[shinigami]

hi,
I just got a 2011 sonata gls iridescent silver blue, and it's been about a week, and i think it's time to give it a cleaning.
I have never owned a car of my own before, and I would like some product recommendations and how to approach cleaning this new car. thanks!

i would like to know what everyone uses to clean their car + wax.

 

[shinigami]

alright, what's the best way to clean + wax my car without water?? i live at an apartment and i park my car in the parking lot.
and are gas station car washes safe to use?

 

[shinigami]

no swirl marks from quick detailer, after using it a few times. maybe it's just hard to see the swirls on the paint.

different question: i used rain-x on the glass, and swirls show up sometimes on the glass. any tips with rain-x anybody?

 

[shinigami]

QUOTE (Proprioceptive @ Jul 16 2010, 08:24 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=342195

Clay bars will not leave swirl marks unless the bar picks up a lot of debris and you're not folding it over for a clean section. You shouldn't experience much of any issues as long as you clean the car well before you clay bar. Oh, and you don't have to follow the circle method with waxing and clay barring... some folks just apply in the direction the wind hits the car. Also, CLAY BAR THE WINDOWS. Yes, it seems strange to some, but clay bar them really well and this gets a lot of that caked on grit that keeps water from sheeting properly. I don't recommend Rain-X. I don't like it. I just clean the windows with Invisible Glass really well, then clay bar along with the rest of the car, and THEN apply a thin coat of wax just like with the rest of the car. This does the trick and you don't have to worry about all the smearing that rain-x causes.

so rain-x is known to leave residue on the glass? it feels like every time i clean the windows and only minutes later, i can see the swirl shaped residue on the windows..
should i clay bar the windows with car cleaning substance (meguiar's quik detailer) or a glass cleaning substance?

 

[shinigami]

QUOTE (13loody @ Jul 29 2010, 04:34 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=345801

You can clean your car the quick and easy way, or you can thoroughly detail it. It all depends on how much time and money you're willing to put in.
1. Use a fine claybar and lots of quickdetail
2. Buff out microscratches, Meguiar's Professional line
3. apply Menzerna FMJ sealant
4. Next day, Wax
a. use a paste wax for ease (apply every month)
b. use a 100% carnauba wax for longer lasting shine (2-3 months)

thanks but
what's Menzerna FMJ sealant? why do I need this if i am going to wax anyway?
and i guess ill go with carnauba wax then because i can't wax every month.

 

[shinigami]

QUOTE (acrscotland @ Jul 29 2010, 09:20 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=345856

I think it comes down to personal preference and time, honestly. I didn't do it in a 10-hour block - it was really in 2-3 hour sessions over the course of a weekend. Regarding the clay bar, I have to say I was amazed at how many contaminants were removed with it - even on a new car. I think it could certainly be missed if you were short on time but I'm glad I did it just so I know I was starting with a 'clean canvas'!

Incidentally, here's a great thread on tips and tricks other people have learning. I'm going to try the one idea to ease Rain-X application - basically clean window, load up on Rain-x and then wash your car as normal!

http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detaili...ned-thread.html

ugh, i have to wash the whole car to do this? i usuaully just use ultimate quik detailer by meguiar's, so i never washed my car yet..

 

[shinigami]

QUOTE (acrscotland @ Jul 29 2010, 10:14 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=345871

You don't have to! At least you're using the Quik Detailer - it's much better than nothing. It's definitely an undertaking - I have always done it twice a year with my cars - before and after winter. I don't have the time/motivation to do it more frequently!!

i doubt i can mix the detailer on top of rainx to do this method. probably has to be a real car wash.