Car wash

It’s a garage essential, but picking a car wash isn't easy, as costs vary wildly. We’ve yet to come across one that doesn't shift the grime, so our winner had to be easy on the pocket but also bead away water after rinsing, leaving less to take off with a chamois leather. Our full results are here, while our award winners are below.

Our winner
Simoniz Protection Car Wash
Price: £3.99
Contact: www.simoniz.co.uk
A debut win for the new 2011 Protection range. Super-concentrated Simoniz wash cleans brilliantly and beads strongly, leaving only a few drops of water to be cleared with a blade or cloth after rinsing. Pack lives up to its claim of being quick and easy to use.

Commended
Comma Wash ‘n’ Wax
Price: £3.29
Contact: www.commaoil.com
Key to this shampoo’s success is its ability to leave a water-repellent finish. It might not be a match for a proper coat of wax, as the pack claims, but Wash n’ Wax certainly beads water quickly after rinsing. It’s similar to our winner in terms of cost, although bigger packs are available.

Muc-Off Ubershine
Price: £9.99
Contact: www.muc-off.com
If money was no object, then übershine would be our champion. The thick, apple-scented formula left a virtually dry panel after rinsing. You do get a one-litre pack for your money, but each wash still works out to be relatively expensive compared to the Simoniz and Comma versions.