Car Care and Detailing Thread

[lewdog]

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 ****ing n00b.

I'll throw some links out from Amazon as I mention things.


Some of the things already on my list are:
1. Not sure if everyone recommends wool wash mitt over micorfiber here but many people I know do?
http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Genuin...wool+wash+mitt

2. Grit guard and two wash buckets. One for rinse and one for soap/water.

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Genuin...wool+wash+mitt

3. Waffle Weave Drying towel. There are tons of towels out there but this seems to be able to take up a lot of water.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q8DMA0/...I21164SXVV1AWB

4. Car Wash

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IQXFO/...b_recs_2_title


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?

http://www.amazon.com/P21S-12350B-Pa...twork+Cleanser


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.

http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/mercha...y_Code=prokits



I do not have a polisher and would need to get one of those as well but not sure where to start on that front.



Can't wait to see what you guys have tried and recommend.

[MIAdragon]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

Everything about it is awesome.


I guess since we're in a car care thread, I'll mention the dealer showed me a picture of some brake dust covered wheels as a warning to clean them fairly often.... hadn't ever given it a thought, but I guess it's an issue with softer brake pads. I never put much of an effort at all in cleaning the wheels of the Chevy, but after just a few weeks, they were fairly dusty.

Good god you go weeks between cleaning your wheels?! I can't stand dirty wheels I may see 3 days between cleaning. Im going to have mine opti coated the next time I have them apart, will make them easier to clean and longer between cleanings.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

Everything about it is awesome.


I guess since we're in a car care thread, I'll mention the dealer showed me a picture of some brake dust covered wheels as a warning to clean them fairly often.... hadn't ever given it a thought, but I guess it's an issue with softer brake pads. I never put much of an effort at all in cleaning the wheels of the Chevy, but after just a few weeks, they were fairly dusty.

Originally Posted by TrebMaxx

This is the truth. BMW pads are high performance and will shed dust like crazy. As soon as mine are ready for replacement I will be switching from the OEM BMW pads.

Pick up a wheel wax.

The pads on my Speed3 throw off a stupid amount of dust as well. I picked up Chemical Guys wheel wax and it makes regularly washing them a breeze.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

OK, this is as good of a place as any.

I bought a pickup this winter that has a leather interior for the first time. Of course in my profession it is dirty. Any care tips for leather interior?

Originally Posted by lewdog

Perfect spot for this. I've also never owned a car with leather so this is a first for me as well.

There are several products out there.

The thing to remember about leather is that it was once living skin. To keep it from drying out and cracking, you need something that has a moisturizer in it.

Most of the nicer products are usually a two step thing. A cleaner and a moisturizer/protectant.

Stay away from the cheap shit for leather care.

[frankotank]

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?

Thanks

xoxo
Lewdog

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.

pretty late to the party on this one but wtf...
I'm pretty anal about my car. it's badass and I pretty much want it clean as much as possible. I too have detailer and a collection of microfiber towels with me....BUT...even when my car is clean, being a dark blue, if I clean some bird shit off I've made a very noticeable "clean spot". and I just can't have that!
I can literally wash my car, shammy it, drive it two miles home....and it's dusty. so I purchased a california duster from oreillys for about 15 bucks. if your car is clean to begin with, you can dust it off in about 2 minutes with this thing. it's a must have. wipe the shit....dust the car....and SPLADDOW! you won't be caught ridin' dirty.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by frankotank

pretty late to the party on this one but wtf...
I'm pretty anal about my car. it's badass and I pretty much want it clean as much as possible. I too have detailer and a collection of microfiber towels with me....BUT...even when my car is clean, being a dark blue, if I clean some bird shit off I've made a very noticeable "clean spot". and I just can't have that!
I can literally wash my car, shammy it, drive it two miles home....and it's dusty. so I purchased a california duster from oreillys for about 15 bucks. if your car is clean to begin with, you can dust it off in about 2 minutes with this thing. it's a must have. wipe the shit....dust the car....and SPLADDOW! you won't be caught ridin' dirty.

I'm going through all the shit my FIL brought down for the car and found this below. So that's what this is, a duster? You really wanna drag that across a dusty paint surface?

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by KC native

Pick up a wheel wax.

The pads on my Speed3 throw off a stupid amount of dust as well. I picked up Chemical Guys wheel wax and it makes regularly washing them a breeze.

Some just wax their wheels with their paint wax. I'll probably do that a few times a year. I've heard cleaning with ammonia free Windex works well for spot touch-ups.

Originally Posted by KC native

There are several products out there.

The thing to remember about leather is that it was once living skin. To keep it from drying out and cracking, you need something that has a moisturizer in it.

Most of the nicer products are usually a two step thing. A cleaner and a moisturizer/protectant.

Stay away from the cheap shit for leather care.

