I’m an ex-Halfords manager, laid off when my shop closed just before Christmas. I’ve seen a lot of cleaning brands come and go. It boils down to popularity and price point. Auto glym and turtle wax is well known, meguiars and auto finesse have social media clout, then everything else is budget or own brand. The higher price stuff never sells. Auto finesse ceramics range is an example, never sold and went clearance and off the shelves. Never sold in clearance either in my shop. Auto finesse are doing good at Halfords, they will be having a lot more products stocked in Halfords in the coming weeks concentrating on larger bottled stuff which is good for the wallet. I think Autobrite will have a good chance at Halfords, but we will see if it becomes the next ‘Car Gods’ and is on clearance in a year making room for something else. Polishers won’t have enough profit for Halfords, electrical items never do. Can’t see them selling them in the near future just because of that. For every person interested in proper detailing commenting here that goes to Halfords, there’s a hundred people wanting budget to midrange stuff. The times I’d up sell and explain the benefits and they’d come to the till with something cheaper or not even the same product thinking it will do. Apply for a Trade Card if you haven’t got one John, they are easy to get now, sign up online, and can save about 10% on non-sale car cleaning items 👍🏻
Ex halfords employee here, apparently I'm now going back.. that discount is too good to turn down😂 promised myself I wouldn't go back due to the politics... but hey ho, pros and cons eh!
@@Dustii91 When I left I said ‘never say never’ and I left on good terms if I wanted to go back. But think I just need some time out of retail, the politics and KPI’s I can just about hack without going too crazy, it’s the customers they just got worse after lockdown it was nuts. I wish you the best of luck in your return 👍🏻
@@vp5 Dover 0570, it had been in that building since 1990 and I was there 8 years. Was told the landlord wanted the building back but it’s been empty since I closed it and there was a branch in Scotland closing the same week so I’m not so sure
@@big_bad_gundam_uk what is the distance to the next nearest store for customers? They shut my nearest store which was large and on an extremely popular and busy retail park by the Reebok football stadium. Horwich near Bolton. Was absolutely astounded and frankly disgusted. Lost for words closing a store at such a location.
Actually quite an under-rated brand. Purple Velvet shampoo is really nice and slick, and Autobrite Direct Hellshine Abyss is one of my favourite spray sealants. I bought Autobrite Direct's Jaffa Clean last month as I was keen to try out a safe, non-corrosive de-greaser to clean the control arms and suspension parts underneath my S2000. I cut it 10:1. In use, the Jaffa Clean kills the suds, but it is surprisingly powerful at cleaning, and removing old dust and grease. And it leaves some protection behind as well as turning the hidden black plastic strakes and front undertray a lot darker, bit like a de-greaser/dressing all-in-one. I can't find many reviews for Jaffa Clean, but I thought it was worth mentioning. I'll be getting some more of their products for sure.
Hey Jon, great video. Honestly, it's about damn time Halfords pulled their fingers out of their arses and moved into the 21st century. The detailing industry is growing at a phenomenal rate now and its been crying out for a "high street" stockist for a long time. For me, the biggest ballache has ALWAYS been having to order online and wait for stuff because, you know, I'm getting older and sometimes I forget I'm running out of stuff! Not good if you're doing a paid detail for someone! Personally, I do use a fair few of the AD products. I'm still using the snow foam cannon that I bought about 4 years ago, I enjoy Magifoam a great deal for heavier cleans too. They do a really good iron remover called Purple Rain, which I love for wheels as its quite gel-like and clings like a mofo. Their ceramic magiseal, which is a lance applied protection like BH Touch On, is good. Their tar and Glue, called Just The Tonic is good too. But I think they will do really well with their pads and polishes. It's a simple 3-step pad and polish system, a little like Koch's, and dead easy for newbies to the game to get to grips with without having to learn about different grade of abrasives, diminishing abrasives, non-diminishing abrasives, jewelling polishes, different pad cut levels etc etc. Of course, the jewel in the crown for me is the nano polisher! It's the same one that's been repackaged by Carbon Collective and a few other brands, has two batteries and comes with a case fill of pads and even extension bars for the rotary mode! Anyway, I'll stop waffling on now! Try some more of their stuff. It's decent product!
Started my detailing journey off at Halfords with a Meguiars deluxe car cleaning kit and some yellow buckets also some Autoglym polar foam . many moons ago, decent stuff for a newbie . Used them quite a bit in the first lockdown 2 years ago when i ran out of stuff . My local store shut down about 14 months ago and the nearest store is now 12 miles away . Tried Autobrite products over the years and it's decent , tend to buy there products when they have an easter sale once a year.
I’d love to see more detailing products in Halfords as it mean if I run out of something mid clean I can run down there for an emergency top up rather than having to rely on mail order. In the main I’m ahead of the game and I’m a supporter of the smaller detailing scene companies but it’s good to have a back up when needed. I’ve never used Autobrite but will prob try some of their stuff next time I’m in Halfords. 👍
Agree, wish they had more production range in Halfords. Specially now that most online retailers you need to spend £50 to get free delivery. I am now about to make a order up but will have to buy more than needed to get the free delivery.
Would be great! Smart spend scheme at work gets me 10% off👍🏼 I know a great independent in Ferndown in Dorset called Motabitz, it’s like an Aladdin’s cave - pretty dangerous if you get let loose on your own. Key thing there is the crew their know there stuff, so if Halfords go the same way, they will need to up skill their Team to give informed recommendations. 👍🏼
Halfords was where it all started for me before the internet, with some Zymol cleaner wax and some Mer. And AD were the first "scene" brand I bought from years ago. I've still got Magifoam (cos I bought a load in sales) but I haven't bought any other AD products for a ages - I feel they have too many products, so it's difficult to know what to go for. It would certainly be handy if the other detailing brands ended up in Halfords - like if you only need one thing and don't want to pay online postage. But what would that do to the independent online detailing stores, the ones who have supported and grown with the scene over the years?
