Teach Me How To Take Care of my First Car

[TheAverageMan]

My first topic post here on AutoGeek. Hello everyone, and thank you for the amazing site. So much information on here to read, especially the guides.

So quick information on my goals and background.
I am a fresh college graduate, with a new car that I spent a ton of time researching. A white 2015 Honda Fit EX. It isn't a sports car, but it is my first car.

Anyways, I want to take good care of it, wash it properly, wax it, make it shiny. I want this car to last me 10+ years, since I am quite frugal.

So my goals.

I want to maintain my cars outside exterior shine and interior.
I want to buy bulk, and not have to buy much else for like two years.
I want to save water, due to the brutal drought here in California. (I'm in the Bay Area)
I want to be able to wash in less than 2 hours and maintain my car, almost indefinitely (Optimistic lol)
I want to spend my money with the long term in mind (Quality over Quantity).


The products I researched and ordered from Autogeek are being chosen with that goal in mind.

I ordered the following, which should arrive on Friday next week.
D114 Rinse Free Express wash
D156 Synthetic X-Press Spray Wax
D155 Last Touch

That's all I got from Autogeek. I plan to buy the following somewhere else (depending on your advice).

Nanoskin Fine Sponge
Spray bottles, probably Spray Master or HDX bottles from Home Depot
Costco 36ct Microfiber towels (I'm still on the fence on this)
Wal-Mart 5 gallon bucket (Not sure if necessary)


With all of that, this will be my plan for how to care for my car, in terms of wash method.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cICbdJocUI4

Mike did a video there, and he uses a method that I see as quite practical for my goals.
Which is he uses a spray bottle loaded up with D114.
Sprays onto a panel, wipes off with MF.
Dry/buff with a clean towel
Next section.

That's the method I plan to use, and I plan to follow up with the D156 Spray wax.

I plan to wash every two weeks, or once a month.

In between those washes, I plan to use D155 as needed, like when my car gets a bit dirty.

So quick Schedule. What is the best schedule for my goals?
Week 1 - D114 wash, D156 Wax
Week 2,3,4 - D155 Detailer as needed
OR
Week 1 - D114 Wash, D156 Wax
Week 2 - D155 Detailer as needed
Week 3 - D114 Wash, D156 Wax
Week 4 - D155 Detailer as needed

I am also considering buying a D115 (Quite expensive).
Week 1 - D114 Wash, D156 Wax
Week 2 - D155 Detailer as needed
Week 3 - D115 Wash and Wax
Week 4 - D155 Detailer as needed

As for the Nanoskin Fine Sponge, I plan to do that every 3 months, using D155 1:2 as a lubricant.

So now for the questions. Answer if you can, I'm like a sponge, teach me, give me tips, anything.


Is my D114 Wash, D156 Wax, D155 Detailer combination a good place to start?
Should I use the Nanoskin every 3 months? More or Less? (I definitley plan to use it when I get everything in)
Do I wax too often if I do it every 2 weeks? Every 4 weeks?
Is D155 good for in between washes?
What other products would you recommend for me to purchase?
Any other things you guys would like to add or tip?



I must say, before buying a car, I had no idea how huge the "Car detailing world" was. I gotta admit, that when I see a clean car out on the streets, I now think "I wonder what he used? What method? What product?"

One day, I plan to get into the more intermediate stuff like using a dual action, polish, and all that, but I'm just looking for whether this is a good place to start.

Thank you for reading, please do let me know what I can change or improve or add and all.

[TheAverageMan]

My first topic post here on AutoGeek. Hello everyone, and thank you for the amazing site. So much information on here to read, especially the guides.

So quick information on my goals and background.
I am a fresh college graduate, with a new car that I spent a ton of time researching. A white 2015 Honda Fit EX. It isn't a sports car or anything to brag about, but it is my first car.

Anyways, I want to take good care of it, wash it properly, wax it, make it shiny. I want this car to last me 10+ years, since I am quite frugal.

So my goals.

