This question may seem a little unusual, but here goes. Planning to take about an 8,000 mile cross country trip this summer in an E320 2000. What can I do to protect the finish (brilliant silver)during the trip? Are there products you would recommend that I take that I can use along the way to protect the finish. Apprecitate any advice.

PS This is a great site for Mercedes owners.

First, make sure you have a fresh coat of wax on your car before you leave.

Then, I would suggest taking the following:

1) Meguiar's Quick Detailer or Final Inspection

2) A half dozen 100% cotton terrycloth or flannel cloths (like you would use to remove wax)

3) Windex

4) Roll of Paper towels (for windows NOT paint)

5) Possibly a small bucket, wash mitt, synthetic chamois and some Meguiar's Gold Class car wash.

6) A few 2 gallon size ziploc bags

For many things like the occasional bird bombing or bug attack you can spray with the Quick Detailer and remove with the cotton towels or cloths.

You are always going to be better off cleaning your windows with your own Windex and paper towels than the mystery juice available at the gas stations.

Since your trip is so long, I would advise visiting a DIY car wash somewhere along the way. Possibly, at your destination. If you bring along the bucket, wash mitt and Gold Class wash you can wash your car properly if you can find a water hose.

The Ziploc bags come in handy to hold wet rags or at least keep tipped over Windex bottles from spilling in the trunk.


------------------
Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC