Best Protection/Cleaner for Roof?

Sideways Steve · Post by **Sideways Steve** » Thu Dec 13, 2018 2:01 pm

I may well be flamed for posting this but what does everyone use on their roof and what do folk recommend?

In the past on my Boxster and on my TVR I've used the Autoglym kit with good success but found the protector doesn't seem to last very long up here in Scotland where the car is always having to be cleaned and its mostly wet.

Has anyone tried the BMW roof proofer / potector?

Tinker15 · Post by **Tinker15** » Thu Dec 13, 2018 2:34 pm

I have an e89 but on my Chimaera & Morgan used the Autoglym product and found it OK. Some of the Morgan guys used Renovo http://www.renovointernational.com/car- ... roofer.php and swore by it. Maybe worth a try.

skelters · Post by **skelters** » Thu Dec 13, 2018 3:54 pm

I use the Autoglym stuff too.

Never had any issues with it although it's difficult to get off any glass if you're not careful.

Always use a Vikan brush to clean it until no dirt comes out.

Rinse thoroughly and repeat.

Then put on two coats of the waterproofing bottle.

Sideways Steve · Post by **Sideways Steve** » Thu Dec 13, 2018 4:14 pm

Cool I’ll just stick with what I know then and get another autoglym kit seeing as that seems to be what most use.

skelters · Post by **skelters** » Thu Dec 13, 2018 4:22 pm

One of these.

Think there might be a larger one....

https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/vikan-up ... nail-brush

Surprising how much dirt it managed to dislodge.

MrPT · Post by **MrPT** » Thu Dec 13, 2018 4:28 pm

A half cover might be a good investment if you like keeping your roof tip-top.

Tinker15 · Post by **Tinker15** » Thu Dec 13, 2018 5:06 pm

MrPT wrote: ↑Thu Dec 13, 2018 4:28 pm A half cover might be a good investment if you like keeping your roof tip-top.

Half covers are great if you have a hood. I had one for my Chimaera. The photo shows the car after a hail storm in France. It was undamaged (glass fibre) while the XF had 180 dents which needed removing.

Capa · Post by **Capa** » Tue Dec 18, 2018 1:10 pm

Renovo is very good, but ensure the roof is clean before you apply it. And I mean proper, turbo clean.

scarlet-jester · Post by **scarlet-jester** » Tue Dec 18, 2018 10:59 pm

+1 for Autoglym - did my roof a couple of months ago and it did a terrific job

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Tue Dec 18, 2018 11:50 pm

Yup another Autoglym user here.

wingnut · Post by **wingnut** » Wed Dec 19, 2018 9:57 am

Hi
I use Autoglym cleaner and protector and have been happy with the results.
I am however aware that there is a view by several members that the roof should not be protected as it causes the fabric to become stiff.

obewan · Post by **obewan** » Wed Dec 19, 2018 10:24 am

When I had an E85 I used the Autoglym products a couple of times a year - very happy with the results
I'm aware that others on the forum used a liquid shoe polish mix (can't for the life of me remember what it was) to keep the fabric black

Like wingnut says, others think it shouldn't be protected (especially the water repellent) as the water-proof membrane is actually the middle layer of 3 in the roof fabric
Personally I always thought it look good treated

enzed4 · Post by **enzed4** » Wed Dec 19, 2018 10:37 am

A helpful guide:
viewtopic.php?t=37412
But, as mentioned by wingnut, and in the comments of the link above, there is a strong argument against proofing the roof as the outer layer is supposed to be 'breathable' if that's the right term. The layer underneath is waterproof (it's a triple layer if i recall correctly). Haartz Twillfast.

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com