let's talk about exterior maintenance - your washing/polishing/waxing routine

[boriskey]

Hi guys,

I know we discussed recently the best wax, but I want to hear tips/opinions from you on the whole washing/exterior maintenance routine.

As I understand we should only use non-abrasive/non-acid products due to "self-healing" paint which makes finding the right product more challenging I think.

The recommended sequence as I learned from very useful Meguiar's Online forum is:

Step 1 WashStep 2 CleanStep 3 PolishStep 4 ProtectStep 5 Maintain

Step 1 is clear to me - use quality shampoo.

Step 2 is not so clear to me. Use clay bar twice a year at least (but is it really safe to apply it to EX paint?).

What about paint cleaner? Is it safe for EX and which one you use if any?

Step 3 - Polish...is it optional step to enhance the look? As I understand most of pure polish products are not abrasive hence safe for EX paint

Step 4 - Wax...I tried NXT Wax spray as it was recommended in other thread and I love how simple and easy it was

Step 5 - Using quick detailers between washes/waxing?

Also since I do not have much time, would you advise any products that cover several steps at once? like paint cleaner/polishing/wax?

[txgcoupe]

http://xspblog.com/2009/12/10/...paint/

[boriskey]

http://xspblog.com/2009/12/10/...paint/

I guess their next project is self wash paint

[EXceptional]

Lots of tips on... http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/

[boriskey]

Lots of tips on... http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/

Thanks, I am very well of aware of that resource, but since EX has "special" paint I was hoping to hear recommendations for this particular car and the products that work best (if you read my post).

And I will probably end up posting my question there if I do not hear anything hear on this subject

[ramprun]

just clean it like normal. you don't even have to worry about acidic product on the paint unless you have wax that say otherwise. just to give you a point of comparison, pure rain water that has not being polluted by industrial air has ph value of 5. this means that every time it rains your car gets washed by slight acidic water.

[boriskey]

just clean it like normal. you don't even have to worry about acidic product on the paint unless you have wax that say otherwise. just to give you a point of comparison, pure rain water that has not being polluted by industrial air has ph value of 5. this means that every time it rains your car gets washed by slight acidic water.

thanks! do you use any paint cleaners between washing and waxing?

[EXceptional]

The "Special" Paint turns into regular Paint after a while.

[ramprun]

i clay my car before putting on the first layer of wax. the wax you put on will have very little impact on the look of your car because your paint is still new. As time goes by, you will see more effect because your paint will accumulate more scratches on the surface and the wax will help fill it. What you should do is only do 1/2 of your hood with wax then compare to the un-waxed portion to see if you spot improvement.

[BrokenTiller]

It's winter. I'll run it through the local car wash in a few months when the roads are clear.

[JCL622]

It's winter. I'll run it through the local car wash in a few months when the roads are clear.

same, until winter is over i just run it thru the car wash, they're pretty careful and for $5 i can have a clean car every week, plus flurries come and stick to my car like a magnet...

[ramprun]

you will need to clean the under your car because of salt built up from winter. it is not a bad idea to go and clean it as soon as the road is clear of snow. just spray plenty of water to make sure you have the salt off your car.

[D.I.E.S.E.L]

i need to find out where you get your carwashed, cause I'm paying $15 over here in Jersey. It runs thru about 45-50 sec more or less then its hand dried if there are any drops left