New Car Detailing Advice

[himark1]

We bought a new car last month, and I've already given it a couple of winter-time baths using ONR, and Optimum Instant Detailer and Gloss Enhancer, which leaves a nicely slick finish. Any of you guys have product or other advice - either to do or NOT to do - for caring for a new car? Thanks!

[tw33k2514]

The most important thing to do would be to put a coating or at least a sealant on it.

[himark1]

Ok, thanks --- I've never used a sealer before, so will do some poking around looking at reviews of different options. Will give me something to use that VIP gift cert on....

[ski2]

After washing you should clay the car -- even if new it has picked up contaminants during transport. Then apply a good sealant or wax. Duragloss 105 is reasonably priced and has great durability. For a wax Collinite 845 is highly regarded here, but I don't use it. Get a good quality wash mitt and some high quality microfiber towels.

Read up on proper washing and drying methods, etc Here is a good place to start http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html

[duck_commander]

X2 on the Duragloss and Collinite 845 combo :dblthumb2:

[Stang Man]

After washing you should clay the car -- even if new it has picked up contaminants during transport. Then apply a good sealant or wax. Duragloss 105 is reasonably priced and has great durability. For a wax Collinite 845 is highly regarded here, but I don't use it. Get a good quality wash mitt and some high quality microfiber towels.

Read up on proper washing and drying methods, etc Here is a good place to start http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html

This guy hit the nail on the head.

Use good washing techniques, and hopefully you'll never need to worry about paint correction! :buffing:

[himark1]

Thanks guys --- extremely helpful. Fortunately, my car didn't come with the dealer-installed swirl option, and I got it right off the truck, so no long stays on the lot. I'll get to work in my spare time and post some photos soon.

[glen e]

I have a new car being picked up this week I plan to:
clay
wash with dawn
apply blackfire "total polish and seal" with a green pad
apply blackfire crystal seal

followup after washes with blackfire polymer spray....

[umi000]

Since you're already using their products, might as well get some Opti-Seal, and Optimum Car Wax. Use the Opti-Seal as your base sealant layer, then maintain with OCW after every other wash or so.

[glen e]

So I got the Z4 today and man what a car. the new 4 cyl turbo is amazing - more torque and same hp as old 6 cyl. That's the good news - the bad news is the car definitely needs to be clayed. Took the baggie with me and swept the surface as soon as I got near the car and yep...small bumps like sand. So it needs to be clayed.

No time this weekend so I washed with glossworkz and BF poly sprayed it for now. Now to go drive it to dinner!

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/gersly123/92862674.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/gersly123/36c551fa.jpg

My plan is :
clay
blackfire total polish with griots random orbital and green pad
blackfire crystal seal
black fire poly spray
complete detail in 90 minutes...