Jejje
Getting started with car care can feel overwhelming with hundreds of products to choose from. Here are three levels of starter kits - budget, mid-range and premium - so you can choose based on what you actually need and want to spend.
The basics everyone needs, regardless of budget
Whatever level you choose, you need a car shampoo designed for hand washing (never dish soap - it dries out paint and rubber seals), at least two microfibre cloths, a wash mitt or wash sponge and a wash bucket. Everything else is essentially an improvement on top of that foundation.
Budget level - around €45-75
At budget level it's about getting the most important basic functions in place without spending money on specialist products. Auto parts retailers and automotive accessory shops carry complete basic ranges - car shampoo, microfibre cloths and a wash bucket at good prices. A simple bucket with a grit guard, a couple of microfibre cloths and a neutral car shampoo is more than enough for regular, gentle washing.
- Car shampoo (from your local auto parts retailer)
- Wash bucket with grit guard
- 2–3 microfibre cloths for different surfaces
- Water-repellent glass treatment for better visibility in rain
Mid-range level - around €135-225
This is where it starts to get interesting for anyone who wants to see a clear difference in results. Tershine is a good choice in this category - their car shampoo Purify S sits as a strong mid-range option and combines cleaning with a light ceramic protection. Complement with a tyre dressing, a glass coating and more microfibre cloths suited to different surfaces (glass, paint, interior). That way you can make sure you get the best visibility when driving in rain.
- Ceramic car shampoo, for example Tershine Purify S
- Glass cleaner with water-repellent effect, for example Tershine Vision+
- Tyre dressing for great-looking matte or glossy tyres
- APC (all-purpose cleaner) for the interior
- More microfibre cloths, sorted by surface
Premium level - €270 and up
At premium level you're investing in products and tools that last longer and deliver more professional results. Specialist detailing retailers offer a wide range of premium brands, from ceramic paint coatings to decontamination products.
- Ceramic coating for paint and ideally wheels too
- Iron remover and tar remover for thorough decontamination
- Clay bar to prepare the paint for polishing or protection
- Glass coating such as Tershine Magnify for long-lasting water run-off
- Polishing machine for anyone who wants to tackle light scratches themselves
How do you choose the right level?
Think about how often you actually plan to wash and care for the car. If you do a quick wash every two weeks, the budget level goes a long way. If you want to keep the car in top condition and enjoy the process itself, the mid-range or premium level is an investment that pays off in the form of less wear and better resale value over time. It can actually be enjoyable to wash - a relaxing hobby - and in that case it may well be worth buying more enjoyable products that smell great and foam more generously.
- Always start with the basics - shampoo, cloths and bucket - before investing in specialist products.
- Keep separate microfibre cloths for glass, paint and interior from the very start.
- Upgrade one product category at a time instead of buying everything at once.
- Save receipts and test new products on a small area first.
- Investing in a good drying towel and glass cloth makes a big difference from the budget option.
Summary
A good starter kit for car care doesn't have to cost a fortune - the basics from a good auto parts retailer go a long way for regular washing. If you want to step up to more advanced care, brands like Tershine offer a cost-effective mid-range option, while specialist detailing retailers have a broader range for those who want to invest in premium products and a more professional result.