I want to maintain my cars outside exterior shine and interior.
I want to buy bulk, and not have to buy much else for like two years.
I want to save water, due to the brutal drought here in California. (I'm in the Bay Area)
I want to be able to wash in less than 2 hours and maintain my car, almost indefinitely (Optimistic lol)
I want to spend my money with the long term in mind (Quality over Quantity).


The products I researched and ordered from Autogeek are being chosen with that goal in mind.

I ordered the following, which should arrive on Friday next week.
D114 Rinse Free Express wash
D156 Synthetic X-Press Spray Wax
D155 Last Touch

That's all I got from Autogeek. I plan to buy the following somewhere else (depending on your advice).


Nanoskin Fine Sponge
Spray bottles, probably Spray Master or HDX bottles from Home Depot
Costco 36ct Microfiber towels (I'm still on the fence on this)
Ultra Deluxe 600gm "Chinchilla" Microfiber Towel 16x16 x6
Chemical Guys MIC50612 Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold - 16 in. x 16 in. (Pack of 12)
THE RAG COMPANY 16" x 16" Premium Window & Glass Professional


With all of that, this will be my plan for how to care for my car, in terms of wash method.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cICbdJocUI4

Mike did a video there, and he uses a method that I see as quite practical for my goals.
Which is he uses a spray bottle loaded up with D114.
Sprays onto a panel, wipes off with MF.
Dry/buff with a clean towel
Next section, new towel.

That's the method I plan to use, and I plan to follow up with the D156 Spray wax.

I plan to wash every two weeks, or once a month.

In between those washes, I plan to use D155 as needed, like when my car gets a bit dirty.

So quick Schedule. What is the best schedule for my goals?
Week 1 - D114 wash, D156 Wax
Week 2,3,4 - D155 Detailer as needed
OR
Week 1 - D114 Wash, D156 Wax
Week 2 - D155 Detailer as needed
Week 3 - D114 Wash, D156 Wax
Week 4 - D155 Detailer as needed

I am also considering buying a D115 (Quite expensive).
Week 1 - D114 Wash, D156 Wax
Week 2 - D155 Detailer as needed
Week 3 - D115 Wash and Wax
Week 4 - D155 Detailer as needed

As for the Nanoskin Fine Sponge, I plan to do that every 3 months, using D155 1:2 as a lubricant.

So now for the questions. Answer if you can, I'm like a sponge, teach me, give me tips, anything.


Is my D114 Wash, D156 Wax, D155 Detailer combination a good place to start?
Should I use the Nanoskin every 3 months? More or Less? (I definitley plan to use it when I get everything in)
Do I wax too often if I do it every 2 weeks? Every 4 weeks?
Is D155 good for in between washes?
What other products would you recommend for me to purchase?
Any other things you guys would like to add or tip?
What microfibers should I get that I listed? Should I get all of them? Would the 12 Chemical Guys towels do the job? Would the Chinchillas be worth the price? Is a dedicated glass/window towel like the one I listed necessary?



I must say, before buying a car, I had no idea how huge the "Car detailing world" was. I gotta admit, that when I see a clean car out on the streets, I now think "I wonder what he used? What method? What product?"

One day, I plan to get into the more intermediate stuff like using a dual action, polish, and all that, but I'm just looking for whether this is a good place to start.

Thank you for reading, please do let me know what I can change or improve or add and all.

[Mantilgh]

Doesn't sound to bad, but I'm no pro.

I'd say you would be fine without the spray detailer unless the car is garaged most of the time or if you are going to use it very frequently. It's more for light dusting, I believe.

Most may say just D114 once a week. Also, you can probably spray D156 in between wipe off of D114 and the buff. This will save you a step, and don't think two hours is unreasonable depending on how anal you are.

Believe most would say 6 months for claying.

And coating anything and everything will make cleaning it easier.

[FUNX650]

•IMO...
-No need for D155 in the regimen you've outlined.

•D114:
-Diluted to the recommended ratios will suit all of
your needs for RWs, WWs, Detail Sprays, Clay-lubes.

•Use D156:
-As you deem it's needed to spruce-up the vehicle.