Great video 👍 However, Halfords online ordering is a disgrace. Yesterday, yet again, I was let down by them. Ordered oil and filter online and both were in stock. So I bought them. 10 mins later I got a txt, Come and get your items. They’re ready for collection. Then on way and after driving for over 15 mins, I got a call to say neither were in stock. Oh and the refund will take 5 days’ish! This has happened on almost every order this year. My experience when contacting them? They do not care one iota. I will buy elsewhere from now on.
Always love the content mate Iv just subscribed not sure why I wasn’t subscribed because Iv been watching the channel for ages now. Keep up the great work
Agreed, I think any exposure to advanced products and applicators/ equipment will not only open up the eyes to the average Joe but puts 'better ways of doing things' into the spotlight.
I suspect the reason Halfords don't sell polishers is because 95% if their focus is on consumable products, that's where the real profit is Jon. Look around one of their stores it's nearly all bottles, tins, cartons of 'use-upable' liquids etc. Our local branch shut down last year, a real shame because it was very handy and sold some good stuff at decent prices and you could buy on the day if you inadvertently ran dry on something.
Halfords does for the detailing and car markets what maplin did for the tech/computer industry. It's your only option if you want something NOW. And that convinence is worth charging a little premium for in my opinion. Saw Autobrite in halfords the other day and grabbed their 'clean towel' microfbre detergent and their parma violet snow foam for a laugh. Until now I was only familiar with Magifoam. This is a big win for us weekend warriors if you ask me!
pleased they are stocking this now, for thr hobbyist who doesn't buy in bulk its very handy rather than having to pay shipping on products where most people in the UK with have a local halfords they can go shop at when they need the product. Agree be great to have loads more companies in the likes of halfords but would imagine say Koch, BH, Rupes, etc got stocked it would probably be the demise of car detailing supply companies.
Great video as always, just started using autobrite products and loving them. Have bought 3 quick release guns for my karcher pressure washer and all three I had to return as the swivel mechanism didn’t work
If you haven't already, try the "6 Stages of Detailing Sample Kit". £25 for 12 (small) bottles, but it lets you try 12 products cheaply. Some of them are dilutable too, so the small bottles aren't all that bad. I haven't tried them all, but the couple I've tried are pretty good. I've got their gun for the pressure washer too. Have fun
It's about time these other brands get their products onto the shelves in Halfords. It's going to make accessibility so much easier. I love going to my local Halfords to buy detailing products and will be buying Autobrite to try as I've always used Meguiar's, Auto Glym, and most recently, Auto Finesse. Thank you Halfords and Autobrite for partnering. Next should be Bilt Hamber 👍
Most of my detailing products are from auto Bright direct. They are an awesome company we popped into there shop in Stoke yesterday very helpful friendly staff.
Nice to be able to have access to more detailing products for areas that don't have dedicated detailing supply shops and quicker than ordering from the Internet if I am in a hurry. If you are a member of the BMW Car Club GB then there is a 10% discount at Halfords as well. The cost of my annual membership can be made back in the discounts I get at Halfords with all that I buy there.
There are a few ABD products I like but it's not often I buy them. I might buy more now they are in Halfords however when I need something quick. As for favourite product, I must say I'm a fan of Magifoam apart from how long it hangs around on the driveway for!
Hi Jon, completely agree with you that this as a positive move by Halfords, All I use is AD with the exception of Surfex HD. Personally I love Super Sonic QD as the gloss and slickness are out of this world, I’m pretty sure that most people who use AD products will tell you that you are missing out buy only really trying Magifoam. If you want a product to blow you away give Ceramic Magiseal a go, think of it as a similar product to AG Polar Seal but so much better. Honesty its unreal
Can only be a good move to get some more great quality products out there and easy to get hold. Hopefully see more tested on the channel now? Btw Liquid Abyss is leaps ahead on plastics for duration of protection compared to countless others I’ve given up on over the years. Brilliant on paint too! One small 100ml bottle is only 1/4 empty after 2 years of using it on everything from cars, bikes to pvc windows etc.
Autobrite products are brilliant! Been using them for years, although won’t buy them from Halfords, don’t like them, would continue to buy direct from Autobrite or recognised independent resellers.
Used a few of their products before as my local auto care stocks them, easier than an hours drive to the nearest detailing store if I run out of something. Quite liked their citrus wash and used it up before switching to CCC citrus. Project 64 does a good job too, not long lasting but good for shows. Smells amazing. Nice glass cleaner but prefer gtechniq and koch. And of course magifoam is up there with auto foam as one of the best snow foams.
Some of their products are pretty good. I've always found the non pro detailers prefer Autoglym and Megs from Halfords as their advertising is generally clearer. I've only used purple rain from autobrite personally pretty good. And just been given some project 64 wax
Went into Halfords today for wiper blades came out with a bottle of project 64, last feedback I gave via email receipt review was to stock detailing products available in store as they are online great move I think
Magiseal for me. I think its a good thing that brands that I do buy are in Halfords if I am looking for 1 item that I have run out of but I think I will still order direct for my larger orders unless Halfords are going to do discounts as they do regularly on other brands..
Thing is, when i saw they had started selling this it also looked like they were getting rid of Meguiars. It may have been just because they were moving stuff around but there seemed less of the Meguiars than they normally have. I can't say i have ever tried their products, after a trip to a local detailing store down the road, I think i have enough products to last me for about 10 years!! I never bothered with Auto FInesse either, for one i cant tell half the bottles apart and it always looked more like a "scene" product than something that worked well. All marketing hype with nothing to back it up. That said, I have never used it but i think there are much better brands.
Flex are already in Halfords Jon. Online product only so you won't see in shops. Iv only used Purple Rain and Magifoam which i thought were both nice to use.
Quicker Halfords get more detailing products etc the better cause get people who think they can polish cars and make right mess then call me to put right.
