hey, i jus wanted to know what u guys do to get the showroom shine on ur evos/lancers. which brand wash/wax/applicator...do u use. i'm new to takin care of brand new cars (&used to takin my car through the automatic carwashes) so plz tell me what the best way to take care of the paint is while gettin the shine. thanks in advance.

 

I like car washes.

 

First time I took my new Lancer through an auto-wash, I ended up with a 3" scratch on the trunk in front of the spoiler. That won't happen again.

I use Meguiar's wax products after hand washing now. As for handwash, it makes little difference what you use. And always complete the wax with Rain-X on the windshield and any other windows you feel like. I wish Rain-X were required by law or something for the visibility improvement it offers.
-N

 

Automatic washes are alright, so long as they don't touch the car. Pressure automatics do a decent job so long as the pressure and temp are high enough. Just make sure it's got an air dryer and not those mop lookin' things.

I like turtle wax paste for a good, long lasting shine. It is a pain in the *** to put on, and if you're not careful, you'll end up with white patches everywhere.

Liquid wax is faster and less difficult to use. I just don't think it lasts as long as a paste.

 

100% Loogies my friend.
J/K

It's kinda hard to tell. Your best bet is to ask a car detailing shop what they use. I will usually take my car in to get washed. I know of a place by me that will do a FULL detail for $60. Includes wash, hand wax, rims, tires, vacuum, shampoo, armorall. I do that about every 3 months and keeps the car brand-spankin'.

However to answer your question, unless you are washing the same car in the same color at the same time with different finishes, how can anyone tell after weeks of not washing a car which one is better. All I'm trying to say is almost any wax is gonna satisfy you or myself, they all shine and bead water. I am just suggesting you call your local detailing shop and inquire what brand they use. A detailing shop is reliant on their quality and thus you can bet they use good stuff.

 

I wouldn't take my Evo to a car wash. I always hand wash it using Zaino car wash. Also wash the rims to get as much break dust out as you can, then use paper towel to wipe it dry. Apply a few coat of Zaino every 4-6 months to get it shining real good

 

I have been a faithful Meguiars user for 13 years. I just bought the Zaino packageand used it this past weekend. I am now, without a doubt, switching to Zaino. The stuff rocks!!

 

i just started to use the Rain X car wash and it works great!

 

Never ever take you car to the automatic car wash. They will cause swirl marks on your car.

I would say to use Zaino. If you can't find them online, let me know b/c my friend sells them. If you have them but not sure how to use them...pm me.

 

If you're serious about washing your car, and never intend on taking it to a car wash, this will be a good starting spot:

1. Zaino - It rocks. It's easier than wax, it's better than wax. Meguiar's (the real deal, not the wal-mart stuff) is good, but a lot more work required. Cheap waxes like Turtle and most anything else at Wal-mart are just that - cheap. They'll protect, but don't last, and don't shine. A few coats of Z-5, a few of Z-2, and religious use of Z-7 car wash and Z-6 spray will give you an incredible finish that outlasts anything.
2. Always wash the car with a natural sponge. They don't scratch or swirl.
3. Dry the car with a shammy. Be quick. I use "The Absorber", an "as seen on TV" product that actually works. There are dozens of different ones, and most work equally well. You could also use a leaf blower - I'm not a big fan (no pun intended), but a lot of people I know swear by it, and their cars look pretty good.
4. Expect to devote a lot of time to detailing your car! Just getting a good base coat of Zaino will decommision your car for a day or two, and expect to spend 1-3 hours washing your car. You'll get quicker after you do it a few dozen times.

 

Oh, you can finally order Zaino straight from Sal, online!

Zaino Brother's site

 

i got to a car wash, wash it with the high power sprayers then i dry it off wiht a schamie(sp) next i start with the tires..i used this special stuff that gets the tires clean immediatly i will post what it's called but its jus a spray and wipe real easy...then i start with the wax..i use rain-x wax and i put 2 coats on everything(even then windows) but thats after washing them with windex and a newspaper. then i go onto the interior..at my carwash i have a shampoo machine and a vaccum.. first i vacuum the whole car out then i shampoo.. spray a little good smelling spray on them while they are still wet then i just let it dry..takes about 5 minutes to get dry enough to put back into the car..then i drive home and watch the heads turn...

 

I heard alot of good stuff about Zaino. Well recently I am using Meguiars NXT car wash and tech wax. It is really good stuff. I would say you should clay bar your car with something. It removes all the deep residue and leaves your car buttery smooth.

 

yea i was wondering about doing that does it scratch the paint at all or put swirls in the finish..

 

I stand by Zymol. All natural ingredients no waxy film and dust when taking it off. When a companies top end wax costs 1200 dollars you know they make great wax.