I'm going with the Chemical guys set for leather car.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TJ3HUG/...0APOR4FS&psc=1

[KC native]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I'm going through all the shit my FIL brought down for the car and found this below. So that's what this is, a duster? You really wanna drag that across a dusty paint surface?

Buy a new one. The one you have is toast.

When they're new, they have a slight charge that attracts dust and keeps it from being dragged across the paint. Once they get full, you have to change them out.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I'm going with the Chemical guys set for leather car.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TJ3HUG/...0APOR4FS&psc=1

I use the conditioner and love it. I haven't needed the cleaner because my car has a minimal amount of leather and I've never allowed it to get dirty.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by KC native

Pick up a wheel wax.

The pads on my Speed3 throw off a stupid amount of dust as well. I picked up Chemical Guys wheel wax and it makes regularly washing them a breeze.

Originally Posted by jerryforeverrice80

just go buy some dust covers for the back of the wheels you can install them yourself or take it to a shop and pay a half hour labor charge.

Thanks for the suggestions... I'll probably try some wheel wax first, and maybe consider covers over the winter when I'll be lazier about cleaning them.

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

Good god you go weeks between cleaning your wheels?! I can't stand dirty wheels I may see 3 days between cleaning. Im going to have mine opti coated the next time I have them apart, will make them easier to clean and longer between cleanings.

Heh, I'd say I don't have time for that shit, but I guess it would only take a few minutes... guess I've never had wheels nice enough to care, but the difference in dust was a bit of an eye opener.

[lewdog]

And I decided against the 3M clear bra stuff. Seems like you are putting something on that protects your paint but will likely cause some issues solely related to looks anyway. Reading reviews it seems like half like it and half don't. Many issues with discoloration to opaque or yellowish after only 1-2 years. I'm worried about that happening in this heat. Still shows rock dings in the film, although it's not your paint I guess, but it's still unsightly whether it's in the paint or the film. Sounds like quite a chore to keep wax buildup out of the edging of film so you don't have a "glowing" car. I'll take my chances instead of spending close to $700 for part of the hood and front bumper, as these are the quotes I'm getting. Might as well save that money to repaint the car if it came down to that after a few years.

[lewdog]

Just got off phone to schedule my window tinting. Lifetime warranty on pealing and bubbles with black limousine tinting on rear window and 35% on side widows for $150. Prices for window tinting were much higher a decade ago. That's awesome!

[Indian Chief]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Some just wax their wheels with their paint wax. I'll probably do that a few times a year.

Don't bother. Wax is unable to withstand the heat from the brakes and the corrosive brake dust. The first drive you take after waxing the wheels will take the wax right off. You need something like a polymer polish, such as Nu Finish. It is better able to withstand the harsh conditions near the wheels, and polymer polish has the advantage of removing some of the oxidation and contaminants from wheels or paint. I personally put a coat of polish on my paint before putting a carnuba wax on top. The polish helps me clean up the paint and gives a layer of protection. The wax gives me depth/shine.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Indian Chief

Don't bother. Wax is unable to withstand the heat from the brakes and the corrosive brake dust. The first drive you take after waxing the wheels will take the wax right off. You need something like a polymer polish, such as Nu Finish. It is better able to withstand the harsh conditions near the wheels, and polymer polish has the advantage of removing some of the oxidation and contaminants from wheels or paint. I personally put a coat of polish on my paint before putting a carnuba wax on top. The polish helps me clean up the paint and gives a layer of protection. The wax gives me depth/shine.

So a synthetic wax, not just a carnuba wax, would work on the wheels?

And yes, seems like even a non-abrasive or mildly abrasive polish before waxing preps the paint the best for a wax, right?

[Indian Chief]

Originally Posted by lewdog

So a synthetic wax, not just a carnuba wax, would work on the wheels?

And yes, seems like even a non-abrasive or mildly abrasive polish before waxing preps the paint the best for a wax, right?

If it's a polymer, then it should work just fine. It's mostly that carnuba isn't particularly tough. It looks like money right after you put it on, but it does't have staying power.

Polishes are great for prepping the paint. And you don't need anything abrasive. By their nature a polymer will clean up some of the paint. If you have the time, I definitely recommend putting polish down before a coat of wax. Keep in mind though, that polish will pretty much take off whatever is on the paint (wax, other coats of polish). So it isn't necessary to do it every time. I usually put polish on every couple of months and in between just wash and occasionally wax.

The other good thing about polish is that it helps buff out those 60 grit sandpaper scratches.

[MIAdragon]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Just got off phone to schedule my window tinting. Lifetime warranty on pealing and bubbles with black limousine tinting on rear window and 35% on side widows for $150. Prices for window tinting were much higher a decade ago. That's awesome!

They are still high, you need to look into the type/brand of tint. The solar rejection and color retention. I can tell you at that price level they quoted you a bottom shelf tint with minimal solar rejection that will turn purple in a year. Get a decent tint, do it once.

IIRC I had a windshield done with a decent ceramic tint last year and paid around 200.