So it's time that I finally wash the car myself. I have had the car washed only three times since May (I'm a slacker, I know). The first was from when I took the car in for the recall. The service center washed the car for no charge. The second, was when I got an oil change - again, they washed the car for no charge. Finally, the last was when I got the bright idea to take the car to sheeley's. Man was that a mistake. Half way through their wash, I hear this grinding noise, and am like WTF?! Then it hit me. The track that guides the car was scraping against my RIM! Ahh! Luckily it did no damage!

With that said, I will now be washing the car by hand, in my driveway where I know it's safe and sound. However, being a complete newb, I have no idea what are good products to use...? I do know enough however, to know that turtle wax isn't the best of the best, like many think, heh.

Today, I picked up some of Stoner's Invisible Glass, as I've heard it's an amazing glass cleaner. I also picked up the mother's clay bar kit and I also have "Black Magic Wheel Cleaner", is that stuff any good?

I know I'll definitely need car soap, a wax, and some good sponges, wax applicators, and MF towels. Do you guys have any recommendations? Are there any other sponges or tools that you would recommend? What about for the interior? I know I saw some "Gold Class" series dash "protector" at auto zone today. Is that any good?

Now I's heard names such as ditrix (I think?), green something-or-other, and PoorBoys whatchamacallit (sorry - it's 2:30AM and I'm drawing blanks here!)...Are these items I should consider? Can they be found an an AutoZone? Or would I have to buy them online?

I do have a rather brand new, electric power washer. Now I know, some don't recommend power washers as they can mar the surface of the car, however, are they even referring to a weak, 1200PSI electric washer? Granted, I wouldn't use my 2500PSI washer, but what about the 1200? Or should I just stick with the good 'ol nozzle and hose with a gentle rinse?

Any help is appreciated!

 

http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...wcargarage.com

This video explains how to wash a car without scratching/swirling the paint. Mitsu clear coat is pretty soft, so this is very important.

 

Also, what color is your car?

 

Just as a point of reference, since i saw that you said you are going to use the Black Magic Wheel Cleaner.

I use that stuff on both my tires and rims; it doesn't keep the tires shining for that long, but it does a very nice job with the rims. Make them shine again like brand new, and keeps the brake dust at bay for a good amount of time.

It was about two or three weeks before I noticed brake dust forming again, and I drive my car a lot, so that is pretty good in my oppinion.

 

You don't really need wheel cleaner. All that stuff does is tear into the wheel's clear coat. Regular car wash soap/water will get brake dust off. Then use 303 on the tires and any other rubber/vinyl/plastic on the car. It may not look as pretty as tire shine crap, but it does a much better job of protecting the rubber, and gives it a nice even black color. IMO, that looks a lot better than the ultrashinyglossy tire look. Once your wheels are all clean, throw some wax on them. That'll make it even easier to get brake dust off in the future using just water.

Just use hose water with one of those multi-function nozzles. 1200psi is still a lot of pressure. As for soap, Meguiar's Gold Class is what I use between waxings. Cheap and works just fine. If I intend to polish/wax the car, then I use dish soap. If you have a bit of extra money, pick up a foamer, too.

As for rags and such, I'm still old school and use lamb's wool to wash with and a chamois to dry. I also have a small microfiber towel to get off those stubborn smooshed bugs.

 

As for wax, I have heard that there is a product call Ice, what dries clear, so you don't have the nasty white build up in all the little nooks of your car. I have yet to try it, but I've heard lots of good things about it.

 

Thanks for the information guys. I'm going to run and pick up some more items in a few!

As for the color...doh! Sorry about that! My car is Electric Blue, and my parent's Santa Fe is Sandstone (you know how it is...if I wash my car I have to wash theirs!).

Any other suggestions are welcome!

Thanks guys!

 

that guy has a cool leg piece there...

 

Can someone explain this recall? I have yet to receive a letter/information.

 

bleach and water

 

MEguiar's gold class car wash soap, Mother's California Shine Detailer, and Meguiars Gold Class # 6 Car Wax. Turns out great everytime.

 

When did you purchase your car? The recall was only for purchases made before May 11th, I believe. It's in regards to the rear back doors opening during a side impact crash...

 

Cool. Im clear of that recall since I purchased in late July. Thanks.

 

After years of spending huge bucks on different products, this is what I use now. It kept my 9 year old car virtually swirl free.

Meguiars car shampoo or gold class (my preference, but anything that wont strip wax is good).

I spray car down evenly then gently wash with microfiber mitt and hose off soap. Then I remove spray nozzle from hose and let a stream of water flow out (this helps sheet the water off so its easier to dry. Then I use The Absorber to dry EXCEPT I do no rub dry. I simply lay Absorber unfolded on the car and pat it down. The sides I hold the cloth like a Bull Matador and gently slap the sides of the car. This avoids having to scrun the car dry and really lessens swirl marks.

The method Ive been using lately is for when I dont have time. I use that Armor all quick dry thing. I wet it, spray the soap on, scrub it then rinse with the filter and walk away. It really works as long as you cover the entire car with the filtered water. It will look like its not working cause it stays wet, but Ill be darned if I wasnt surprised at how well it work. Saves scrubbing dry the finish and it hasnt stripped the wax so far, it still beads when it gets wet. Only downside is soap and filters are expensive.

I havent clayed the finish yet since its still pretty new, but I have not seen ANY product do so much for the feel of a cars finish ever. It feels like wet glass. Then wax it and youre good to go. I think my hood will need some waxing soon as I am starting to feel little 'dots on it.