•Unless your vehicle is exposed quite often
to a high level of contaminates:
1. Claying/Nanoskinning every three months, or so,
may be excessive or unnecessary.
2. I always, at the very least, use a light polish
after Claying (Nanoskin, in your example).
(Note: You may want to consider doing the same)
3. Meguiar's M205, for example, is one such Polish


Bob

[TheAverageMan]

•IMO...
-No need for D155 in the regimen you've outlined.

•D114:
-Diluted to the recommended ratios will suit all of
your needs for RWs, WWs, Detail Sprays, Clay-lubes.

•Use D156:
-As you deem it's needed to spruce-up the vehicle.

•Unless your vehicle is exposed quite often
to a high level of contaminates:
1. Claying/Nanoskinning every three months, or so,
may be excessive or unnecessary.
2. I always, at the very least, use a light polish
after Claying (Nanoskin, in your example).
(Note: You may want to consider doing the same)
3. Meguiar's M205, for example, is one such Polish


Bob

Thank you for the reply Bob. Would you happen to have a link to the dilution ratios for D114? I've run into this following post before.


Michael Stoops View Post
Thanks for the positive and very in depth review of this new product of ours!

We want to address a couple of things, though:

Regarding dilution ratio, we are going to be clarifying this in our new catalog and upcoming tech bulletin to reflect 128:1 dilution (1 oz per gallon) for heavy duty cleaning and 256:1 (1 oz per two gallons) for more routine cleaning. What we see in these images would be classed as more "routine" cleaning so the lower dilution ratio would have sufficed. We apologize for the oversight on the current label.

We're glad you noticed and commented on the very easy wipe off/drying of the product - that's something we really shot for and found to be superior to most similar products on the market. We intentionally left out the addition of any polymers or other protection here because we know a lot of mobile guys are moving toward this sort of wash system and don't want any poylmers, etc "getting in the way" of the correction steps they plan on doing as part of their service. D114 will allow them to thoroughly and quickly clean the vehicle prior to pulling out the DA or rotary, and not leave anything behind that might in any way hamper their initial correction steps.

As some of you might suspect, our consumer line Ultimate Wash & Wax Anywhere is closely related to D114 with the obvious exceptions of it being a spray on product (and therefore not suitable for cleaning a vehicle quite as dirty as you would clean with a "rinseless" product like D114) plus UWWA offers some pretty durable polymer protection that D114 is lacking - for the reasons stated above.

Those of you looking to use D114 as a clay lube or QD mist & wipe type product will, we suspect, start experimenting with it as such (as you guys are prone to experiment with all sorts of things, which we actually applaud!) but we haven't set in stone any dilution ratios for those processes as of yet.

[Mask]

D114 is good stuff :)

[TheAverageMan]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/90448-teach-me-how-take-care-my-first-car.html#post1237872

Thank you for the reply. I made an expanded thread in that link. I went into further detail about Microfibers.


Costco 36ct Microfiber towels (I'm still on the fence on this)
Ultra Deluxe 600gm "Chinchilla" Microfiber Towel 16x16 x6
Chemical Guys MIC50612 Professional Grade Premium Microfiber Towels, Gold - 16 in. x 16 in. (Pack of 12)
THE RAG COMPANY 16" x 16" Premium Window & Glass Professional

What microfibers should I get that I listed? Should I get all of them? Would the 12 Chemical Guys towels do the job? Would the Chinchillas be worth the price? Is a dedicated glass/window towel like the one I listed necessary?
What would be your input on the MF?

The car is garaged every night, but it is my daily driver. I also plan to wash it inside the garage.

You said I can spray D156 in between the wipe down and buff, would that mean that if I wash the car inside my garage with D114, am I able to do the following?

Spray down entire car with D114.
Wipe everything down with multiple MFs. (No buff yet)
Go around and spray everything with D156, while buffing off.

[FUNX650]

Thank you for the reply Bob. Would you happen to have a link to the dilution ratios for D114?
Per the below following Michael Stoops postings...

These are the D114 dilution ratios I so far have used:

• @1:256 ratio for lightly soiled panels...

• @1:192 ratio for medially soiled panels...

