Home and Auto Car Care and Detailing Thread

**lewdog** · 03-07-2015, 10:44 PM

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.

Bewbies · 03-07-2015, 10:50 PM

I like Griot's Garage stuff, and if you want to learn on YouTube there's a show Drive/Clean that's good, and The Chemical Guys have good stuff too.

Miles · 03-07-2015, 10:53 PM

You do have to wash a black car a little more often but depending on your eye for detail its all of the micro-scratches they get that are visible with that color that will drive you crazy. If the car was a perfectly cared for as it seems you will notice everything.

stonedstooge · 03-07-2015, 10:54 PM

Man, I buy whatever is on discount that is made specifically for black cars. Getting ready to get the convertible out next week. w00t BABY

Miles · 03-07-2015, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bewbies

I like Griot's Garage stuff, and if you want to learn on YouTube there's a show Drive/Clean that's good, and The Chemical Guys have good stuff too.

Dude from /Drive Clean is great and picked up a lot of tips from those. Another good one is Mike Phillips but tend to be a better reference when you are looking for something specific.

**TinyEvel** · 03-07-2015, 10:57 PM

What's the collective opinion on Armor-All? I've heard that it's bad, that once you use it you have to keep using it to make your stuff look clean/shiny. Thoughts?

Miles · 03-07-2015, 10:58 PM

http://www.autogeek.net/ is easily my go to place. They have a lot of product info on their site and customer service is great. Whenever you order from them don't forget to add a free sample. They have somewhere on there that there is an order cost threshold but if you select on they will give it to you.

**lewdog** · 03-07-2015, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles

You do have to wash a black car a little more often but depending on your eye for detail its all of the micro-scratches they get that are visible with that color that will drive you crazy. If the car was a perfectly cared for as it seems you will notice everything.

Yes I realize it's not going to always be pristine but it looks like there are some things you can do to minimize the swirls and things you can do to treat them. I've visited multiple sites but there are tons of products out there. Autogeek has tons of stuff and I've ordered basic things from them in the past, but sifting through that site as I expand things I'll need for this car is providing challenging.

That's why I was trying to find a company that sells a package deal for products that others say work well.

Miles · 03-07-2015, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TinyEvel

What's the collective opinion on Armor-All? I've heard that it's bad, that once you use it you have to keep using it to make your stuff look clean/shiny. Thoughts?

The old school stuff is awful (not to mention the shiny look) and actually makes stuff stuff wear worse.

Have used 303 Aerospace Protectant for years and it is really great stuff and lasts a long time. Ace Hardware used to randomly carry it but easier online.

**TribalElder** · 03-07-2015, 11:05 PM

Just purchase an unlimited pass to a full service car wash lol 'Murica!

**lewdog** · 03-07-2015, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bewbies

I like Griot's Garage stuff, and if you want to learn on YouTube there's a show Drive/Clean that's good, and The Chemical Guys have good stuff too.

Looks like good stuff as well.

I'm in need of a polisher and their car care packages look decent.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...Picks&refType=

**lewdog** · 03-07-2015, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TribalElder

Just purchase an unlimited pass to a full service car wash lol 'Murica!

AND LET THOSE ****ING PLACES TOUCH MY PAINT WITH THEIR ****ING BIG ASS CARWASH EQUIPMENT FOLLOWED BY A DRY-OFF FROM A KID WITH A DIRTY ****ING TOWEL!?!?!?!?

NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

Miles · 03-07-2015, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewdog

Yes I realize it's not going to always be pristine but it looks like there are some things you can do to minimize the swirls and things you can do to treat them. I've visited multiple sites but there are tons of products out there. Autogeek has tons of stuff and I've ordered basic things from them in the past, but sifting through that site as I expand things I'll need for this car is providing challenging.

That's why I was trying to find a company that sells a package deal for products that others say work well.

Agreed with you take on just minimizing swirls and stuff. Also have a black car and if you want to keep it perfect you will just drive yourself crazy.

Autogeeks site kind of has too much stuff going on its a overwhelming. Once you get more familiar with types of products is a little more manageable. Have had good luck with their Blackfire and Wolfgang offerings that are meant to be easier to use for us weekenders.

A package deal can be a nice way to get started but they can have stuff you wont use very often or at all.

Miles · 03-07-2015, 11:21 PM

Since it is already in nice shape maybe start with washing. Two bucket method like you said with grit guards. The orange 5 gallon ones from home depot work well if you don't already have some laying around. Use only really good microfiber towels to dry and make sure you got all of the dirt off before drying (I miss spots all the time).

This may be a good watch. Some of the more detailed stuff might get tossed out the window for a daily driver but this guy is really good. Well worth your time to watch his videos are on more general topics like this which give a nice baseline.

Brock · 03-07-2015, 11:25 PM

I use a sponge for washing and a urethane squeegee for drying.

03-07-2015, 10:44 PM
lewdog Mod Team Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Valley of the hot as **** Casino cash: $1941900	Car Care and Detailing Thread 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.
Posts: 45,566

03-07-2015, 10:50 PM	#2
Bewbies Ith Fuhtbawl Time Join Date: Apr 2010 Casino cash: $9999900	I like Griot's Garage stuff, and if you want to learn on YouTube there's a show Drive/Clean that's good, and The Chemical Guys have good stuff too.
Posts: 10,085

03-07-2015, 10:53 PM	#3
Miles MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $1702400	You do have to wash a black car a little more often but depending on your eye for detail its all of the micro-scratches they get that are visible with that color that will drive you crazy. If the car was a perfectly cared for as it seems you will notice everything.
Posts: 14,520

03-07-2015, 10:54 PM	#4
stonedstooge Arf! Arf! Arf! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: North Casino cash: $6094173	Man, I buy whatever is on discount that is made specifically for black cars. Getting ready to get the convertible out next week. w00t BABY __________________ 2013 ADOPT A CHIEF Eric Kush "Often is a word I seldom use"--JP
Posts: 25,283

03-07-2015, 10:57 PM	#6
TinyEvel Just a li'l Evel Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bald. Goatee. Jorts. Casino cash: $5447131	What's the collective opinion on Armor-All? I've heard that it's bad, that once you use it you have to keep using it to make your stuff look clean/shiny. Thoughts?
Posts: 11,807

03-07-2015, 10:58 PM	#7
Miles MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $1702400	http://www.autogeek.net/ is easily my go to place. They have a lot of product info on their site and customer service is great. Whenever you order from them don't forget to add a free sample. They have somewhere on there that there is an order cost threshold but if you select on they will give it to you.
Posts: 14,520

03-07-2015, 11:05 PM	#10
TribalElder Arrowhead Trail of Tears Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: KansasCity Casino cash: $2440441	Just purchase an unlimited pass to a full service car wash lol 'Murica!
Posts: 29,115

03-07-2015, 11:21 PM	#14
Miles MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $1702400	Since it is already in nice shape maybe start with washing. Two bucket method like you said with grit guards. The orange 5 gallon ones from home depot work well if you don't already have some laying around. Use only really good microfiber towels to dry and make sure you got all of the dirt off before drying (I miss spots all the time). This may be a good watch. Some of the more detailed stuff might get tossed out the window for a daily driver but this guy is really good. Well worth your time to watch his videos are on more general topics like this which give a nice baseline.
Posts: 14,520

03-07-2015, 11:25 PM	#15
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	I use a sponge for washing and a urethane squeegee for drying.
Posts: 47,314