AD are local to me and I use a lot of their everyday style products a lot . Good snowfoam's , shampoos , citrus etc . I found the glass cleaner to be a fav and so does the wife on the shower and house windows . The cutting compounds work well as do the dressings and interior dressings . What I'm not a huge fan of is their range of liquid waxes , never got on too well with em , the banana one makes your fingers look like you have been playing with Homer Simpson and the hard waxes I thought are expensive but as someone else has said when the sales are on its cracking time to buy as a weekend warrior . As well as Halford they are stocked in Europart's in Stoke so if that's a country wide thing I'm not sure but worth looking into . For a company like them and with the following they have etc its a good thing for those not in Stoke and able to just pop in and grab a bottle of something so business wise its a fantastic move by them . Id like to see other brands in a Halfords but my only concern would be pricing . If its a vast amount more for products would people use them to get items or think fudge it and just go online ? I know Europart's are more expensive than the actual shop that's only a few miles away so that maybe a factor in how long they stay within the stores
Good to see some higher end stuff starting to be stocked in Halfords, nice to be able to go into store and pickup instead of ordering online all the time
@1oldson they have at least 2 sales a year... Easter sale due next month... Then there's Christmas... And there was an instore only event too last year
while i really like autobrite magiseal for protecting my paint, i would like to say while all the products i have used are good and do what you expect, they are a tad pricey and gimmicky imo. while its nice, i dont need fancy smelling products. i now prefer to use cleaning products from bilt hamber and koch chemie as i think the value is far more. but i do finish with magiseal (until a cheaper equivalent becomes available)
Even after a few years of detailing my knowledge of microfibres is lacking. Any chance you could do an in-depth video on cloths please Jon? Different types for different jobs and purposes, different weaves, types of fibre, differences between cloths made in various countries etc. And maybe some name dropping so we can get decent quality at a fair price. Personally I think it would be a welcome video especially for people with not a lot of experience, it's a minefield otherwise
Great for ABD as a company. My only thoughts/ comment on this …. Obviously now heading to hit the consumer market now which means the products will be used by those that don’t fully understand the chemicals & products they are using and therefore a potential to damage the vehicle paint. Autoglym have a professional range too for this very reason. So are ABD going to reformulate some of their products that are now consumer based, or just sell the basics such as snoe foams/ shampoos etc ?? I may pop into my local Halfords and check out what’s on offer. I personally first used ABD products back in 2017 and was really impressed with it. Infact I still use some of their products and still use the SF lance. Be interesting to see how they fair up with the other big brands on offer in there???
You'll have to do a really good job to damage paintwork with any readily available off the shelf product from the big detailing brands. Most of the warnings and 'super mega ultra strong concentrate bla bla bla' warnings on the bottles are all part of the marketing game. End of the day, only over polishing with strong abrasive or using strong solvents on your paintwork incorrectly is going to do damage. You're not going to strip clear coat or paint with a smelly shampoo or APC, no matter what dillution ratio you use.
6:00. They now sell Rag company micro fibres in selected stores Jon. I saw some Drying towels and cloths in Halfords Mansfield. They aren't in my local store though. Also the chemical guys range is way overpriced and won't be buying. Everything I've used so far from Autobrite has been good. Especially the Citrus with the dilution ratios. It's far better value than the Auto finesse ready to use Citrus as you know 👍🏻
And people would still never go there because they charged twice as much as online... Case in point with the battery I've just bought, 71£ cheaper same yuasa battery. I haven't set foot in Halfords for decade I'm not likely to now. Halfords is where you go for the cheapest car wash and old decoration sponge because you promised you clean the car properly before a funeral, instead of going down the car wash for a fiver,. Then realising they actually do a better job than you now and it's not worth the effort lugging a bucket of water. Those of us into car detailing are not a mass market as far as Halfords are concerned
@@wildey36 yes it’s exactly that ‘bringing ot to the masses’ that would cheapen their brands IMO. These are premium quality brands that perhaps would get diluted into the sea of every other brand out there. Do they really want to have their products on a shelf next to a 3 quid bottle of wash and wax….? It’s not the marketplace they’re aiming for surely…..
Howcome you've never used a lot of Autobrite stuff in your videos? I really like their Purple Velvet shampoo.. I bought 5L of the stuff in a sale and it's outstanding value for money. I also have their Citrus shampoo as a replacement for Carpro Reset. I would definitely consider their DA-21 (or 12???) which comes with 2 backing plate sizes too.
I’ve never understood why more of their products haven’t been used in tests, especially when Magifoam placed 2nd in snow foam testing! Plus another UK company like Bilt Hamber to back with great quality and value products!
Hello John I come from near Heathrow and we have no detailing shops at all so it would be great if Halfords did a lot more detailing products I would love to see it
Another great video from forensic detailing I've not used any autobrite products before but will go to halfords now to see the range. In the video you mentioned they sold a quick release gun would you recommend this for a karcher k4?
Halfords got armor all ceramic glass cleaner and ceramic leather cleaner and graphene spray , would be nice to see how the armor all ceramic and graphene products perform
A lot of these companies are linked by Motorsport, Halfords and AD are big sponsors in BTCC as are Car Gods, who’s products i have never seen for sale anywhere? Not sure what they are like even? Maybe worth a review?
hmm i’m kind of split im this one….it is great to see more options in Halfords and introduce more people to the scene and ultimately get us all washing our cars properly! but i have to say I don’t like Halfords as a business at all….they’re way too profit driven, not passionate about the scene in a way a smaller retailer would be or give a monkeys about what they’re selling just bothered if it will sell…
Halfords have clout and could take up popular brands like Geyon, Carpro etc and sell at huge volume. The issue is Halfords are really slow to adapt and to take on new upcoming brands... that's why they're still trying to sell Turtlewax for example. My grandfather used Turtlewax, and he died nearly 20 years ago.
