Re: How soon to wax 2015 X3
Wax/sealant/coating refers to the properties of surface protection. Wax is generally natural (carnauba), sealant is synthetic. They are widely varied as to benefits and properties. They last anywhere from a couple of weeks to 6 months with wax being at the lower end of that spectrum.
Coatings are also synthetic but last much longer and are a little more complicated to apply but you won't have to do it near as often, in some cases, once. It depends on what you're after in the way of looks and longevity and how much time you have to fuss with your car. You have a few months to get familiar with each.
Most people feel wax looks best but it has to be re-applied more often. Sealants and coatings generally don't have the warm look of a good carnauba wax but they last longer so are ultimately less work to keep up. If it's a daily driver, coatings offer the best protection and are the easiest to maintain. Since none of my cars go to shows or competitions, I gave up and Opti Coated them all. I am very happy with the results and it takes about an hour to return them to like new condition. More work on the front end since your paint has to be perfect and surgically clean, but way less work in the long run.
Hope that helps.
Re: How soon to wax 2015 X3
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mtndriver
If a 2015 BMW is produced in April and delivered in May is it ok to wax or do I need to wait awhile? Would be using Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection. Unless I see a need I don't plan to clay or use a gloss enhancing polish. Does this plan sound ok? Other suggestions for a new vehicle? Thanks
ScotchGaurd your carpets while you're at it
Re: How soon to wax 2015 X3
Since I plan to keep the car for 4-5 years I think I'll stick with the Blackfire All Finish twice a year as I had good luck with this on prior cars. Not sure a sealant/coating will benefit me that much but I welcome any arguments pro and con.
Re: How soon to wax 2015 X3
Here is some reading to get you started on coatings. I recommend that you do coat the X5. Maybe you have a vehicle that you could first start on to get some experience under your belt. Most coatings are extremely slick and have a self cleaning effect on themselves since hardly anything will stick to it.
How To Apply a Car Paint Coating
I have coated my wife's BMW wagon and will soon coat my BMW. Here is a review on the DP paint coating.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...t-coating.html
If you would like help at any point don't hesitate to ask further questions.
Mike
Re: How soon to wax 2015 X3
Appreciate the info on coatings, intriguing. The car is not due till May and since it is garaged and I like doing the Blackfire 2-3 times a year I may stick with that routine. Have maintained the paint very well even in the CO mtns with that routine. Hard to say what I would gain if I want to apply the BF twice a year - do not think the shine would be superior. Will continue to research coatings nonetheless. Thnx for links on this.
Re: How soon to wax 2015 X3
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mtndriver
Appreciate the info on coatings, intriguing. The car is not due till May and since it is garaged and I like doing the Blackfire 2-3 times a year I may stick with that routine. Have maintained the paint very well even in the CO mtns with that routine. Hard to say what I would gain if I want to apply the BF twice a year - do not think the shine would be superior. Will continue to research coatings nonetheless. Thnx for links on this.
Sure thing. Don't hesitate to ask further questions.
:)
Re: How soon to wax 2015 X3
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mtndriver
Appreciate the info on coatings, intriguing. The car is not due till May and since it is garaged and I like doing the Blackfire 2-3 times a year I may stick with that routine. Have maintained the paint very well even in the CO mtns with that routine. Hard to say what I would gain if I want to apply the BF twice a year - do not think the shine would be superior. Will continue to research coatings nonetheless. Thnx for links on this.
That's why I don't coat my car...I like to wax it! Congrats on the new BMW!
Re: How soon to wax 2015 X3
Since metal seems to be the hardest part to keep from deteriorating I wonder if coating of the wheels and any metal on the car would be worthwhile? Didn't have much problem with my wheels as long as I detailed a few times a year but grill/metal parts always seemed to get away from me due to salt/mag chloride in winter. I've tried various metal protectants and none seem to protect it very well. Not so much metal on the front of the X3 as my Toyto 4Runner.
Re: How soon to wax 2015 X3
All wheels that come from BMW are clear coated just like the paint.