CARPRO Elixir

• Product: Elixir.
• Manufacturer: CARPRO
• Packaging: 500ml.

Description:

CARPRO offers with Elixir a quick detailer maintenance solution based on ceramic (SiO2) to ensure finishing touches after washing, dusting off your car while leaving a thin layer of protection. The shine left by Elixir is exceptional, especially on dark colors.

Usage:

Elixir is a ready-to-use product, unlike the brand's Ech2O which is also a Quick Detailer but dilutable.
The first thing you notice when opening the bottle is the smell, truly similar to that of the brand's Reload (which is a ceramic Quick Wax).

Elixir can be used either on a dry surface by spraying the product directly onto the painted surface or onto a microfiber, or on a wet surface as a "Drying Aid".
We will cover the different possible applications in this article.

The advantage of Elixir is that it is a multi-surface product, usable on bodywork, on wheels, on plastic surfaces, chrome, and even glass.

First, we will look at applying Elixir on the bodywork, after drying, on a dry surface therefore.
The product will be perfect for removing finishing drying marks (see photo below), fresh calcium deposits from rinsing, fingerprints, etc.

Spray Elixir in a small quantity over half a large panel (hood, roof, etc.) and immediately spread the product with an Edgeless MF if possible, and above all with a double-sided finish (short pile/long pile). The Black Velvet is perfect for this purpose.

You will notice that in this use, Elixir produces quite a lot of "streaking" (a greasy product haze that is difficult to wipe off). This can be seen in the photo above. In this respect, it once again strangely resembles Reload from the same brand.

Don't hesitate to arm yourself with several microfibers to remove these marks without applying too much pressure, in order to avoid any risk of creating micro-scratches.

In the series of photos below, the "streaking" appears very clearly Before/During/After the application of Elixir to wipe off calcium deposits under the mirrors.





It will therefore be essential to apply Elixir in a sufficiently well-lit environment to avoid any risk of residual haze.

The second application method consists of spraying Elixir directly onto a microfiber and then spreading it over the surface in small sections. This application method is recommended as it reduces the "streaking" phenomenon mentioned previously.
Spray two to three spritz of product onto the MF and apply in a criss-cross pattern (left-right/up-down).

Finally, the last possible application is on wet surfaces, namely as a drying aid. Indeed, like any Quick Detailer, Elixir can be used to facilitate the glide of the drying microfiber while providing a light layer of protection.
This application proved to be the simplest to implement, completely limiting the "streaking" effect seen previously, while leaving a superb finish.



On a wet surface, apply two to three sprays of product on half a hood for example and then dry with a good long-pile microfiber like the Silver Fizz, for example.



As mentioned previously, Elixir is a multi-surface product. You can therefore also apply it to your lacquered wheels for example. However, always make sure to apply Elixir to a cold surface.



It will give beautiful reflections on light and silver colors in particular.

Elixir can also be used on raw plastic parts to ensure a perfect finish and light protection.



Don't forget to also use Elixir on the nooks and crannies of the vehicle to ensure a perfect finish, such as trunk loading sills, door sills, wheel arch surrounds, etc.
It is a product that immediately leaves a superb visual finish and a noticeable improvement in feel. The latter proves to be much silkier.



In terms of protection applied, it is still difficult to say, but like any Quick Detailer, don't expect more than a few days to a few weeks of protection at most. The beading effect (formation of water droplets on the surface) is however quite impressive, a sign that the protection is indeed present.

After complete application on the bodywork, we also notice that Elixir provides a beautiful shine, typical of ceramics, which is once again reminiscent of that provided by Reload.

Conclusion:

In general conclusion of the product, we can first note that Elixir definitely follows the same recipe as Reload, given how similar they are in terms of smell, application, and finish. However, the silica content feels lower than in Reload, and particular attention must be paid to wiping the product on a dry surface. A lot of "streaking" appeared during application and forced us to be especially careful when wiping.

That said, Elixir proves to be an excellent QD in terms of final presentation, the silky feel achieved, and protection. Carpro is moreover well known for the quality and durability of its ceramic compounds, and Elixir is no exception.

A product that will be the direct complement to a Carpro ceramic protection or another brand's for regular weekly maintenance, for example.
If you want more protection, then opt for Reload.


Advantages

+ Exceptionally rare brilliance finish.
+ Silky feel.
+ Price in line with ceramic QDs.


Disadvantages

- Streaking when wiping on a dry surface.
- Questionable smell.
- Diluted Reload?