And that is why they still sell it. Because it's been around 50+ years and people will buy it based simply on the fact it's been around decades. The people who buy the majority of Halfords products are not young, experimental, obsessive, detailers looking for the very best product at the best price. The typical Halfords buyer is a retired bloke who wants a one-stop-shop to get all of his stuff from, and that stuff is what HIS dad used, and it's what he knows.
They could but they won't... those brands wouldn't sell in the same way that many others come and go on the shelves. Appealing to the masses isn't always a good thing
Me too. But then again, I'm an obsessive, detailer, and not some retired old man who just wants a one-stop-shop to get all of the same stuff he's been using for the past 50 years, because that's all he knows.
Already bought it last week , I tried the very cherry wheel cleaner , very similar to most non acidic wheel cleaners , I’m still looking for a excellent non acidic wheel cleaner but haven’t come across one yet, when I say excellent , I mean one nearly as good as acidic but not acidic
I’ve used Sonax wheel cleaner when I bought my car, as it had some black baked on brake dust, it removed all of it after 2/3 applications, good stuff. I ran out of it and wanted to try something abit cheaper that I saw in Halfords, it’s the Turtle Wax Redline wheel cleaner, used it yesterday, smells the same as the Sonax, starts to bleed after a minute or two, does a good job for a cheaper price, and is non acidic
@@_beefs I will try that , my car is brand new and I been using wheel woolies and soft detailing brush , I don’t use the big wheel brushes, when I shine a light , the wheels are swirled up , another thing I noticed was , the side of the spokes have gone matt, it’s like the clear coat has been wet sanded , the face of the alloy looks ok , it’s not a Matt effect, just the sides of the spokes are , I can only presume rubbing dirt and brake dust with brushes and wheel woolies does the damage as we wouldn’t do that on the car body so why would we use use brushes and wheel woolies on dirt , so I need something that is spray on and rinse off that’s not acidic and then if there’s any remaining dirt I will clean with a microfibre mitt or glove , obviously I need to polish the alloys first but I need something that is as good as a acidic cleaner , my alloys are kind of a chrome colour with a slight black tint so it doesn’t cover up swirls very good
oh halfords pfft last time i went in to halfords they couldn't even be bothered to help so as far as i'm concerned the quicker they fall to the online retailers the better totally disgusting place not fit for purpose!
@@forensicunplugged4295 I work at Halfords, and I believe you are correct, Jon. When looking at the warehouse stock of those items on the in-store systems, it simply says "V" for vendor, which means they can only be ordered online, and the order is sent out to the actual supplier, not to Halfords DC.
I’m just saying that its all about performance for most of us out there especially the casuals. Auto Brite stuff is strictly for those with extreme light traffic film and those all into their RUclips production that need that glorious thick foam.
You're still pronouncing it, "maggifoam" 😂 It's "Majjifoam", as in like magic. Anyway, I wasn't keen on Magifoam. Great for thickness but cleaning power was disappointing for me. Maybe Halfords will stock Bilt Hamber one day.
No longer "Direct" now though are they? It looks like they think that Halfords will give them volume. They should stay "online", detailing is still very much a niche hobby.
I see this 2 ways. 1) nip to Halfords get what YOU want - they are everywhere so it’s an easy transaction. 2) People might not understand what they are buying given I don’t expect the Halfords staff to be up to speed with this sort of thing. The more brands that Halfords sell it’s also taking business away from the resellers who live and breathe this stuff so there is probably some balance required in order to ensure these businesses stay afloat in an already competitive market. I don’t like or dislike Halfords - they do certainly have their place
Won’t be supporting Autobrite. I tried buying from them in the last sale. I have bought from them before and choose shipping to Norway. After about two weeks time they charged my card, and canceled my order not much later. After three weeks I chased them up for not returning my money and the eventually refunded me, but not the full amount and the exchange rate was different. Cost me £20 for nothing…..
I’m an ex-Halfords manager, laid off when my shop closed just before Christmas. I’ve seen a lot of cleaning brands come and go. It boils down to popularity and price point. Auto glym and turtle wax is well known, meguiars and auto finesse have social media clout, then everything else is budget or own brand. The higher price stuff never sells. Auto finesse ceramics range is an example, never sold and went clearance and off the shelves. Never sold in clearance either in my shop. Auto finesse are doing good at Halfords, they will be having a lot more products stocked in Halfords in the coming weeks concentrating on larger bottled stuff which is good for the wallet. I think Autobrite will have a good chance at Halfords, but we will see if it becomes the next ‘Car Gods’ and is on clearance in a year making room for something else. Polishers won’t have enough profit for Halfords, electrical items never do. Can’t see them selling them in the near future just because of that. For every person interested in proper detailing commenting here that goes to Halfords, there’s a hundred people wanting budget to midrange stuff. The times I’d up sell and explain the benefits and they’d come to the till with something cheaper or not even the same product thinking it will do. Apply for a Trade Card if you haven’t got one John, they are easy to get now, sign up online, and can save about 10% on non-sale car cleaning items 👍🏻
Ex halfords employee here, apparently I'm now going back.. that discount is too good to turn down😂 promised myself I wouldn't go back due to the politics... but hey ho, pros and cons eh!
@@Dustii91 When I left I said ‘never say never’ and I left on good terms if I wanted to go back. But think I just need some time out of retail, the politics and KPI’s I can just about hack without going too crazy, it’s the customers they just got worse after lockdown it was nuts. I wish you the best of luck in your return 👍🏻
Why was your store closed and which location was it?
@@vp5 Dover 0570, it had been in that building since 1990 and I was there 8 years. Was told the landlord wanted the building back but it’s been empty since I closed it and there was a branch in Scotland closing the same week so I’m not so sure
@@big_bad_gundam_uk what is the distance to the next nearest store for customers? They shut my nearest store which was large and on an extremely popular and busy retail park by the Reebok football stadium. Horwich near Bolton. Was absolutely astounded and frankly disgusted. Lost for words closing a store at such a location.
