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10-27-2012, 06:30 PM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 324810
Join Date: Jul 2012
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Vehicle:2013 STi DGM |
'13 STi Advice and Questions
Hey guys,
just got my '13 STi sedan and I'm loving it! There's a few things that I need to do to prepare myself for winter and the future life of the car. 1. I live in Chicago, and I am looking for a place that does an excellent job on clearbra applications. I've tried looking around but haven't had any luck finding a place. I need to have this done asap as well before I have one unlucky rock chip in my paint 2. I called my dealership today asking for pricing for a car cover ($80) and the bag ($12) which is ridiculous. Does anyone know of any generic car covers I can buy for a lower price. Halloween is coming and I don't want to take any risks... 3. During that phone call I asked how much it would be to install a set of mudflaps for the STi, when they responded that they don't have that for any year STi and don't do installs of that nature at the dealership. I said that's crazy and asked for the service manager who wasn't there today (saturday), so I will call back and deal with that. 4. Winter is right around the corner in Chicago, and I need a good set of winter performance tires. I am looking at Blizzak LM60s and Dunlop winter sport 3D's once November winter packages come out. So my question is, what is the proper sized tire and wheel specifications are required for my '13 STi? Tirerack says 235/45-17 for the tires. What size wheels would I need? Does this information sound correct? I just want to make sure before spending $800+ dollars for the wrong set of tires and wheels. 5. Someone told me I need to start my rust prevention before the snow starts. Don't know if it's true or what methods to use, but he said something along the lines of oil on the fenders. 6.I'm new to driving manual. I know there is a sticky somewhere that lets people know the proper shift points and gears to be in etc including how to get the best MPG's as well, and if anyone can direct me to that I'd greatly appreciate it 7. Is there a sticky somewhere on detailing care for the car? I'm not really big on waxing or polishing, so I want to start simple. What things do I need to give my baby a safe old fashioned car wash? Thank you guys for taking the time to help and read this wall of text. Any ounce of help is appreciated! -Ronen91 http://i.imgur.com/sVbbx.jpg
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10-27-2012, 09:34 PM | #2 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 63485
Join Date: Jun 2004
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: Austin TX
Vehicle:2011 WRX (retired) 2015 WRX LTD, ice silver |
RE: #7 ---- oh boy there is a lot to learn to wash the black paint correctly. Stay away from any drive-thru car wash. You will need 2 Home Depot buckets and grit guards to start off with...and I will repeat do not go through any drive thru car wash. The high pressure stream by itself will cause endless swirl marks in your paint. Do a lot more digging in this forum and you will understand. But congrats on the car!!
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10-27-2012, 11:57 PM | #3 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 124282
Join Date: Aug 2006
Chapter/Region:
NWIC
Location: 30000 ft
Vehicle:04 WRX Wagon PSM 13 STI Sedan SWP |
2. Unless you want a cover that might do more harm than good, $100 to protect a $35k car is a darn good price. It's probably less than your deductible You should look up the pricing on a California Car Cover.
3. I don't recall seeing any factory mud flap options for the car, so they aren't totally off base by saying they don't offer any. Look into a set of Rally Armor or DRT flaps. 4. That's the WRX tire size (TireRack booboo). The factory STI size is 245/40/18 with 18 x 8.5" wheels. Not all wheels will clear your Brembos (spoke clearance) - be careful. There are lists in other areas on NASIOC that list Brembo-compatible wheels. If you do go with 17's, you'll want a bigger tire than 235/45/17's. Probably 245/45/17's (much closer rollout to the factory size). Enjoy your new car! |
10-28-2012, 12:40 AM | #4 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 332137
Join Date: Sep 2012
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: Northern Virginia
Vehicle:2013 WRX |
I just got my 13 WRX 3 weeks ago and am new to manual too haha. Once I got the basics down (2-3 day) I pretty much learned the rest by just driving around. I hear the STi is a bit harder though since it's a double clutch?
Detailing and keeping clean, I wash my car with the two bucket system and hand waxed with Collinite 845. That is a very good winter sealant/wax. My car is black as well. Also the Turtle Wax Black Box is nice as well. The base STi doesn't come with fogs? odd. |
10-28-2012, 06:47 PM | #5 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 324810
Join Date: Jul 2012
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Vehicle:2013 STi DGM |
Quote:
3. It is true, and I watched the instructions for installing the mudflaps and I'm just scared to do it myself. Still kind of silly they won't even install RA ones for me though. 4. I think I will have to do a bit more research on that subject My car is Dark Gray Metallic not black lol. That's why I got the color because I LOVE black, yet hate the downsides of swirl marks and such. Also, can someone elaborate more on the two-bucket method? -Ronen91 |
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10-28-2012, 07:12 PM | #6 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 332137
Join Date: Sep 2012
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: Northern Virginia
Vehicle:2013 WRX |
Fill one bucket up with soap+water the other bucket with just water. Dip your wash mitt into soap bucket and apply to car. Once you are out of soapy water on the mitt, dip it into the water bucket to rinse dirt off of the mitt. Repeat. This helps to prevent you from washing your car with dirty water.
