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.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Miles

Didn’t you get rid of the black car problem?

I still have black as a daily driver. Bought a sports car 18 months ago that is silver and has the protective film on the front end. Maybe washed once since owning it.

I did get rid of that black car!

New car is machine grey metallic and it’s got a ceramic coat on it.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by eDave

Is that from the bar of soap I gave you?

No. That's a clay bar kit which I did use a few times on my other cars.

[HC_Chief]

Does the ceramic coat help w/ black cars often looking dirty, or nah? I'm thinking about picking up a new ride in all black, but if I constantly have to wash it, even with ceramic coat, I'll skip that color and go with lower maintenance.

Reason I ask about ceramic coat is I got it applied to my green-painted vehicle and man, does it make it look amazing! No buff marks, super shiny, and looks clean all of the time. Black ain't green

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by HC_Chief

Does the ceramic coat help w/ black cars often looking dirty, or nah? I'm thinking about picking up a new ride in all black, but if I constantly have to wash it, even with ceramic coat, I'll skip that color and go with lower maintenance.

Reason I ask about ceramic coat is I got it applied to my green-painted vehicle and man, does it make it look amazing! No buff marks, super shiny, and looks clean all of the time. Black ain't green

Just my experience but flat black paint just shows EVERYTHING, even the dust. If it's got some metallic properties it's not as noticeable and the ceramic coating makes things less prone to stick to the paint, unlike a true wax which actually attracts things like dust to stick to it.

In Phoenix is just always dusty between pollen and actual dust, so if my car sits at work for a few days it's noticeably dusty up close. But with the ceramic coating it does appear very shiny and cleaner unless you are right next to the car to see the layer of dust.

[Jewish Rabbi]

Lew since everyone knows you get a ton of ass, what is the best way to get jizz stains out of the back seat? Thanks in advance.

[lewdog]

Also, this is my favorite interior detailing cleaner/protectant (And I've tried a lot!).

Goes on easy and even if you're heavy handed with it, it dries to a nice satin finish no matter what. It can be applied to all interior surfaces, outside of leather car seats, even your infotainment screen and it dries perfectly without having to buff anything off.

[Peter Gibbons]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I did get rid of that black car!

New car is machine grey metallic and it’s got a ceramic coat on it.

What coating did you use? These days I am partial to GTechniq CSl or Gyeon Synchro but I’ve also used several Kamikaze coatings in the past as well. I’m always on the lookout for my next favorite coating.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Also, this is my favorite interior detailing cleaner/protectant (And I've tried a lot!).

Goes on easy and even if you're heavy handed with it, it dries to a nice satin finish no matter what. It can be applied to all interior surfaces, outside of leather car seats, even your infotainment screen and it dries perfectly without having to buff anything off.

Doesn't streak on shiny stuff eh? I may have to try this. I've always been a Lexol guy, but I'm willing to try something else because I DO have to buff the Lexol from shiny things. It's especially frustrating in my wife's car because it has a big screen and piano black everywhere.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by loochy

Doesn't streak on shiny stuff eh? I may have to try this. I've always been a Lexol guy, but I'm willing to try something else because I DO have to buff the Lexol from shiny things. It's especially frustrating in my wife's car because it has a big screen and piano black everywhere.

Both our cars now have the big screens and piano black interior throughout. This stuff is awesome. Give it a shot, I think you'll be impressed. I ALWAYS had to buff to get streaks off with literally dozens of other products.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Peter Gibbons

What coating did you use? These days I am partial to GTechniq CSl or Gyeon Synchro but I’ve also used several Kamikaze coatings in the past as well. I’m always on the lookout for my next favorite coating.

CQuartz

[lewdog]

Need recommendation for best soaps for a foam cannon.

[Curé]

sweet looking ride. so jelly.

i had a grey car once. maybe gray. i'm definitely going with something other than black after my current ride drives off into the sunset and i really liked the gray (grey).

[Peter Gibbons]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Need recommendation for best soaps for a foam cannon.

I alternate between Adams Mega Foam or Gtechniq W4 citrus foam. It seems to me that the G4 perhaps cleans a bit better but the Adams is more stable and easier to rinse. I’ve also used Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam and it’s not bad either. It may the most economical choice along with Meguiars Gold Class.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Curé

sweet looking ride. so jelly.

i had a grey car once. maybe gray. i'm definitely going with something other than black after my current ride drives off into the sunset and i really liked the gray (grey).

I love this machine grey metallic so much. Took my months to find it in the trim package I wanted. So far seems to really shine, even when it's dusty, which is the biggest complaint for car owners in Phoenix. Seems like scratches also don't show up on paint as much if there's a metallic component to them.

Originally Posted by Peter Gibbons

I alternate between Adams Mega Foam or Gtechniq W4 citrus foam. It seems to me that the G4 perhaps cleans a bit better but the Adams is more stable and easier to rinse. I’ve also used Chemical Guys Honeydew Snow Foam and it’s not bad either. It may the most economical choice along with Meguiars Gold Class.

What about chemical guys pink soap? I seem some good reviews on that.

With the foam gun are you still using a wash mitt, or can you get most off with a full soap and hard rinse?

[lewdog]

I love the interior of this car too but the piano black trim by the center console and window controls scratches so easy. I also use a really thick window visor for this car as the all black interior can get hot and I've yet to have this through a full Phoenix summer yet. I need to find some covered parking I think as my work doesn't have any!





Looking at trying Turtle Wax Inside job next. Does four jobs in one – cleans, conditions, deodorizes and protects interior surfaces. Says you can use it over every surface, including car mats. State-of-the-art ceramic and graphene formula delivers long-lasting protection and conditions leather and plastics with aloe vera and natural oils.

https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-Hy...s%2C215&sr=8-2

https://www.turtlewax.com/products/h...ene-inside-job