Ask-A-Pro: Questions About P21S Product Line
by Todd CooperiderBob G. asks a few questions about the P21S product line:
Does P21 make any other products beside Total Auto Wash and Gel Wheel Cleaner?
Answer: Yes Bob, P21S makes a variety of specialty cleaners and waxes. This German brand has been known for years for their very high-quality, yet safe cleaners, and I use many of them on a regular basis. P21S does offer a non-gel version wheel cleaner, but find the Gel Wheel Cleaner to be more effective at cleaning the wheels, specifically the vertical parts of the wheels. The non-gel version doesn’t allow for long dwell times since the product will quickly run down the wheel.
Another question…once you have polished and waxed the paint is P21 Total Auto Wash safe to use on the paint with out stripping of the wax or is their another product you recommend.
Answer: Total Auto Wash is a stronger all purpose cleaner (yet safe for all surfaces) that can, and does strip wax. For routine washing after waxing, I would recommend their Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo. Just about any degreaser will jeopardize any protection on the paint due to the cleaning agents.
I hope this helps!
If you have any additional comments or questions, please submit your reply in the comment box below.
Todd –
I use P21 on all of my client cars. I feel that nothing else should touch the exotics I work on.
Gel wheel cleaner – The benchmark for wheel cleaners (I got my hands on 3 5000ml of the RED)
Total Auto Wash – I pre-soak before washing with 1Z Perls (excessively mild soap)
Polishing Soap – ridiculous on exhaust tips and hand polished wheel lips
I still havent tried the wax, I may not get to it this season.
i bought some p21 total auto wash. I am 22, but am not the best at cars. I have an 04 acura tl.. with black hawk paint.I bought the p21 total auto wash thinking it was a wash. i washed my car and it looks better than ever.. But i seen where people use it as a pre wash. Have i messed up ? it wont hurt the car will it ? can i use it for wash, or do i need something else ?
Chase,
You’re correct…TAW is an all-purpose cleaner, not a car wash solution. While it won’t “hurt” your car the way you used it, you do want to get yourself a dedicated car soap. The TAW is good for pre-treating or deep cleaning areas, but it’s very strong and if allowed to dwell too long on the surface, or allowed to dry, or used on a hot car…it could stain the paint and potentially other areas as well. Use it dilluted, and apply it to lower (very dirty) areas on the car, or in the engine compartment, wheel wells, exhaust tips, etc when deep cleaning is necessary.