• @1:128 ratio for the most heavily soiled panels...

• @1:15 ratio for a "panel wipe"

• @1:4-6 ratio for a "Wax-stripper"


Hope this helps.


Bob
______________________________________________

Originally Posted by Michael Stoops
[Quote]:
"We recommend D114 as a rinseless wash with a dilution ratio of 1 ounce to two gallons of water.

If you're going to use it as a waterless wash you should at least double that ratio (1 ounce per gallon).

As a clay lube, the standard dilution ratio works quite well."[Unquote]
_____________________________________________

Originally Posted by jvs1991
Mike,

Will the 15:1 dilution affect wax? I know in one thread about d114 you mentioned in a strong enough dilution it could strip wax. I have been using it at 1oz to 31oz of water in a sprayer to remove bird bombs, clean wheels, and remove compounding residue for a while now but was just wondering if you guys have a recommended dilution to help aid in wax removal?

[Quote:]
At a very strong dilution ratio,
yes, it can strip wax. But we're talking like 4:1 or thereabouts.

We recommend 256:1 dilution ratio for rinseless washing (128:1 for really dirty cars) so you probably don't need the 31:1 ratio you're using for bird bombs and wheel cleaning.

15:1 will remove residual compound and polish residue but those are much easier to remove than waxes and sealants.
[Unquote]

Michael Stoops
Internet Technical Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.
(800) 854-8073 xt 3875
mstoops@meguiars.com

[TheAverageMan]

Per the below following Michael Stoops postings...

These are the D114 dilution ratios I so far have used:

• @1:256 ratio for lightly soiled panels...

• @1:192 ratio for medially soiled panels...

• @1:128 ratio for the most heavily soiled panels...

• @1:15 ratio for a "panel wipe"

• @1:4-6 ratio for a "Wax-stripper"


Hope this helps.


Bob
______________________________________________

Originally Posted by Michael Stoops
[Quote]:
"We recommend D114 as a rinseless wash with a dilution ratio of 1 ounce to two gallons of water.

If you're going to use it as a waterless wash you should at least double that ratio (1 ounce per gallon).

As a clay lube, the standard dilution ratio works quite well."
_____________________________________________

Originally Posted by jvs1991
Mike,

Will the 15:1 dilution affect wax? I know in one thread about d114 you mentioned in a strong enough dilution it could strip wax. I have been using it at 1oz to 31oz of water in a sprayer to remove bird bombs, clean wheels, and remove compounding residue for a while now but was just wondering if you guys have a recommended dilution to help aid in wax removal?



At a very strong dilution ratio,
yes, it can strip wax. But we're talking like 4:1 or thereabouts.

We recommend 256:1 dilution ratio for rinseless washing (128:1 for really dirty cars) so you probably don't need the 31:1 ratio you're using for bird bombs and wheel cleaning.

15:1 will remove residual compound and polish residue but those are much easier to remove than waxes and sealants.
[Unquote]

Michael Stoops
Internet Technical Specialist | Meguiar's Inc.
(800) 854-8073 xt 3875
mstoops@meguiars.com

Man, you are a God send. Thank you for that information.
Would it be a good idea to make 3 spray bottles all with different dilutions?

1:256 ratio for lightly soiled panels... ----Top of the car, light cleaning or in between full washes.
1:192 ratio for medially soiled panels...----Middle area
1:128 ratio for the most heavily soiled panels...----Near the ground, break dust, place where mud flaps should be.

Can you please explain to me what a "Panel Swipe" is?

Would this be a good idea? I was recommended by another member here to use D156 in between the wipe and buff step for a rinseless wash.


Spray down entire car with D114.
Wipe everything down with multiple MFs. (No buff yet)
Go around and spray everything with D156, while buffing off to a shine.


All of which would be inside of a closed garage.
Good or bad idea to spray down everything, let it "soak" a bit, then wipe?
Good or bad idea for that D156 to be between the wipe and buff steps?

[FUNX650]

Would it be a good idea to make 3 spray bottles all with different dilutions?
That sure would be a time saving measure, IMHO.



