formula 303 for rubber. Leatherique for leather.

colo964

Klasse vinyl and leather cleaner.

Edgy01

Hide Food is nice, too. Not as oily and the Lexol.