During a weekend trip looking for the perfect 300E, my friend was telling me about an infomercial he saw that morning. They had a variety of Prolong brand auto car (exterior) products that sounded pretty darn special to him. I think there was a wash, a wax, some window cleaner, and an engine cleaner in the package. It almost sounded like you were putting a layer of Teflon on the vehicle. I did not see the special and know nothing about the product. Has anyone here heard of these products? If so what are the profession/experienced opinions of them.

Guss-
I have not used Prolong's products but, I would be wary of their effectiveness.
DuPont makes Teflon and has the following to say about it:

"The addition of a Teflon fluoropolymer resin does nothing to enhance the properties of a car wax. We have no data that indicates the use of Teflon is beneficial in car waxes."

Many companies have made a living off of adding teflon to oil and calling it engine treatment. They make claims of how it "bonds to the metal" and reduces friction. That, my friend, is a lot of crap! You can ruin a perfectly good engine using hyped additives. This is not to say that all additives are bad. Techron, for example, is a proven good product as a fuel additive.

There are several "miracle" "long lasting" car waxes out there, too. Most of these are polymer sealants that offer very little real protection for your car and may actually damage your finish...either because you think you are protected and therefore do not rewax when you should or because the paint is not being "fed" properly.

I ONLY use top name brand products on my Mercedes. No, I don't spend mega bucks for special Zymol (although it is good stuff) but, I use Meguiar's, 3M, One Grand Blitz, Griot's, Wax Shop, Mothers, etc I personally like wax with good natural carnauba wax to protect my E430.

Since Bill hit the nail on the head with the technical aspects...I will try and be brief.

I wouldn't put too much stock in something that claims to "polish a turd". Spend the $19.95 on some Meguiar's or 3M products.

Lee

Thanks guys! I'll tell him.

What about engine treatment products like "Motor Up" or "Metal Oil" are they any good? Is there anybody who has tried those products and could comments on their qualities?

thanks

This is starting to get off of the detailing topic. I'll post a message in Performance Paddock regarding Oil Additives. Let's pick it up there...

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'98 E430
MBCA-Peachtree