How can I keep my car looking new?

AGuru’s motoring exploits have recently taken a sharp turn for the fancier. From the inch-thick muck caked on his battered old Focus to the waxy, shiny ‘Ultimate Red’ skin of his new motor, renewed resolve (and the new toy effect) mean Guru knows a thing or two about these things.

On the outside, a properly wielded pressure washer – the bargain-priced £79 Nilfisk Compact 110 – is an essential first step. Use a variable width nozzle and set it to around 7cm wide, giving you plenty of pressure but leaving your paint and fixtures in one piece. Squirt off the filth, then pull the nozzle to its widest setting and apply detergent. Use a brush attachment to wash it off, doing the wheels last to avoid picking up any scuffing stones.

Unless you’re prepared to stump up for a vehicle wrap in something like BodyFence protective film (prices vary depending on vehicle and scrupulousness of your wrapping specialist) you’ll want to slap on some wax to protect the paint. Bilt Hamber’s Double Speed-wax (around £15 for 250ml) mixes carnauba and polymers for a waterproof finish. It comes with a cloth, but it’s far more fun to buff it with a Meguiars DA Power System (£60) attached to your drill.

If you’re really feeling flush, Niflisk’s Underchassis Wash Lance (around £35) will keep the welder away, sluicing off road salt and filth. A hand vacuum, like the Dyson V6 Trigger Pro at £180, should keep your interior looking neat, and a car isn’t really a car unless it has a Little Tree (New Car Scent, naturally, £1) dangling from the rear view mirror.

If you’re feeling flush, Niflisk’s Underchassis Wash Lance will keep the welder away, sluicing road salt and filth off your car