Cleaning a Brand New Car for the First time?

[25rsti]

I'd like to get your opinions/suggestions and guidance with this.

I've always tried cleaning our cars correctly. 2 bucket method and clean products.

This is our first brand new Subaru and really want to minimize swirls and any defects.

Advise and tips are greatly appreciated!

TIA.

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[brendan114]

Originally Posted by 25rsti

I'd like to get your opinions/suggestions and guidance with this.

I've always tried cleaning our cars correctly. 2 bucket method and clean products.

This is our first brand new Subaru and really want to minimize swirls and any defects.

Advise and tips are greatly appreciated!

TIA.

Use grit guards with your two bucket system if you don't do that already, and grab a third bucket for your wheels only. Also when washing start from the top of the vehicle and do the bottom parts last and rub the wash mitt against the grit guard so all dirt picked up falls beneath it. Also when drying the vehicle you should use a air blower to try and blow majority of water off vehicle before using microweavel towel and use a seperate towel for the wheels. When using towel you should try and blotch dry it (not drag it). This should drastically minimize chances of causing swirls or defects.

[25rsti]

Awesome! That sounds like a good start.

[WRBluRex]

Imformation above would be correct when it comes to washing. Just to add to it you would want to make sure you protect your vehicle with either a wax or sealant. There is tons of different LSP (last step products) out there that you can look at. If you are looking for something that will last a long time (4-6months) and can be picked up locally i would recommend Collinite (either 845,476 or 915). You can usually see 1 if not all 3 at your local advance or autozone.

[25rsti]

Can I use these products by hand? I don't have a good buffing wheel.

We get a good amount of snow and tons of salt around here in the winter months and want to protect it as much as possible.

[brendan114]

Originally Posted by 25rsti

Can I use these products by hand? I don't have a good buffing wheel.

We get a good amount of snow and tons of salt around here in the winter months and want to protect it as much as possible.

Yes, you can apply those products by hand which works just as good. You want to put a layer of sealant on the vehicle first. To apply it you want to use as little as possible and stretch the sealant very thin. It would be ideal to let it cure for at least a hour to a day. Same goes with the wax

[WRBluRex]

Waxes and sealant can all be applied by hand.A long lasting sealant needs to stay indoors and out of water for atleast 12-24 hours to properly cure. Wax on the other hand can get wet right after application. The collinite 845,476,915 are all waxes. Only thing i recommend is use very little or else when you go to remove it your arms will want to fall off. Any extra is just wasted anyways. I think we were all guilty of using to much wax because we figured the more the better but its not the case.

[walshie33]

Originally Posted by WRBluRex

Waxes and sealant can all be applied by hand.A long lasting sealant needs to stay indoors and out of water for atleast 12-24 hours to properly cure. Wax on the other hand can get wet right after application. The collinite 845,476,915 are all waxes. Only thing i recommend is use very little or else when you go to remove it your arms will want to fall off. Any extra is just wasted anyways. I think we were all guilty of using to much wax because we figured the more the better but its not the case.

I recommend this.

[morganfreeman]

use sandpaper to get if that final shine

[25rsti]

Noobscammer?

[erinender987]

Salt around here in this cold months and want to protect it as much as possible..This post really awesome . carry on *******








generic printer ink

[hiandrew1]

I just picked up a brand new WRX myself....do we need to take a clay bar to it to remove "factory wax", or can we just put a new coat of carnauba on? Do we really need sealant? I live in California and my car won't get thrashed by the elements much.

[hiandrew1]

Sorry, I read that wrong....wax OR sealant.

[Gott-Wagons?]

Originally Posted by hiandrew1

I just picked up a brand new WRX myself....do we need to take a clay bar to it to remove "factory wax", or can we just put a new coat of carnauba on? Do we really need sealant? I live in California and my car won't get thrashed by the elements much.

Remember the sun is an element your paint has to constantly deal with as well

[dsn112]

Originally Posted by hiandrew1

I just picked up a brand new WRX myself....do we need to take a clay bar to it to remove "factory wax", or can we just put a new coat of carnauba on? Do we really need sealant? I live in California and my car won't get thrashed by the elements much.

Clay removes contaminants in the paint. Your car was shipped from Japan. No telling what kind of things it was exposed to between the factory and you. I just clayed the entire car(actually nanoscrub) when I did my first wash on Saturday

[525iEnjoy]

Buy a drying towel
Buy good soap
Buy Micrfiber towels
Buy Detail Spray ( I use the pink one)
Buy 2 buckets one for car and one for rims and dirty places


I use Chemical guys Maxx suds or the Citrus, followed buy a rinse then while car is still wet I use the clay along with a little detail spray then dry! I have elbow issues so I use a portal cable a run 1 pass of Orange swirl and haze then 1 coat of Carnuba 3x. My GF just picked up a brand new Rosso red fiat and I can see imperfections already!

I dont waste water with 2 bucket. Just use a grit gard. Also Samsclub..costco usual has a good deal on pressure washers.

[25rsti]

Stupid Hurricane Sandy blew our garbage can into the rear bumper

[lmitchell255]

Helpful thread. Thanks!

[ryphlex]

Here is a video I show a lot of my friends. His methods may be over the top but they are good nonetheless... well, if you have time. I personally do his method and it's always a great feeling to have a black car looking spotless.

Until 5 seconds after where California dust coats the car again ):

Audi R8 BLACKBIRD: Basic Car Wash Techniques - DRIVE CLEAN - YouTube

Audi R8 BLACKBIRD: Basic Car Wash Techniques - DRIVE CLEAN - YouTube

[25rsti]

Great video, thanks!

[ryphlex]

This is another good one I forgot to mention:

Top Ten Detailing Mistakes - DRIVE CLEAN - YouTube

Top Ten Detailing Mistakes - DRIVE CLEAN - YouTube

[rdejesus486]

nice.

[dsn112]

First video is exactly what I do. Never saw his videos, but he is good for sure

[Kean]

Originally Posted by ryphlex

Here is a video I show a lot of my friends. His methods may be over the top but they are good nonetheless... well, if you have time. I personally do his method and it's always a great feeling to have a black car looking spotless.

Until 5 seconds after where California dust coats the car again ):

....good video. I know someone who uses a similar foam gun/wool mitt method but even more involved than what you see here.

I find a lot of detailing processes can involve some level of compromise. The fact is that individual scenarios are not necessarily the same. The cool thing is that you don't need to follow an example (like the video) to the letter to benefit from what the author is trying to teach. My own regimen is made up of several other processes I have learned from others over the years along with my own personal tweaking.

Back to the video.... One point I don't agree with is his recommendation (for those without compressed air) to go for a short drive to dislodge water from crevices before using a "clean, dry towel" to mop up the excess water. Dust from the road can and will settle on the surface of the vehicle and mix with any water that leaks out during your drive. I would have added the suggestion to use a waterless or rinseless product (or at least a QD) on those areas that you wipe down when using this method (just as he mentioned for his drying step). This will help add lubricity and mitigate the risk of marring from any debris. ....he may have meant this to be implied but I thought it should be clarified.

[subiesport123]

I work as a detailer and all I must say is that for the exterior make sure you use a paint sealant to keep the paint looking brand new for many years.