Actually quite an under-rated brand. Purple Velvet shampoo is really nice and slick, and Autobrite Direct Hellshine Abyss is one of my favourite spray sealants. I bought Autobrite Direct's Jaffa Clean last month as I was keen to try out a safe, non-corrosive de-greaser to clean the control arms and suspension parts underneath my S2000. I cut it 10:1. In use, the Jaffa Clean kills the suds, but it is surprisingly powerful at cleaning, and removing old dust and grease. And it leaves some protection behind as well as turning the hidden black plastic strakes and front undertray a lot darker, bit like a de-greaser/dressing all-in-one. I can't find many reviews for Jaffa Clean, but I thought it was worth mentioning. I'll be getting some more of their products for sure.
Purple Velvet is a great shampoo, as is the Banana one.
@@geoffbullock8280 definitely
Hey Jon, great video.
Honestly, it's about damn time Halfords pulled their fingers out of their arses and moved into the 21st century.
The detailing industry is growing at a phenomenal rate now and its been crying out for a "high street" stockist for a long time.
For me, the biggest ballache has ALWAYS been having to order online and wait for stuff because, you know, I'm getting older and sometimes I forget I'm running out of stuff!
Not good if you're doing a paid detail for someone!
Personally, I do use a fair few of the AD products.
I'm still using the snow foam cannon that I bought about 4 years ago, I enjoy Magifoam a great deal for heavier cleans too.
They do a really good iron remover called Purple Rain, which I love for wheels as its quite gel-like and clings like a mofo.
Their ceramic magiseal, which is a lance applied protection like BH Touch On, is good. Their tar and Glue, called Just The Tonic is good too.
But I think they will do really well with their pads and polishes. It's a simple 3-step pad and polish system, a little like Koch's, and dead easy for newbies to the game to get to grips with without having to learn about different grade of abrasives, diminishing abrasives, non-diminishing abrasives, jewelling polishes, different pad cut levels etc etc.
Of course, the jewel in the crown for me is the nano polisher! It's the same one that's been repackaged by Carbon Collective and a few other brands, has two batteries and comes with a case fill of pads and even extension bars for the rotary mode!
Anyway, I'll stop waffling on now! Try some more of their stuff. It's decent product!
Started my detailing journey off at Halfords with a Meguiars deluxe car cleaning kit and some yellow buckets also some Autoglym polar foam . many moons ago, decent stuff for a newbie . Used them quite a bit in the first lockdown 2 years ago when i ran out of stuff . My local store shut down about 14 months ago and the nearest store is now 12 miles away . Tried Autobrite products over the years and it's decent , tend to buy there products when they have an easter sale once a year.
I’d love to see more detailing products in Halfords as it mean if I run out of something mid clean I can run down there for an emergency top up rather than having to rely on mail order. In the main I’m ahead of the game and I’m a supporter of the smaller detailing scene companies but it’s good to have a back up when needed. I’ve never used Autobrite but will prob try some of their stuff next time I’m in Halfords. 👍
Agree, wish they had more production range in Halfords. Specially now that most online retailers you need to spend £50 to get free delivery. I am now about to make a order up but will have to buy more than needed to get the free delivery.
Would be great! Smart spend scheme at work gets me 10% off👍🏼 I know a great independent in Ferndown in Dorset called Motabitz, it’s like an Aladdin’s cave - pretty dangerous if you get let loose on your own. Key thing there is the crew their know there stuff, so if Halfords go the same way, they will need to up skill their Team to give informed recommendations. 👍🏼
Ferndown? That’s just down the road. I am going to go check it out
Halfords was where it all started for me before the internet, with some Zymol cleaner wax and some Mer. And AD were the first "scene" brand I bought from years ago. I've still got Magifoam (cos I bought a load in sales) but I haven't bought any other AD products for a ages - I feel they have too many products, so it's difficult to know what to go for.
It would certainly be handy if the other detailing brands ended up in Halfords - like if you only need one thing and don't want to pay online postage. But what would that do to the independent online detailing stores, the ones who have supported and grown with the scene over the years?
Great video 👍
However, Halfords online ordering is a disgrace.
Yesterday, yet again, I was let down by them.
Ordered oil and filter online and both were in stock. So I bought them.
10 mins later I got a txt, Come and get your items. They’re ready for collection.
Then on way and after driving for over 15 mins, I got a call to say neither were in stock.
Oh and the refund will take 5 days’ish!
This has happened on almost every order this year.
My experience when contacting them? They do not care one iota.
I will buy elsewhere from now on.
Always love the content mate Iv just subscribed not sure why I wasn’t subscribed because Iv been watching the channel for ages now. Keep up the great work
Agreed, I think any exposure to advanced products and applicators/ equipment will not only open up the eyes to the average Joe but puts 'better ways of doing things' into the spotlight.
I suspect the reason Halfords don't sell polishers is because 95% if their focus is on consumable products, that's where the real profit is Jon. Look around one of their stores it's nearly all bottles, tins, cartons of 'use-upable' liquids etc. Our local branch shut down last year, a real shame because it was very handy and sold some good stuff at decent prices and you could buy on the day if you inadvertently ran dry on something.
This is brilliant. Autobrite do some great products. Gives AutoGlym some competition now at Halfords.
Halfords does for the detailing and car markets what maplin did for the tech/computer industry. It's your only option if you want something NOW. And that convinence is worth charging a little premium for in my opinion. Saw Autobrite in halfords the other day and grabbed their 'clean towel' microfbre detergent and their parma violet snow foam for a laugh. Until now I was only familiar with Magifoam.
