Got on a ? on keeping the new car shine!

[Kham]

Ive read a lot on this page about waxing and what not. But my ? Is how often should I wax? Also should I do anything else to the car like paint cleaner or? Also how do you guys get the waxes out of the little panel lines and stuff. Where the front bumper connects to the side panel and so on. Cause its a pain. Got any ideas? Thanks!

[fenderman]

For stubborn places where wax can accumulate, Q-Tips or other cotton swabs work well once the wax is dry.

I used to wax my old car everytime I would wash it, but then I realized the real trick is to spend the 75 cents a week to at least spray the front end down and keep the bugs and bird crud off because that is your worst enemy. Waxing should be a twice a year thing with most products. However, this is my own personal take. Pay attention to the car and if any tree sap or other contaminants get on the car, wash it off ASAP and dont let it bake in to the paint. If you keep up with it, it will be much easier to clean it off then rather than later.

Another trick is to take a towel with you for after you wash the car. Dry it off because water spots can be a pain to take off later especially the darker the paint is, and be sure to wash the towel before every use, keeping it clean of harsh detergents and fabric softeners.

These are just some tips. Hope this helps.

[ August 03, 2003: Message edited by: fenderman ]</p>

[mcjoslyn]

I guess the best answer is "it depends". It depends on how often you wash it and what the conditions are like where you live. If you get a lot of airborn contaminants you'll want to wash and wax more often. I generally wash once a week and wax every couple of months although I will wax the nose and mirrors more often. I also usually clay the car every couple of years. Fenderman is right about the q-tips for crevasses and making sure to dry the car after you wash. I prefer to use an Absorber to dry it, I think those things are fantastic. Bottom line - it's easier to keep looking nice if you do it on a regular basis instead of waiting until it's filthy.

[Kham]

Yea i wash it every week. It gets dirty fast. I work construction so it gets dirty. Also what does the clay do? Also got any ideas on what to use to get bugs and dirt off the car easy?

[mcjoslyn]

The clay removes everything from the surface of the paint so it is like glass when you are done. The best thing to do for the bugs is just wash it often so they don't build up and wax the nose and mirrors a lot so they don't stick as badly.

[Kham]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by mcjoslyn:
The clay removes everything from the surface of the paint so it is like glass when you are done. The best thing to do for the bugs is just wash it often so they don't build up and wax the nose and mirrors a lot so they don't stick as badly.<hr></blockquote>

Thanks for the info. Can i buy the clay at any auto parts store? Also should i clay it say 2 to 4 times a year or is that to much? I want to keep the car looking new as possiable for as long as i can.

[Distephano]

2 to 4 times a year might be a bit of overkill.

I think 2 times a year would be just fine.

Also, when you clay the car, it MUST be rewaxed when you are done. The clay takes EVERYTHING off.

[Kham]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Distephano:
2 to 4 times a year might be a bit of overkill.

I think 2 times a year would be just fine.

Also, when you clay the car, it MUST be rewaxed when you are done. The clay takes EVERYTHING off.<hr></blockquote>

Yea i figured it must be waxed. So i can get the clay at the auto parts store or? Who makes it? The clay?

[mcjoslyn]

You can find a claying kit at just about any auto parts store as well as WalMart, etc. It is composed of the clay and a detailing spray. I personally recommend Meguiar's. Mother's is also very good. Plan on spending an entire day doing it. You'll start out by washing the car well with dishwashing soap and water (don't use this normally - this strips all the old wax). Then clay the car (just follow the directions). When you're done claying, wax it well and enjoy the result. It will be smooth as glass and shine like you won't believe.