Can you please explain to me what a "Panel Swipe" is?

Some manufacturers of Last Step Products (LSPs) will recommend that the vehicle's surfaces be free of all substances that may interfere with their LSP-products bonding processes, such as: polishing residues/oils, for example...before their LSPs are applied.

Various products are used as "panel wipes" to achieve that level of squeaky-cleanliness. You, no doubt, have heard of Isopropol Alcohol (IPA), CarPro Eraser, PrepSol...among other solvents...that are used to perform as said panel-wipe.
Add D114 @1:15 to the growing list of choices.



Would this be a good idea? I was recommended by another member here to use D156 in between the wipe and buff step for a rinseless wash.


Spray down entire car with D114.
Wipe everything down with multiple MFs. (No buff yet)
Go around and spray everything with D156, while buffing off to a shine.


All of which would be inside of a closed garage.
Good or bad idea to spray down everything, let it "soak" a bit, then wipe?
Good or bad idea for that D156 to be between the wipe and buff steps?
Not wanting to step on another member's toes...
I'll suggest:
To First: try this out to see if you like that exact process.
Or: tweak it 'til your satisfied/your goals are met.

Be sure to pass your final results back to the aforementioned member. It will be most appreciated.


Bob

[Mantilgh]

Sorry, I am sure Bob has much more knowledge about Meg's product than I do.

I may have provided misinformation in the OP's other similar thread based on information of how others use similar, but not the same products from other companies.

Here's my post.


Doesn't sound to bad, but I'm no pro.

I'd say you would be fine without the spray detailer unless the car is garaged most of the time or if you are going to use it very frequently. It's more for light dusting, I believe.

Most may say just D114 once a week. Also, you can probably spray D156 in between wipe off of D114 and the buff. This will save you a step, and don't think two hours is unreasonable depending on how anal you are.

Believe most would say 6 months for claying.

And coating anything and everything will make cleaning it easier.

Maybe I should have wrote; Also, you could "possibly" spray D156 in between....if products allow for this.

[Don M]

Would this be a good idea? I was recommended by another member here to use D156 in between the wipe and buff step for a rinseless wash.


Spray down entire car with D114.
Wipe everything down with multiple MFs. (No buff yet)
Go around and spray everything with D156, while buffing off to a shine.

All of which would be inside of a closed garage.
Good or bad idea to spray down everything, let it "soak" a bit, then wipe?
Good or bad idea for that D156 to be between the wipe and buff steps?


Like FUNX725 said, I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but MPO is to go one panel at a time, spray it down, let it soak a few minutes, if needed resoak the panel, then wipe and go around the whole car, one panel at a time, starting with the roof. Like I said, not to ruffle any feathers, just offering a different viewpoint.

[Don M]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/90448-teach-me-how-take-care-my-first-car.html#post1237872


Spray down entire car with D114.
Wipe everything down with multiple MFs. (No buff yet)
Go around and spray everything with D156, while buffing off.



As I mentioned in the above thread, I would feel better going one panel at a time with the D114, then once you were done with that step, move on to the D156 and buffing.

[Mike Phillips]

Great thread!

I'm sure there are a lot of members and lurkers with a similar type questions and concerns.

Just to note... you posted this thread twice, once in the Auto Detailing University (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/) forum group with the title

First Car, First time "Detailing"


And this thread,

Teach Me How To Take Care of my First Car


In this forum group, Auto Detailing 101. Normal or good forum netiquette is to post one thread for each topic you're interested in. This reduces confusion and keeps all the answers (to the same questions), in one thread.

I've merged the other thread into this thread.


:dblthumb2:

[TheAverageMan]

Oh snap, Mike replied to my thread. Sorry bout the double post, I wasn't sure which section better suited my thread. Big fan by the way, even though I'm new to the whole car detailing scene, watched a ton of your videos on youtube.

Can you give an opinion on the MFs I listed?
Last night I couldn't sleep, until I ordered the following.
9x Chinchilla 16x16 MFs
1x Nanoskin fine sponge
5 pack of glass MF towels
I also plan to buy some Costco MFs.