This is a big win for us weekend warriors if you ask me!
pleased they are stocking this now, for thr hobbyist who doesn't buy in bulk its very handy rather than having to pay shipping on products where most people in the UK with have a local halfords they can go shop at when they need the product. Agree be great to have loads more companies in the likes of halfords but would imagine say Koch, BH, Rupes, etc got stocked it would probably be the demise of car detailing supply companies.
Great video as always, just started using autobrite products and loving them. Have bought 3 quick release guns for my karcher pressure washer and all three I had to return as the swivel mechanism didn’t work
If you haven't already, try the "6 Stages of Detailing Sample Kit". £25 for 12 (small) bottles, but it lets you try 12 products cheaply. Some of them are dilutable too, so the small bottles aren't all that bad. I haven't tried them all, but the couple I've tried are pretty good. I've got their gun for the pressure washer too. Have fun
It's about time these other brands get their products onto the shelves in Halfords.
It's going to make accessibility so much easier.
I love going to my local Halfords to buy detailing products and will be buying Autobrite to try as I've always used Meguiar's, Auto Glym, and most recently, Auto Finesse.
Thank you Halfords and Autobrite for partnering. Next should be Bilt Hamber 👍
Most of my detailing products are from auto Bright direct. They are an awesome company we popped into there shop in Stoke yesterday very helpful friendly staff.
Nice to be able to have access to more detailing products for areas that don't have dedicated detailing supply shops and quicker than ordering from the Internet if I am in a hurry. If you are a member of the BMW Car Club GB then there is a 10% discount at Halfords as well. The cost of my annual membership can be made back in the discounts I get at Halfords with all that I buy there.
I actually work for Halfords, I keep asking them to get in Bilt Hamber but no joy so far lol...
Totally agree - at the moment all my stuff is bought online
There are a few ABD products I like but it's not often I buy them. I might buy more now they are in Halfords however when I need something quick.
As for favourite product, I must say I'm a fan of Magifoam apart from how long it hangs around on the driveway for!
Hi Jon, completely agree with you that this as a positive move by Halfords, All I use is AD with the exception of Surfex HD. Personally I love Super Sonic QD as the gloss and slickness are out of this world, I’m pretty sure that most people who use AD products will tell you that you are missing out buy only really trying Magifoam. If you want a product to blow you away give Ceramic Magiseal a go, think of it as a similar product to AG Polar Seal but so much better. Honesty its unreal
Can only be a good move to get some more great quality products out there and easy to get hold. Hopefully see more tested on the channel now?
Btw Liquid Abyss is leaps ahead on plastics for duration of protection compared to countless others I’ve given up on over the years. Brilliant on paint too! One small 100ml bottle is only 1/4 empty after 2 years of using it on everything from cars, bikes to pvc windows etc.
Autobrite products are brilliant! Been using them for years, although won’t buy them from Halfords, don’t like them, would continue to buy direct from Autobrite or recognised independent resellers.
Used a few of their products before as my local auto care stocks them, easier than an hours drive to the nearest detailing store if I run out of something. Quite liked their citrus wash and used it up before switching to CCC citrus. Project 64 does a good job too, not long lasting but good for shows. Smells amazing. Nice glass cleaner but prefer gtechniq and koch. And of course magifoam is up there with auto foam as one of the best snow foams.
Some of their products are pretty good. I've always found the non pro detailers prefer Autoglym and Megs from Halfords as their advertising is generally clearer. I've only used purple rain from autobrite personally pretty good. And just been given some project 64 wax
I haven’t stopped buying Autobrite products in Halfords, I really like the products they have, Halfords need to give them more shelf space
Yes a very good thing, I think it will help to get more people into the detailing hobby too!
I really rate autobrite direct. Bought lots of their products and really like them
They had a small range of McLaren products a couple years ago
Went into Halfords today for wiper blades came out with a bottle of project 64, last feedback I gave via email receipt review was to stock detailing products available in store as they are online great move I think
Magiseal for me. I think its a good thing that brands that I do buy are in Halfords if I am looking for 1 item that I have run out of but I think I will still order direct for my larger orders unless Halfords are going to do discounts as they do regularly on other brands..
Yep, the Magi Seal 🙌
autobrite have been in euro car parts for quite some time. i wonder if they will pull out now?
Thing is, when i saw they had started selling this it also looked like they were getting rid of Meguiars. It may have been just because they were moving stuff around but there seemed less of the Meguiars than they normally have. I can't say i have ever tried their products, after a trip to a local detailing store down the road, I think i have enough products to last me for about 10 years!! I never bothered with Auto FInesse either, for one i cant tell half the bottles apart and it always looked more like a "scene" product than something that worked well. All marketing hype with nothing to back it up. That said, I have never used it but i think there are much better brands.
Will definitely be buying…. but prefer to buy direct. For the best towels I have ever used look on eBay for cleanHD.
i just purchased the entire range couldn't help myself.
its good stuff ,bit more expensive but nice to see it expanding
A lot of it is online exclusive and delivery or store pick up still gotta wait so just as easy to order online from direct
..wish I could get the specialist brands at Halfords
Flex are already in Halfords Jon. Online product only so you won't see in shops.
Iv only used Purple Rain and Magifoam which i thought were both nice to use.
My favourite brand to be fair even went on there course.
Quicker Halfords get more detailing products etc the better cause get people who think they can polish cars and make right mess then call me to put right.
Euro car parts used to sell autobrite stuff as well
Nice to see...just hope Halfords dont lump the prices up when they add their premium...
I’ll have a look and see what they’ve got, I use the foam which I like but it’ll come down to price to my door that is the decider.
