Bart,

As for leather seat care products, it is really up to you. I personally have been using LEXOL cleaner & conditioner on my 1998 S70 since day 1. It is really great, but the seats get REALLY STICKY for a while ( few hrs ) after you applied it and the "fresh leather smell" stays for about a day, so I usually applied at night, before I go to bed. However, my uncle didn't like LEXOL, so he went and tried EAGLE ONE LEATHER CLEANER & CONDITIONER on his two new BMW sedan ( a 330i and a 323i ). I test the result. It is not as STICKY as the LEXOL; however, that fresh leather smell LASTS LONGER. It is also more shiny looking than LEXOL. The choice is yours.

As for exterior care. I probably have a dozen car waxes in my garage.

I applied two coats of carnauba wax & a coat of 3M NEW CAR SHOWROOM SHINE car polish monthly. I also use the 3M and a MOTHERS' scratch remover whenever some IDIOTS need to put their FU----- HANDS on other people's vehicle when they walk in the parking lot, or some IDIOTS need FIVE HUNDREDS FEET to open their door. I also use either MOTHER'S NEW CAR SHOWROOM DETAILER or/ EAGLE ONE 'WET' DETAILER ( Eagle One is better in my opinion ) to give the S70 that shiny appearance between my monthly waxing. MOST IMPORTANT, if you are able, wash your new S70 weekly. I use Turtle Wax's EMERALD SERIES Tire Gel for my tires. I also use the 3M car polish and the carnauba to give my wheel covers a shiny appearance. For my rubber

trim ( inside & outside ), I use ARMOR-ALL. I also use a chrome polish to polish the front grill, letters, the interior chrome handles, and the exhaust tips ( The car will be 4 yrs in May 2001 and the exhaust tips is as shiny as it was day 1 - I polish it every week when I wash the car. If there is tar on it, I use Turtle Wax Tar and Bug Remover before I applied the polish.). Also, I use my carpet steam cleaner to steam-clean my interior floormat and carpets. I also use a Windex ( the one that is designed strictly for automobiles ONLY ) window cleaner to clean ALL of the glass surface ( windows, headlight, fog light, mirrors, etc.. ). I also take a damp cloth to wipe the engine compartment monthly.

Hope this helps !

Kenny

'98 S70 GLE; '00 Focus ZTS; '00 BMW X5 4.4i

Blitz wax is great, and Lexol for the leather. Have heard and seen great things from Zaino Bros, but the wax application process is a bit much for me.

Bart,

I'm not aware of any waiting time for caring for leather.

The best products I've used are Lexol cleaner and conditioner. Their Vinylex is also great.

As far as waxing goes, I'm thoroughly satisfied with the Zymol line.

They make a wax specifically for Volvo, but their premium glazes are exceptional. I use "Concours" on mine.

Lexol products are reasonably priced. However, be prepared for sticker-shock on the Zymol line. The truth is that you use so little product that it actually is a good value.

Don't know waiting time before waxing or cleaning. Zymol has a technical assistance line.

Enjoy!

Bryan

I have been happy with Zaino products (http://www.zainobros.com). There are area distributors, or you can get directly from the brothers. I like their leather conditioner and cleaner products as well as the waxes. When I run out though I'll be trying a different brand for comparison purposes.

As for when to apply? I applied my leather conditioner the first week. Remember, the car has/had been sitting at the dealership or on a boat for a certain amount of time. I've reapplied it every other week or so.

As for waxing, I stripped all evidence of a factory wax job and started from scratch with Zaino. The results are amazing...well worth the effort. This includes a process involving a "clay bar" product (many brands available). It will remove "all" contaminants from the painted surface. I highly recommend going through the Z-bros' web site and reading about the application process. Most detailing products have a comparable product line and process. You can't go wrong with a number of them (Zaino, Zymol, Meguirs).

Bill