Keep it looking new

Manu · #1 (**permalink**) 06-01-2003, 04:05 PM

Hello everyone,

I am waiting for delivery of my 147, and since this will be my first brand new car,I would like to hear some suggestions on how I can maintain it as good as possible.

I understand that wash tunnels with rotating brushes are not advisable. What about those high-pressure washing stations?

Also, I was thinking about getting a Novitec strut brace, I heard that they can help to reduce rattles down the road. Any truth to this?

Thank you for your help

Cheers

Manu

alfa_chan · #2 (**permalink**) 06-01-2003, 10:55 PM

Congratulation on the new 147. All of us in the States will be so envy of you lucky guy

The best thing you can do to keep ur new car new is of course, wash it yourself with some nice cleaner, dry it everytime. Wax it often (at least once a month), protect the plastic pieces with protectant, put it in a garage and a car cover.

Don't ever put your car through those wash tunnels unless it's NOT an Alfa

They do some really bad stuff to your car.

We have a DETAIL forum in AlfaBB too -
http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/foru...?s=&forumid=30

Have fun

Quote:

Originally posted by Manu
Hello everyone,

I am waiting for delivery of my 147, and since this will be my first brand new car,I would like to hear some suggestions on how I can maintain it as good as possible.

I understand that wash tunnels with rotating brushes are not advisable. What about those high-pressure washing stations?

stefanel1 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2003, 05:49 PM

Bienvenue à toi ami Genevois

Alors en plein G8 ?!!

So for the 147, the current Alfa are as reliable as Japanese, French or German cars. Just ONE thing very important to look after is oil, check oil often, Italian engines like it

And do not hesitate to make a "vidange" (changing oil) more often than it's preconized (20 000 km if I'm not wrong).

Wainting for the pics of your 147 ! Which engine ? coulor ? Progression, Distinctive ?
Ciao

Manu · #4 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 08:41 AM

Hello Alfa_chan, Salut Michaël,

Thanks a lot for your replies. Following Alfa-chan's advice, I ordered some stuff from Meguiars, mainly waxes and protectant...Oh I also got a California water blade, I heard that they work excellent...

About oil, If I learn how to do it myself I'll probably do it every other month or every 3000-4000 kms.

The car, by the way, is a Cosmos blue GTA with tan/black leather. I also got the Bose sound system, and xenon headlights, even though that's just for Bling- Bling....

Damn, 112 days to go, I'm gonna turn crazy....

Manu · #5 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 08:51 AM

Double post, nevermind...

alfa_chan · #6 (**permalink**) 06-04-2003, 01:20 PM

Hi Manu, watch out for the California water blade!! If there is some dust or rocks on the car when u use it, the paint might get scratched. Be careful.

After you washed the car, rinse off the car with very slow running water from top to bottom, the idea is to have the water running down to the ground, instead of staying on the car. That would make less water spot to dry, most of the time I even do not have to dry the water with anything. Hmm... kinda hard to describe in words.

If I have to dry it, I would use semi-wet chamois to dry it.

And the Alfa is a fully loaded 146 GTA!!!
I am so jealous!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by Manu
.Oh I also got a California water blade, I heard that they work excellent...

The car, by the way, is a Cosmos blue GTA with tan/black leather. I also got the Bose sound system, and xenon headlights, even though that's just for Bling- Bling....

Damn, 112 days to go, I'm gonna turn crazy....

generaljimt · #7 (**permalink**) 06-14-2003, 09:14 PM

Use different mitts for the wheels, bottom third, and remainder of the car. Always hose the car down first, and never go to a car wash!!

Eddie Chi · #8 (**permalink**) 07-31-2003, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stefanel1
Bienvenue ?toi ami Genevois Alors en plein G8 ?!!

So for the 147, the current Alfa are as reliable as Japanese, French or German cars. Just ONE thing very important to look after is oil, check oil often, Italian engines like it And do not hesitate to make a "vidange" (changing oil) more often than it's preconized (20 000 km if I'm not wrong).

Wainting for the pics of your 147 ! Which engine ? coulor ? Progression, Distinctive ?
Ciao