Also, people like to get grit guards for the buckets. This keeps dirt at the bottom of the buckets and off of your wash mitt. |
10-28-2012, 07:16 PM | #7 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 324810
Join Date: Jul 2012
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Vehicle:2013 STi DGM |
Quote:
I'm probably going to end up at pepboys or autozone. Any recommendation on what mitt to go with, towels to avoid, and type of car wash brand? |
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10-28-2012, 07:25 PM | #8 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 330761
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Charleston, SC
Vehicle:13' STi SWP |
I need to get some grit gaurds and high quality microfiber clothes as well. Two bucket method is the way to go. Especially on a black car.
Congrats on your STi. I would help out more lol but I'm on my phone and don't feel like typing a novel out. Good luck man. |
10-28-2012, 07:36 PM | #9 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 43310
Join Date: Sep 2003
Chapter/Region:
SCIC
Location: LA, California
Vehicle:1978 Brat Silver |
$92 is ridiculous for a car cover? You just spend $35 thousand-ish on the car. A nice car cover should be no big deal.
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10-28-2012, 09:03 PM | #10 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 332561
Join Date: Sep 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Southern NJ/Philly
Vehicle:2015 GTI Autobahn White |
Quote:
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10-29-2012, 05:39 PM | #11 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 324810
Join Date: Jul 2012
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Vehicle:2013 STi DGM |
Lol I thought they ran for $50 or less. I was clearly wrong. I ordered a Subaru cover and bag for $83 from Heuberger Subaru in Colorado, which I asked and said they keep Rally Armor flaps in stock and install them, unlike my dealership.
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10-29-2012, 06:56 PM | #12 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 303231
Join Date: Dec 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: New Hampshire
Vehicle:2008 WRX Dark Metallic Grey |
3. As far as I know, the dealer doesnt do mudflap installs, nor do you need them too. Super easy install. Check out Rallyarmor Urethanes, or DRT's. Theres also some great DIY options(Great meaning you put the effort into making it look good, not just slapping cutting boards on there).
4. Im on the dunlop DWS, and cant complain. However to me, tires are 100% preference once you pass the performance threshold. 5 & 7 : Subaru paint really is not the best. In any detail work for subarus(washing, waxing, ANYTHING) just take EVERY caution. ONLY use clean, noninfested microfiber/brushes, and only the best stuff. Honestly this should be the case with any car youve spent good money on, but regardless. I use mostly meguirs. |
11-01-2012, 10:55 PM | #13 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 324810
Join Date: Jul 2012
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Vehicle:2013 STi DGM |
I did some research on how to wash the car and the results were amazing!
Today, I created a "three" bucket method lol. I also used hot water from inside my house. One for car wash, one for rinsing all the dirt, and another for a second rinse. I ran to about 6 places looking for grit guards, and couldn't find them so I caved in and just went along with it. I also used a sheathing technique that I learned from this video that I strongly recommend everyone should watch! I know I need to wax her before the snow fall comes, but I don't think I'm going to have the time this week! Here's the items I used. Peak Extreme Weave Towel, Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner, and Peak Knobby Wash Mitt, and a final drying chamois. I also am planning on maybe clay barring if I find time. Anyways the car looks great and I will snap some pictures tomorrow. I forgot to pick up rim cleaner, because I was unsure as what to use, but can anyone make some suggestions on what works well on these rims? I'm thinking a simple spiraled wheel brush, but I don't know which cleaners are safe for these rims. They are the base STi rims. My current priorities on the car right now are Rally Armor, and winter tires (waiting for November deals) Any other suggestions? |
11-02-2012, 01:41 AM | #14 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 310938
Join Date: Feb 2012
Chapter/Region:
SCIC
Location: Bakersfield
Vehicle:2013 STi Limited SWP |
Quote:
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11-03-2012, 12:28 AM | #15 |
*** Banned ***
Member#: 336860
Join Date: Nov 2012
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super awesome new subie. My two cents is to pay the extra for the dealership cover because my bro bought a cheap car cover which actually just scratched the car.
