Hey Guys, I looked through the thread about the best waxes/washes, but I have a slightly different question.

How exactly do you/should you clean your car? As in, what steps would you take if you bought a new car or do you take each spring or whatever?

Step-By-Step: Wash, Dry, Wax? What comes in between? What products (not necessarily specific) do you use at each step?

Thanks

 

Wash, dry, depending if it got dust i use some quick detailer, then I use various steps of rubbing compound, from bigger to fine cut fillers and such, then I go to the wax, another coat of wax, and then Im done. I dont get to detailed because of where I live.

 

I'll have to post a graph when I get home

 

I think I know what you might post LOL..

Ill wait for the graph and ill explain some tips for each step..

 

Here is an article I wrote on how to wax you car. Its maily for waxing but touches a few other things as well.

I realize it appears that the authors name is not me, but we had problems registering my name so it explains who that guy is in the last paragraph

 

I try to wash once a week. So let's say that's 4 times a month.

One time I wax, the other 3 when I am done cleaning the car I will use a spray detailer to help keep some protection on the wax until the next month.

 

 

That's an awesome graph! My car is a 2000 and it's black. However, it doesn't really have any scratches (or dents, thank god) in it. I am unfamiliar with the clay compounds and swirl remover/glaze...are these still necessary?

Also, thanks for the link about how to properly wax!

 

For claying read the article I posted in this thread https://montecarloforum.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=24358

to give further recommendation on swirls etc.. are you going to be using a polisher.. ie dual action(orbital) or rotary buffers.

If you will ill give you some things to point you that direction, if not ill recommend a different direction of products and things to try.

 

I am unsure exactly how to go about it at all. I had no idea there were so many things involved other than washing and waxing. I read through the article, but I'm still confused about whether I should use a clay bar or not. Can you visually see if you need to? Or simply by feeling the car to see if there are any imperfections?