With the XR8 sorted, and having enjoyed some seat time in it, it was onto the Wildtrak for its monthly detail.
This is the first ceramic coating I have had to deal with in terms of maintenance, so it's been an interesting learning experience. Five months in, Can Coat is holding up well, although the lowers have lost some of the hydrophobic properties that this coating is renowned for.
To remedy this, I decided to do a pre-wash soak with Carpro Lift. This is what Lift was designed for, unclogging and restoring ceramic coatings. Normally, I just estimate the soap to water ratio in my foam cannon, but I made sure to measure this application to the correct 10:1 ratio. Lift is strong, I didn't want to negatively impact the coating.
Lift is ultra foamy, helping it to cling and hold to the paint, breaking down contaminates so that they can be easily rinsed away. Pleasingly, Lift is also super easy with the rinse off.
I have to say, Lift did a brilliant job here, restoring and reinvigorating the coating. I then followed with Carpro Reset to complete the washing process.
After a blow down, it was then onto a topper to further extend the coating. KCx S0.02 is such a joy to use, so easy to apply and delivers a glossy, slick finish. This stuff verges on $100 for a 500ml bottle, but its ultra efficient in how much you use and how quick it is to apply to the paint, glass and plastic trim. You probably wouldn't use this as a regular drying aid, but as an occasional topper, it's hard to beat.
After the interior was vacuumed and the leather cleaned with Leather Love, it was time for the general wipe over, this time using Merch Interior Detailer.
I really like this product, it doesn't leave much behind, delivering a factory finish without streaking or looking overdone.
The interior glass was then cleaned with Gyeon's glass cleaner, the rubber mats topped with some KCx GUF and the carpets spritzed with a little Chemical Guys New Car Scent.................don't flame me, it's the only remaining CG product I felt was worth keeping. Tyres were then dressed with the brilliant Adam's Graphene Tire Dressing.
This vehicle has just clicked over 45,000 km (28,000 miles)........................and is getting a new engine soon. When it was serviced a couple of weeks ago, the dealer carried out a field service campaign regarding oil pump failure that is current for models fitted with the 2.0 Bi-Turbo diesel engine. The oil pressure was tested above spec and the oil had metal shavings in it.
As a result, Ford are replacing the entire engine. The engine is otherwise running fine, with no additional noise or smoke. It's good Ford are stepping up and being proactive here, but I do hope this failure is limited to a certain batch of oil pumps, I would hate to be replacing engines ever 45,000 km.
While this is not my car, I'm annoyed none the less. This vehicle replaced an early PX Ranger, which blew a transmission at 60,000 km (37,000 miles) and needed three rear main seals. Now this PX III needs an engine. I just wish Ford would stop nickel and diming and just build cars to what they need to be. Especially considering the price they ask for them now.