Littleted

Just wondered does this happen with the new cars.
As some of you know ive ordered a Red a45, and I still think about the Red Ford sierras we all used to see that looked ****.

Im an avid waxer and I only presume as long as we keep the car in good shape we this should not happen

Why was Red the most susceptible ?

Matteeboy

Red has lots of titanium oxide in it to bring out the colour. Sadly it reacts with UV rather badly; my wife's red MTB is completely faded to near white in some areas, most red cars fade but if you look after it well, you'll be able to keep the shine and colour; I'd get it detailed (or do it yourself like me) from new; good polishes and sealants really help.

Littleted

youd have thought in this day an age that would never happen

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

In my experenience it happens worst to red Vauxhalls and cars that have had poor quality repair work.

hodgy0_2

Red is the most susceptible colour to fade in UV light, irrespective of application - i.e. cars, clothes, signs etc

it is just simple physics/chemistry - the effects can be mitigated but it is the worst colour

Willowsdad

iTrader: (2)

Your merc will be fine. Red vauxhalls fade or used to, because they used a solid colour which wasn't lacquered. I'm pretty sure Mercedes will use a decent paint. A good wax or sealant which contains uv protection will help prevent fading anyway. I'm sure a pro will be along to give you a proper explanation soon. A decent machine polish would bring it back to life anyway.

Littleted

yeah I have been reading about all the new cars/paint is clearcoat thus doesn't work like the old sierras we see.

I,ll keep up to it and make sure shes shiney and waxed with Clear coat approved wax/polish.

Im also going to have it professionally detailed in its first week, Just a tad expensive LOL 200 300 and 500 quid GULP!!!

Willowsdad

iTrader: (2)

Only what you'd pay for life shine or the like, and much better quality. I'm sure it'll look better than the day you pick it up. If you keep a good routine and hen park it next to a normally looked after one in 2 years time, then you'll really see the difference. It's not only sun damage that makes paint dull and lifeless.

AKA Pabs

Just wax it regularly and it will be fine, fk1000p would be an easy to use and good product that would offer lasting protection.
I would only get the car detailed if you're a perfectionist. Also stay away from any life shine products from dealers. The product is only as good as the prep and many have said that their cars where poorly prepped prior to application.
Maybe consider detailing after a year or so just to lift the paintwork, but with modern clearcoats you should have no issues.

Littleted

Yeah funnily enough they offered me starguard free I accepted then cancelled and swapped for a roof rack.

Thanks for the wax idea AKA, not seen these types before. I presume I can polish it as normal then apply this last correct...

Matteeboy

Just clay it then use Dodo Supernatural Hybrid (polish and sealant in one) - cracking finish, lasts ages. Can't recommend it enough. I applied it from new.

AKA Pabs

The car would only need polishing first if you are not happy with the level of swirls.
FK1000p is a synthetic wax and can be applied directly onto the paint after being washed. If you are looking to preserve the paint this product only needs to be applied once every ~3 months. Don't get me wrong there are products that will give you better results and many more stages that can be added but to protect the paint without any prior knowledge, I would say its excellent value and the easiest to apply and buff off.

If you want to polish first (remove swirls and imperfections) then wax or seal, then Autoglym (AG) Super Resin Polish (AG SRP) followed by AG Extra gloss protection. Both easy products to use offering OK results and easily available.

Hope that helps.

daveyj

iTrader: (1)

Parking in the shade is a wise option too but that can bring its own dramas. Keep on top of cleaning and nourishing the paint and you'll keep on top of it but Red really is an utter bar steward of a colour. I've got a Milano Red Civic Type R which suffers the same. Solution? It's getting wrapped. Job jobbed.

Littleted

anyone know when clear coats started being applied to cars.. ??