Ultimately it must be a good thing. It’s another brand when your in a jam and have to go to Halfords for the one off urgent bits
AD are local to me and I use a lot of their everyday style products a lot . Good snowfoam's , shampoos , citrus etc . I found the glass cleaner to be a fav and so does the wife on the shower and house windows . The cutting compounds work well as do the dressings and interior dressings . What I'm not a huge fan of is their range of liquid waxes , never got on too well with em , the banana one makes your fingers look like you have been playing with Homer Simpson and the hard waxes I thought are expensive but as someone else has said when the sales are on its cracking time to buy as a weekend warrior . As well as Halford they are stocked in Europart's in Stoke so if that's a country wide thing I'm not sure but worth looking into . For a company like them and with the following they have etc its a good thing for those not in Stoke and able to just pop in and grab a bottle of something so business wise its a fantastic move by them . Id like to see other brands in a Halfords but my only concern would be pricing . If its a vast amount more for products would people use them to get items or think fudge it and just go online ? I know Europart's are more expensive than the actual shop that's only a few miles away so that maybe a factor in how long they stay within the stores
Will you be doing an Autobrite products review soon?
Good to see some higher end stuff starting to be stocked in Halfords, nice to be able to go into store and pickup instead of ordering online all the time
true , but depends on price. autobrite direct do have an annual sale, which is the only time i buy
@1oldson they have at least 2 sales a year... Easter sale due next month... Then there's Christmas... And there was an instore only event too last year
Nothing beats going in and buying stuff! I get such a buzz
while i really like autobrite magiseal for protecting my paint, i would like to say while all the products i have used are good and do what you expect, they are a tad pricey and gimmicky imo.
while its nice, i dont need fancy smelling products.
i now prefer to use cleaning products from bilt hamber and koch chemie as i think the value is far more. but i do finish with magiseal (until a cheaper equivalent becomes available)
Apparently halfords in northern ireland wont be stocking autobrite products. Can anyway confirm that is the case?
I bought the tar remover from Halfords the other day and it worked well
Purple velvet shampoo 👍
Even after a few years of detailing my knowledge of microfibres is lacking. Any chance you could do an in-depth video on cloths please Jon? Different types for different jobs and purposes, different weaves, types of fibre, differences between cloths made in various countries etc. And maybe some name dropping so we can get decent quality at a fair price. Personally I think it would be a welcome video especially for people with not a lot of experience, it's a minefield otherwise
Will do m8
Great for ABD as a company. My only thoughts/ comment on this …. Obviously now heading to hit the consumer market now which means the products will be used by those that don’t fully understand the chemicals & products they are using and therefore a potential to damage the vehicle paint. Autoglym have a professional range too for this very reason. So are ABD going to reformulate some of their products that are now consumer based, or just sell the basics such as snoe foams/ shampoos etc ?? I may pop into my local Halfords and check out what’s on offer. I personally first used ABD products back in 2017 and was really impressed with it. Infact I still use some of their products and still use the SF lance. Be interesting to see how they fair up with the other big brands on offer in there???
You'll have to do a really good job to damage paintwork with any readily available off the shelf product from the big detailing brands. Most of the warnings and 'super mega ultra strong concentrate bla bla bla' warnings on the bottles are all part of the marketing game. End of the day, only over polishing with strong abrasive or using strong solvents on your paintwork incorrectly is going to do damage. You're not going to strip clear coat or paint with a smelly shampoo or APC, no matter what dillution ratio you use.
6:00. They now sell Rag company micro fibres in selected stores Jon. I saw some Drying towels and cloths in Halfords Mansfield. They aren't in my local store though. Also the chemical guys range is way overpriced and won't be buying. Everything I've used so far from Autobrite has been good. Especially the Citrus with the dilution ratios. It's far better value than the Auto finesse ready to use Citrus as you know 👍🏻
And people would still never go there because they charged twice as much as online... Case in point with the battery I've just bought, 71£ cheaper same yuasa battery. I haven't set foot in Halfords for decade I'm not likely to now. Halfords is where you go for the cheapest car wash and old decoration sponge because you promised you clean the car properly before a funeral, instead of going down the car wash for a fiver,. Then realising they actually do a better job than you now and it's not worth the effort lugging a bucket of water. Those of us into car detailing are not a mass market as far as Halfords are concerned
I brands like Gyeon, CarPro, Gtechniq etc. will never ever end up in Halfords. It would cheapen their brands hugely.
That's a very blinkered view, why would it cheapen the brand if anything it brings it to the masses.
@@wildey36 yes it’s exactly that ‘bringing ot to the masses’ that would cheapen their brands IMO. These are premium quality brands that perhaps would get diluted into the sea of every other brand out there. Do they really want to have their products on a shelf next to a 3 quid bottle of wash and wax….? It’s not the marketplace they’re aiming for surely…..
Howcome you've never used a lot of Autobrite stuff in your videos?
I really like their Purple Velvet shampoo.. I bought 5L of the stuff in a sale and it's outstanding value for money. I also have their Citrus shampoo as a replacement for Carpro Reset. I would definitely consider their DA-21 (or 12???) which comes with 2 backing plate sizes too.
I’ve never understood why more of their products haven’t been used in tests, especially when Magifoam placed 2nd in snow foam testing!
Plus another UK company like Bilt Hamber to back with great quality and value products!
Hello John I come from near Heathrow and we have no detailing shops at all so it would be great if Halfords did a lot more detailing products I would love to see it
Another great video from forensic detailing I've not used any autobrite products before but will go to halfords now to see the range. In the video you mentioned they sold a quick release gun would you recommend this for a karcher k4?
They have the auto glym lance in too, if you have a look through Jons other videos he's done a test of 6/8 including that one
@@JasonJohnson-yu8zf thank you for the reply Jason I will definitely have a look and see what will be best 👍
Halfords got armor all ceramic glass cleaner and ceramic leather cleaner and graphene spray , would be nice to see how the armor all ceramic and graphene products perform
biggest problem is i've never paid full price for any autobrite products, they are always discounted, so i'd have to be desperate to pay RRP
A lot of these companies are linked by Motorsport, Halfords and AD are big sponsors in BTCC
as are Car Gods, who’s products i have never seen for sale anywhere? Not sure what they are like even? Maybe worth a review?
