new car care

[mashER]

Hi.

I just got a new Mazda3 GT and I'm looking forward to taking great care of it from the start. Got some

Outside:
Vroom microfiber towels from Target
Meguiar's NXT
Mequiar's cleaner wax
mequiar's deep crystal soap
MF was mit
two buckets
Absorber synthetic chamois

Inside:
no streak glass cleaner
Armor all detailer (supposed to be less greasy)
Armor all leather wipes

Any feeback?

I have washed once. This weekend I want to wash again and wax. Do I need to use a cleaner or polish first? The car is brand new. Also, I don't have a buffer. DO I really need one or will buffing by hand work ok for such a new car?



Thanks for your help!!!

mashER

[bryansbestwax]

Armourall is not the best for anything, I suggest you try something differnent like Vinylex. Much better and last a lot longer

[mashER]

Hey thanks

[Bunky]

I would use the Absorber only for blotting and not dragging against the paint. It just is too sticky. Follow up with a large detailing towel (16x24 or larger) to remove the residue water not picked up by the Absorber.

[mashER]

how about a regular chamois? I see that most here love the guzzler. Can those be bought otc?

[Jimmie]

Wash-Clay-Polish-Protect.
You have a lot of options under each of those catagories, but that's a solid master plan to follow.
I'd get the Cobra HD Guzzler from AG.

[mashER]

Thanks Jimmie! Since my car is brand new, do you think a pure polish without any fine abrasives would be ok? I'd hate to take off any clearcoat that I don't need to. As for clay, do you think Mother's kit would be fine?

[jshillin]

Ditch the absorber, get a good waffle weave and lose the armor all as well, 1Z makes some nice interior products such as Cockpit Premium

[Jimmie]

Thanks Jimmie! Since my car is brand new, do you think a pure polish without any fine abrasives would be ok? I'd hate to take off any clearcoat that I don't need to. As for clay, do you think Mother's kit would be fine?

Yes, that's exactly what I would do. Mothers is a fairly mild clay and will be fine. Follow that with a good paint cleaner.
Do you have any swirls in your paint now?

[mashER]

nope.it's in pretty good shape. For protecting the paint, I am leaning toward a sealant for the durability. I was looking at Poorboy's EX but it seems designed for mechanical application. Got a hand applied recommendation that will last and not break the bank?

[Jimmie]

nope.it's in pretty good shape. For protecting the paint, I am leaning toward a sealant for the durability. I was looking at Poorboy's EX but it seems designed for mechanical application. Got a hand applied recommendation that will last and not break the bank?

A lot is personal preference. I use DP but I saw WG used at DF III. It's also impressive.