Others mentioned I should start this thread in my other thread. And while I won't have the new car for a while, I'd like to hear some thoughts and recommendations so I can have most of it on hand before the car shows up. My other thread had a lot of great posts in it and you guys have been a big help.
While black cars looks great clean, keeping it relatively clean in Phoenix might be the death of me. But I'll sure as shit give it my best shot.
I actually like cleaning and waxing our current cars but it's not like I am being meticulous about it. I've never had a car with rims either and I know those can get dirty quick. I've never owned a dark colored car and I've never had a car with leather. I plan to take really good care of this car and would like some tips on doing so. But I'm just a fucking n00b.
I'll throw some links out from Amazon as I mention things.
Some mention that after washing you should use a paint cleanser before waxing. But wondering if washing then clay baring is sufficient prior to wax?
I've seen this P21S Paintwork Cleanser mentioned on a few reads. Looks like good use for water spots and swirls prior to waxing if needed. Not sure if you would do entire car first or just use it for bad spots before waxing?
Also, a company called Zaino has great reviews and recommendations. They have a package that looks like it includes all products I'd need together including wash, polish, wax, leather and tire care.
Originally Posted by lewdog:
1. What is the best way to remove spots of road grime and bird shit without having to wash the car every few days? Water and let it soak to soften it, then microfiber? Another product? Quick detailer?
You can just use quick detailer and a microfiber if the car is still pretty clean.
A safer way would probably be to use Optimum No Rinse (check YouTube for technique). [Reply]
Originally Posted by lewdog:
Two n00b questions. I like learning and I know I'll need to be close to a perfectionist here.
1. What is the best way to remove spots of road grime and bird shit without having to wash the car every few days? Water and let it soak to soften it, then microfiber? Another product? Quick detailer?
Bird shit is the one that needs immediate attention once you see it since it can etch the paint. I keep a bottle of quick detailer and a clean microfiber in my trunk for those.
For other road grime you could likely use a waterless wash but I just tend to let it slide until its time to do a normal wash. [Reply]
Originally Posted by lewdog:
Two n00b questions. I like learning and I know I'll need to be close to a perfectionist here.
1. What is the best way to remove spots of road grime and bird shit without having to wash the car every few days? Water and let it soak to soften it, then microfiber? Another product? Quick detailer?
Lewdog
I use Chemical Guys EcoSmart waterless wash. My car is usually is just dusty from either sitting in the garage or road dust from a drive. I also use it instantly after driving to remove bugs.
I'd still recommend to anyone wanting to do a one step moderate/slight paint correction that diminishes down to polish out to look into Menzerna FG400 with a Lake Country Orange foam flat pad. One product and one kind of pad to correct and polish, doesn't get much easier than that.
I found a beat up slightly oxidized hood off a GMC truck from the mid 2000's and used FG400 and LC Orange pads for some testing. The hood corrected and finished out nearly flawless except for the deeper scratches that would require some wet sanding. I did 5 passes with pressure to the polisher on setting 5 with my griots polisher and then 3 more passes with less pressure each pass, and the last pass only using the weight of the machine itself. I was very pleased with the work time the FG400 allowed. Great product in my opinion. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Miles:
Bird shit is the one that needs immediate attention once you see it since it can etch the paint. I keep a bottle of quick detailer and a clean microfiber in my trunk for those.
For other road grime you could likely use a waterless wash but I just tend to let it slide until its time to do a normal wash.
Ok good to know.
Originally Posted by Warpaint69:
I use Chemical Guys EcoSmart waterless wash. My car is usually is just dusty from either sitting in the garage or road dust from a drive. I also use it instantly after driving to remove bugs.
Well that looks like it would work good for doing some quick touchups every few days with bird shit, dust and tree shit. We don't have many trees in the parking lot but I'll find these little yellow dots on my car a lot if the wind blows and they are stuck very lightly, but with just a quick touch, it comes off all together. [Reply]
Well that looks like it would work good for doing some quick touchups every few days with bird shit, dust and tree shit. We don't have many trees in the parking lot but I'll find these little yellow dots on my car a lot if the wind blows and they are stuck very lightly, but with just a quick touch, it comes off all together.
Welp, she's in my garage. Dirty as fuck and I might need some driving lessons with that Hurst Shifter and just a bit more power compared to my Celica. :-)
Originally Posted by lewdog:
Welp, she's in my garage. Dirty as **** and I might need some driving lessons with that Hurst Shifter and just a bit more power compared to my Celica. :-)
Alright! Feels good, huh? Drive the 101 loop. Figure that shit out. [Reply]
Originally Posted by lewdog:
Welp, she's in my garage. Dirty as fuck and I might need some driving lessons with that Hurst Shifter and just a bit more power compared to my Celica. :-)
It probably doesn't drive well because the trunk is open :-) [Reply]
Originally Posted by MIAdragon:
Congrats now take off that insane wheel cover and bra stat.
LOL, the wheel cover is insanely hideous. My wife and I laughed so hard about it. I'm not a fan of car bras but this one doesn't look horrible. However, it can easily trap dirt and do more harm than good.
Still not sold on the clear front bra though. Thoughts?
Originally Posted by eDave:
Alright! Feels good, huh? Drive the 101 loop. Figure that shit out.
I only got to drive it a block, plus it was late last night when it arrived. Still felt loads different than any manual I have ever driven. LOL
Originally Posted by Buehler445:
It probably doesn't drive well because the trunk is open :-)
Noted. Fucking wife.
Originally Posted by TrebMaxx:
Ditto, that steering wheel cover looks like crap. The bra probably does more damage than good.
Yea I've heard they trap dirty and scratch easily. I will probably be coming off. [Reply]
