dave95sps
04-02-2008, 02:36 PM
I have 2 Elements,a 2003 (bought new) and a 2007 (also bought new). My biggest problem has been determining what product to apply to the exterior plastic panels. Streaking has been a big problem for me. Other applications were easier.
Here is what I have found:
Interior: (dash, doors, plastic panels) I like the "Meguiars Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Protectant" the best. It comes in a blue color 16 oz. spray bottle. It reads 57 Marine, RV in smaller letters on top. I found it at a marine (boat) supply store. Not sold at Walmart in my area. It seems to last longer than other products, and has a nice "like new car" fragrance. On exterior, this will streak when wet.
I also like the Vinylex, by Lexol. It also smells like "new car". However, the fragrance seems to last longer with the Meguiars product above. On exterior panels however, Vinylex will streak when wet. This product was also found at a Marine supply store.
Also good for interiors is 303 Aerospace Protectant (also found at Marine stores), but I couldn't smell anything. I guess if you don't like the new car smell, this is the product for you. I tried it on my exterior panels, and first time it rained, I had streaks all over the plastic panels. Does well on the interior.
Exterior: to wax the metal painted surfaces I like the Meguiars Cleaner/wax. It comes in a burgundy colored plastic container, sold at Walmart. It is in a 16 oz bottle, goes on easy, and buffs clean easy.
Exterior plastic panels: I like the new "ICE" synthetic Liquid polish. It is made by the makers of Turtle Wax. It is sold at Walmart in a 16oz container, about $12 or so which includes an application sponge and cleaning cloth. I have only used this once on my plastic exterior panels, but have observed no streaking after 3 weeks and 2 rain storms. Ice also seemed to eliminate the white patchy look (fading of dark color) that had appeared on those plastic panels. The streaking (following rain) has been my biggest problem, so this product appears to be very promising. I am a happy guy !
Hope this helps.
Best wishes, Dave
Here is what I have found:
Interior: (dash, doors, plastic panels) I like the "Meguiars Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Protectant" the best. It comes in a blue color 16 oz. spray bottle. It reads 57 Marine, RV in smaller letters on top. I found it at a marine (boat) supply store. Not sold at Walmart in my area. It seems to last longer than other products, and has a nice "like new car" fragrance. On exterior, this will streak when wet.
I also like the Vinylex, by Lexol. It also smells like "new car". However, the fragrance seems to last longer with the Meguiars product above. On exterior panels however, Vinylex will streak when wet. This product was also found at a Marine supply store.
Also good for interiors is 303 Aerospace Protectant (also found at Marine stores), but I couldn't smell anything. I guess if you don't like the new car smell, this is the product for you. I tried it on my exterior panels, and first time it rained, I had streaks all over the plastic panels. Does well on the interior.
Exterior: to wax the metal painted surfaces I like the Meguiars Cleaner/wax. It comes in a burgundy colored plastic container, sold at Walmart. It is in a 16 oz bottle, goes on easy, and buffs clean easy.
Exterior plastic panels: I like the new "ICE" synthetic Liquid polish. It is made by the makers of Turtle Wax. It is sold at Walmart in a 16oz container, about $12 or so which includes an application sponge and cleaning cloth. I have only used this once on my plastic exterior panels, but have observed no streaking after 3 weeks and 2 rain storms. Ice also seemed to eliminate the white patchy look (fading of dark color) that had appeared on those plastic panels. The streaking (following rain) has been my biggest problem, so this product appears to be very promising. I am a happy guy !
Hope this helps.
Best wishes, Dave