I have been detailing cars since college. Never as a profession, however I have been through many processes, products, and systems. Some have been pretty good some not so good.
I have had good luck with Meguiars products through the years and intermittant luck here and there. I recently worked with the Glare product line and found it to be a pretty good product. Same with Wolfgang. the Glare tended to clog the nooks and trim with white chalky stuff though. The Wolfgang seriously lacked durability.
Since then I have been working through the Ultima Finish Care line. I am here to tell you that this is a line worth checking out. Amazing products.
Quick reviews follow.
Ultima Elastrofoam Paint Cleaning System - 0/10 I was not pleased. Wasted time and money. Using a clay bar is catagorically a better concept. I use the Sonus clay bar and lube, but I have had equal luck with others.
Ultima Paint Guard Wash - 10/10 Couldn't be much better. Rinses well no spots. Smells good. Lots of thick creamy foam.
Ultima Paint Prep Plus - 10/10 Worked perfectly smelled great. NOT designed to remove heavy paint damage. I applied it with a Porter Cable buffer and an orange foam pad. Took me about 30 minutes for the entire LS.
Ultima Tire & Trim Guard Plus and Ultima Interior Guard Plus - 10/10 Best trim and tire dressing I have ever used. Durable, dry quickly to a matte finish. No smell once dry. Work as advertized.
Ultima Detail Spray Plus - 1/10 I found the stuff nearly useless. Waste of money. Good for removing bug guts, or bird droppings. I find it simpler to just spot wash these areas and reapply the sealant.
Ultima Paint Guard Plus - 11/10 This stuff is best in class. Works as advertized. Simply amazing product. I cannot tell you how amazing this product is!! Goes on my LS430 in about ten minutes flat. No removal required. Slickest sealant I have ever encountered. Durable as heck! Kind of pricey, but considering how little is required per application, it will last forever. I get alot of compliments on look and physical feel. Oh. No white crud left in the nooks either. Short of the development of microfiber towels this is the best product I have ever used.
When I work with my vehicles I always make sure I have plenty of new or clean microfiber towels, microfiber applicators, and foam applicators. I use a microfiber wash mitt as well.
I use Aquapel on all of my glass surfaces. Works like week old Rain-X without all of the issues, but lasts about 6 to 8 months.
Hope this helps some of you looking to prepare for winter!