Shine
Hi Peter, thanks, your black A2 should be able to get a great shine. Shame your so far away as would have come to help!! Anyways hope this helps...
Dont know how to add a link, so its here!! My main tip is when you apply the wax, open doors and wax the edges, this allows you to get a 'sparkle'
Bodywork
If very dirty a quick rinse with water, best to use a watering can to rinse off loose dirt.
Start off with a good Shampoo, many around, at the moment using Turtle wax shampoo, add this to warm warter, I find this helps to clean and shine the car. Don't use hot water although sometimes in the winter a bit warmer than normal is ok as it helps to keep your hands warm.
Wax
Again MANY around, basically use one with 'carnauba wax' usually smells like bananas. I use Zymol, mer, and also pleased with 'MuckOff'. Usually more expensive, the better. Leave on for at least 10-20 mins make sure it doesn't rain - get a cup of tea!
Polish off with dry soft cloth, microfibre is quite good, but can use white polishing cloths etc. Finish off with gloss guard - autoglym, turtlewax etc if needed. then with a dry cloth, and a houseplant spray with water, quickly go round the car using the mist, and quickly dry off the water (microfibre time!) This sometimes helps to 'set' the polish.
Once you give your car a good wax 1-2 hrs should b ok for an A2, a weekly shampoo is normaly enough. However a quick wax, or gloss gaurd now and then to keep the shine saves time in the long run. I have just got Turtle wax ICE, quite good for a very quick deep shine in between main waxes.
I uasully give my car a Good clean with jet wash 2-3 times a year. Get the spray under the wheel arches, and underneath AVOID THE PARKING SENSORS. Also dont use it too much on the main bodywork. You can also be suprised by the amount of dirt behind the side rubbing strips, the water jet removes this dirt, but be careful with your paint! I give the car a GOOD polish 1-2hrs about 5 times a year, and the rest of the time either a quick wash, and sometimes followed by a quick polish 10-20 mins.
Tyres
At the moment have just used Nano Tyre gel, using an old paint brush (could use a piece of sponge) and small bowl - best is an old lid from spray paint can (or similar)or the top from a kitchen/bathroom cleaner.
Plastics
Plastic parts have just been washed, used my jet wash today (ony do this 2 times a year) usuall I either use just turtle wax shampoo, or a trim shine product such as Auto Glym, or Halfords. These are liquids so I apply with a bit of kitchen towel, and basically if you get it too shiny, you can easily take some off with a dry piece of kitchen towel.
Glass
Usually use Rain X or Clear view. Yellow bottle bout £6. It beads the water so you usually dont need the wiper! Just used Autoglym's glass polish this time as none left!
I will get pics of interior soon, but having problem keeping my driver seat clean. Its not too bad but looks a bit dull on the edges compared to the others!