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11-07-2012, 11:05 PM | #16 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 324810
Join Date: Jul 2012
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Vehicle:2013 STi DGM |
So I got the car cover in yesterday. And I was wondering what kind of precautions I should take.
I mean I understand the car should be just washed and dried. But do I have to wax the car in order to use the cover so I don't get any scratches? |
11-08-2012, 12:16 AM | #17 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 268328
Join Date: Dec 2010
Chapter/Region:
BAIC
Location: Norcal
Vehicle:2011 2.5i prem pckg SSM |
Super jealous of your sti man. Here's a grit guard that I found online after searching for like two seconds lol. http://www.autobarn.net/gritguard.ht...FUlxQgodAAcAvg
mudflaps-buy them brand does not really matter however you should be able to install themselves as their are numerous install videos and instructions online. Tirerack is usually pretty good for everything-brands,price, availability so I would choose what they recommend but it also doesnt hurt to hear about other people's opinions. Personally Ive only heard good things about blizzak's but their are other options. Rust prevention-Thats debatable, some people dont do anthing while others will rhino-line their entire undercarriage Driving-Theirs some really good video's on youtube. In a nutshell, after a while it will become very natural to you. However I dont know why you would want good mpg's when you bought an Sti haha. Detailing-Keep researching this sub-forum and you will find all the info you need Good luck and enjoy your new suby! |
11-08-2012, 04:16 PM | #18 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 335013
Join Date: Oct 2012
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Location: SL,UT
Vehicle:2013 Premium WRX 5dr WRB |
Why are you afraid of installing the flaps? All you have to do is take a few plastic clips on the bumpers off, then slip the metal bracket RA included in and put the clip back on. Pretty simple and straight forward.
Clear bra installation will be very costy. The dealers usually want $800-$900 for it. If you go to a tint shop or a vinyl shop it will be around $500-$600. If you can do it yourself you will only have to pay for the material (Multiple 3M pre-cut kit on ebay/amazon for $250 or so). |
11-08-2012, 07:33 PM | #19 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 324810
Join Date: Jul 2012
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Vehicle:2013 STi DGM |
Quote:
I'm still looking for an answer to this question though! |
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11-15-2012, 11:04 AM | #20 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 335013
Join Date: Oct 2012
Chapter/Region:
RMIC
Location: SL,UT
Vehicle:2013 Premium WRX 5dr WRB |
Wow that's is pretty cheap!!!! My dealer wanted $950 for just the clear bra installation!!!
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11-15-2012, 11:33 AM | #21 |
*** Banned ***
Member#: 249061
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Scranton
Vehicle:2005 Legacy GT OBP |
Please don't use AutoZone/Advanced Auto/PepBoys products to wash your car. Look into www.adamspolishes.com. You will be amazing what a microfiber towel from them feels like compared to "microfiber" from AutoZone. No comparison.
Otherwise, good luck with the car! |
11-15-2012, 02:52 PM | #22 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 322035
Join Date: Jun 2012
Chapter/Region:
BAIC
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Install the mudflaps yourself? Lol. nice car man i'm jealous O.O
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11-15-2012, 02:58 PM | #23 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 324810
Join Date: Jul 2012
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Vehicle:2013 STi DGM |
Quote:
One thing I can't get right are the suds in the Car wash (meguir's gold class). I am using hot water. I've tried different amounts of water only hot water. I've tried putting it on the mit, before adding water and after. Any suggestions? Also, is the Sonax wheel cleaner worth the $15? I've heard good reviews. |
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11-16-2012, 12:50 PM | #24 |
*** Banned ***
Member#: 249061
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Scranton
Vehicle:2005 Legacy GT OBP |
My suggestion, again, is to go to www.adamspolishes.com. If you don't care much how your car is washed, you'll think their prices are expensive. If you care about truly keeping up on your paint, you wouldn't mind paying a little extra for their stuff. Plus, less is more when it comes to basically anything they sell.
I've never personally used Sonax wheel cleaner. My best results are simply washing wheels with a different mitt but with the same shampoo I was my car with (Adam's Car Wash Shampoo). Hope this helps! PM me if you want to discuss further or need any other suggestions. |
11-16-2012, 01:01 PM | #25 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 332561
Join Date: Sep 2012
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Southern NJ/Philly
Vehicle:2015 GTI Autobahn White |
Sonax is awesome, I have used it on some terrible bad Audi wheels and its amazing how well it has worked. I always have it on hand, but I don't use it all the time. If you stay on top of your washes, a cheap mitt and any car wash in a separate bucket will do. Sonax is great for times of neglect, or if you are lazy and can't scrub anything.
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