11 top tips for keeping your taxi looking like new

Taxi drivers take great pride in keeping their cars clean and tidy so they look their best for the next fare.

But dealing with passengers in all weathers, as well as their shopping and luggage, plus heavy traffic and dirty roads, means drivers have to work even harder to keep their cabs and private hire vehicles looking spotless.

Earlier this year, we looked at what drivers have to do to keep their cars clean and legal and here are T3 magazine’s top 11 tips and products for smarter living . . . and cleaner cabs.

As well as a weekly wash and shampoo to keep any car looking clean and to maintain its shine, T3 recommends regular deep cleaning using wheel cleaners, polishing compounds, glass cleaners and trim revivers “to bring your vehicle back to its original best”.

Black cabs and private hire vehicles are the tools of the trade for a driver and the more they look after them, the longer they will last and remain in good condition.

And as T3’s top tips show, there’s more to it than gleaming paintwork, as the products listed help “to home in on your alloys with a quality car wheel cleaner, get the trim back to its original lustre and make sure your interior and exterior glass is looking crystal clear with the aid of a quality glass cleaner”.

The real bonus for taxi drivers, who don’t have the time to spend hours cleaning their cars, is that many of the products listed are easy to use and work quickly, allowing them to get back on the road and pick up fares.

The top 11 products are:

BILT HAMBER AUTO WHEEL CLEANER

This spray-on liquid can be used on just about any kind of wheel. T3 said: “Gentle brushing brings out the best results, especially on complex designs, but even used without any kind of manual intervention you’ll find that your wheels come up a treat.”

MEGUIAR’S G17216EU ULTIMATE COMPOUND

This compound makes old and marked paint look like new. T3 said: “This compound can be used to mildly cut back your paint surface, so that small scratches and blemishes vanish. It is also ideal for removing tree sap and tar spots.”

And it’s also great for getting rid of buffer swirls left by automated car washes.

DODO JUICE BASICS OF BLING DETAILING SPRAY

Taking care of a car’s interior is just as important as the exterior.

T3 said: “Shabby interior and exterior plastic trim is a real letdown if you’ve spent time buffing up your paintwork and treating the wheels. Simply spray it on and wipe off. It’s a quick and easy solution for adding the finishing touch to your very own valeting routine.”

CARPLAN SCREEN CLEAN

This cheap and cheerful window solution can do the job in one go.

T3 said: “Clean glass all round really makes a difference and this bargain-basement super simple liquid removes all manner of residues and gunk with spray-and-go efficiency. Help things along with a decent cloth or paper towels and you’ll find that your glass soon returns to its original condition.”

KARCHER K5 PRESSURE WASHER

When it comes to washing your taxi, time is money and Karcher’s K5 pressure washer is the quickest way to clean your car, according to T3.

“It comes on wheels and detergent is included so you can simply plug and clean without the need for any other products. Users found this machine easy to assemble and control when in use.”

AUTOGLYM THE COLLECTION

Autoglym is synonymous with professional car cleaning and the extensive range means you can give your taxi a professional-level valet yourself.

T3 said: “All of these products fit into a handy carry case, making it easy to keep in the boot or in your garage for whenever you need it. This set should give you everything you need for that professional finish at home.”

MEGUIAR’S ULTIMATE WASH AND WAX

To help bost shine in between waxes, T3 recommends this wash and wax.

TQ3 said: ” Simply mix with water and scrub, and then rinse with water afterwards.”

TURTLE WAX FG7607 ORIGINAL CAR WAX

Turtle Wax is another iconic name when it comes to car waxes and T3 recommends this to remove stubborn grime and leave a high shine.

T3 said: “Wax isn’t just used to achieve a high shine, it’s actually a great way of removing stubborn ingrained dirt on your car, and this easy-to-use formula is gentle and light, so it won’t scratch or leave marks on your car.”

BILT HAMBER AUTO CLAY BAR

It might not be an obvious one, but this clay bar delivers a smooth finish.

T3 said: “This bar of clay requires no other added ingredients other than water, and it is able to remove tough stains and marks while remaining gentle to the car’s paintwork. You can choose different consistencies depending on the condition of your car.”

MEGUIARS LUXURIOUS LAMBS WOOL WASH MITT

Whatever you are using to clean your car, it is best to avoid scratches and this luxury mitt is just the ticket.

T3 said: “Using this soft car-cleaning mitt will ensure you’re not left with any streaks or any scratches to the paintwork, even when tackling tough dirt and grime. It also has a mesh panel on one side which is great for lifting off things such as bugs.”

KENT CAR CARE EXTRA LARGE MICROFIBRE DRYING TOWEL

Drying your taxi properly is just as important as cleaning it to avoid streaks and smears.

T3 said: “Once you have cleaned your car thoroughly, giving it a good dry will ensure it’s looking as ­good as new and it also means it won’t risk getting anything stuck to it while it’s still wet.”

We hope these tips make it easier to keep your taxi looking its best and would love to hear if you have any others.