My local Halfords had Car Gods last year but have now disappeared. I didn't try any of their products. Wish they stocked BH.
The rug company is now in Halfords small selection but they are in there
Would like to see BH and Carchem in Halfords lol.
Be nice to see a product review on your M4 cs John 👍🏻.
I'll more than likely buy some bits to try.
What’s the mark up put on the products by halfords
hmm i’m kind of split im this one….it is great to see more options in Halfords and introduce more people to the scene and ultimately get us all washing our cars properly! but i have to say I don’t like Halfords as a business at all….they’re way too profit driven, not passionate about the scene in a way a smaller retailer would be or give a monkeys about what they’re selling just bothered if it will sell…
Needed shampoo and snow foam so I will give them a go, uk brand with good reviews
Even better value with Halfords trade card 😋
Halfords have clout and could take up popular brands like Geyon, Carpro etc and sell at huge volume. The issue is Halfords are really slow to adapt and to take on new upcoming brands... that's why they're still trying to sell Turtlewax for example. My grandfather used Turtlewax, and he died nearly 20 years ago.
And that is why they still sell it.
Because it's been around 50+ years and people will buy it based simply on the fact it's been around decades.
The people who buy the majority of Halfords products are not young, experimental, obsessive, detailers looking for the very best product at the best price.
The typical Halfords buyer is a retired bloke who wants a one-stop-shop to get all of his stuff from, and that stuff is what HIS dad used, and it's what he knows.
They could but they won't... those brands wouldn't sell in the same way that many others come and go on the shelves. Appealing to the masses isn't always a good thing
I find Halfords to dear I use eBay Amazon or just the internet
Me too.
But then again, I'm an obsessive, detailer, and not some retired old man who just wants a one-stop-shop to get all of the same stuff he's been using for the past 50 years, because that's all he knows.
Not got one near me its 40 to 50 miles round trip i order online anything i need .
Already bought it last week , I tried the very cherry wheel cleaner , very similar to most non acidic wheel cleaners , I’m still looking for a excellent non acidic wheel cleaner but haven’t come across one yet, when I say excellent , I mean one nearly as good as acidic but not acidic
Autobrite do bridewell its good
Britegel
As said britegel is brilliant. Although if you use very cherry through a foaming trigger spray it seems to “turbocharge” it and works 10x better!!
I’ve used Sonax wheel cleaner when I bought my car, as it had some black baked on brake dust, it removed all of it after 2/3 applications, good stuff.
I ran out of it and wanted to try something abit cheaper that I saw in Halfords, it’s the Turtle Wax Redline wheel cleaner, used it yesterday, smells the same as the Sonax, starts to bleed after a minute or two, does a good job for a cheaper price, and is non acidic
@@_beefs I will try that , my car is brand new and I been using wheel woolies and soft detailing brush , I don’t use the big wheel brushes, when I shine a light , the wheels are swirled up , another thing I noticed was , the side of the spokes have gone matt, it’s like the clear coat has been wet sanded , the face of the alloy looks ok , it’s not a Matt effect, just the sides of the spokes are , I can only presume rubbing dirt and brake dust with brushes and wheel woolies does the damage as we wouldn’t do that on the car body so why would we use use brushes and wheel woolies on dirt , so I need something that is spray on and rinse off that’s not acidic and then if there’s any remaining dirt I will clean with a microfibre mitt or glove , obviously I need to polish the alloys first but I need something that is as good as a acidic cleaner , my alloys are kind of a chrome colour with a slight black tint so it doesn’t cover up swirls very good
Witch Halfords was this I have been in
Redhill
Croydon
Wandsworth
Westwickham
And there not in there
Chichester
@@forensicunplugged4295 so with any luck it will be coming up to me soon 👍🏻👍🏻
halfords have tghere own brand dual action car polisher, maybe do a review?
oh halfords pfft last time i went in to halfords they couldn't even be bothered to help so as far as i'm concerned the quicker they fall to the online retailers the better totally disgusting place not fit for purpose!
Na not for me. I’ve a couple of good shops near me centred on detailing. I’d rather support them 😅
Halfords are selling flex range online now 👍🏻
That might be a sub vendor thing..
@@forensicunplugged4295 I work at Halfords, and I believe you are correct, Jon. When looking at the warehouse stock of those items on the in-store systems, it simply says "V" for vendor, which means they can only be ordered online, and the order is sent out to the actual supplier, not to Halfords DC.
I’m just saying that its all about performance for most of us out there especially the casuals. Auto Brite stuff is strictly for those with extreme light traffic film and those all into their RUclips production that need that glorious thick foam.
Halfords have a DA £90
none in scotland yet
You're still pronouncing it, "maggifoam" 😂 It's "Majjifoam", as in like magic.
Anyway, I wasn't keen on Magifoam. Great for thickness but cleaning power was disappointing for me. Maybe Halfords will stock Bilt Hamber one day.
No longer "Direct" now though are they? It looks like they think that Halfords will give them volume. They should stay "online", detailing is still very much a niche hobby.
34
1st
Bambooolaaaahhhhhhhhaaaaa
32nd
I'm rubbish. 51st.
I see this 2 ways.
1) nip to Halfords get what YOU want - they are everywhere so it’s an easy transaction.
2) People might not understand what they are buying given I don’t expect the Halfords staff to be up to speed with this sort of thing. The more brands that Halfords sell it’s also taking business away from the resellers who live and breathe this stuff so there is probably some balance required in order to ensure these businesses stay afloat in an already competitive market.
I don’t like or dislike Halfords - they do certainly have their place
Won’t be supporting Autobrite. I tried buying from them in the last sale. I have bought from them before and choose shipping to Norway. After about two weeks time they charged my card, and canceled my order not much later. After three weeks I chased them up for not returning my money and the eventually refunded me, but not the full amount and the exchange rate was different. Cost me £20 for nothing…..